Raffstore Blinds vs Aluminium Exterior Shutters — Which Shading System to Choose?

Why Does the Shading System Matter?

Modern windows with triple low-e glazing are exceptional in winter. In summer, that same performance can work against you: low-e glass can amplify the greenhouse effect, raising room temperature.

An exterior shading system reduces solar energy by 60–80% before it reaches the glass. An interior curtain or blind reduces it by a maximum of 20–30% — the rest of the heat has already entered.

Raffstore Venetian Blinds — Total Light Control

What Are They?

Raffstore is the category of high-performance exterior venetian blinds. The slats have a special curvature and can be oriented at any angle — from maximum light to complete darkness.

How Do They Work?

Two independent movements:

• Up-down — raises or lowers the slat pack
• Slat rotation — controls the angle of each slat individually

You can have the blind lowered with slats at 45° — diffuse light enters, direct outside view is blocked, direct sun eliminated.

Materials and Operation

Slats in extruded aluminium, electrostatically finished. Width 80 mm or 50 mm. Full RAL palette.

Operation: manual (cord/rod), electric (24V/230V motor), automatic with wind and light sensors, smart home integration (Somfy, KNX, Loxone).

Raffstore Advantages

• ✅ Granular light control — from diffuse to complete darkness
• ✅ Ventilation with shading — window open, slats blocking the sun
• ✅ Superior aesthetics — premium architectural appearance
• ✅ Wind resistance — guided systems up to 120 km/h
• ✅ Solar factor reduction — g coefficient reduced by up to 85%
• ✅ Native smart home integration

Raffstore Disadvantages

• ⚠️ ️ High price — 2–3× that of a standard shutter
• ⚠️ ️ Maintenance — slats collect dust
• ⚠️ ️ No night thermal insulation — open slats = no thermal obstruction
• ⚠️ ️ Deep cassette — 14–18 cm required

Aluminium Exterior Shutters — Insulation and Simplicity

What Are They?

Rolling shutters made from articulated aluminium slats filled with polyurethane foam. Fully lowered — a compact panel that blocks light, wind and reduces thermal losses.

Materials

Slats in extruded aluminium, filled with PU foam (density 28–32 kg/m³). Electrostatic painting, full RAL palette. C55 or C80 profiles (80 mm — more rigidity and insulation).

Aluminium Shutter Advantages

• ✅ Night thermal insulation — lowered shutter reduces losses by 15–25%
• ✅ Acoustic insulation — 8–12 dB additional over glass alone
• ✅ Security — slats deter break-ins
• ✅ Complete darkness — ideal bedroom, home cinema
• ✅ Affordable price — 40–60% cheaper than equivalent Raffstore
• ✅ Durability — 20–25 years with minimal maintenance

Aluminium Shutter Disadvantages

• ⚠️ ️ Zero light control — either fully open or fully closed
• ⚠️ ️ No simultaneous ventilation and shading
• ⚠️ ️ Simpler aesthetics

Direct Comparison

Neofort BIZ Recommendation

Choose Raffstore:

• Living room, office — daytime light control is critical
• Large windows with important views
• You want native smart home integration

Choose aluminium shutters:

• Bedroom — complete darkness and acoustic insulation
• Ground floor — security
• Optimised budget with maximum durability

The ideal combination for new houses: Raffstore for living room and office, aluminium shutters for bedrooms.

Conclusion

At Neofort BIZ we supply and install both systems. Contact us for a personalised comparative quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an external shading system matter?

An external shading system cuts 60-80% of solar energy before it reaches the glass. An interior curtain or blind cuts at most 20-30% — the rest of the heat has already entered. In summer, triple Low-E glazing can amplify the greenhouse effect, so external shading becomes essential.

What is the difference between Raffstore blinds and aluminium roller shutters?

Raffstore are external venetian blinds with slats adjustable to any angle (fine control of light and view), through two independent movements: up-down and slat rotation. Aluminium roller shutters drop like a shutter and give total darkness, but without the fine light adjustment.

How are Raffstore blinds operated?

Raffstore are operated manually (cord or rod), electrically (24V or 230V motor) or automatically with wind and light sensors, integratable into smart homes (Somfy, KNX, Loxone). The electrostatically finished extruded aluminium slats are 80 mm or 50 mm wide, in the full RAL range.

Which shading system should I choose for fine light control?

For fine control of light and view, choose Raffstore: you can have the blind lowered with slats at 45°, letting diffuse light in while blocking the direct outside view and eliminating direct sun. For total darkness (bedroom), aluminium roller shutters are more suitable.