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.