Rolladen retailer details product's quality

Rolladen Rolling Shutters are quality constructed, which guarantees they operate to maximum efficiency on the residential or commercial property on which they are installed, according to Fran Minnozzi, owner of the Las Vegas franchise.

"The components of our shutters are made in Germany and France," said Minnozzi, who has visited the European facilities that manufacture the shutters. "Shutters are simply a way of life over there. In fact, many buildings cannot obtain insurance if they don't at least have the ground-floor windows covered with Rolladens."

The shutters have proved to reduce energy consumption by as much as 64 percent, and are designed to prevent break-ins, reduce furniture fade and keep dust outside. They are made of aluminum, as opposed to recycled material.

"That's so important when you consider the paint," she said. "With the process used for Rolladens, the paint is more conducive. With recycled material, the paint will many times disintegrate or rub off."

Perhaps the most important element, she said, is the slat.

"The slat is important for two reasons. First, an inferior slat won't block the heat, wind or cold like it should. And with shutters being such a deterrent to crime, you don't want a product that could allow entry into a residence. We've never had a reported break-in through a Rolladen shutter. ... Our slat is actually 45 percent stronger than most used in this country."

The accompanying electrical system is also key.

"We use Somfy motors, just like the Europeans install. (They are) UL approved and a little more expensive, but so much more effective and efficient," said Minnozzi, adding that the housing is the thickest and sturdiest available.

"The shutters are heavy, so the rails are very important. Our guide rails are 25 percent thicker than anyone else's in the business."

Foreman Vince Cockeram, a longtime employee of the company, also promotes the quality of the shutters.

"People don't have to worry about Rolladen, because everything we get is the best-quality material imported from Germany. ... Everything is custom-built here; it's not measured and built in another state," he said.

Rolladen provides a three-year warranty on parts, a one-year warranty on labor, and will remove iron bars and solar screens free of charge.

"Some people decided to go with solar screens because they're cheaper," Minnozzi said. "But the solar screens ... offer no help at all against the wind or the cold. This is one product where price should not be the deciding factor. When you spend this kind of money, quality is critical in your final decision.

"All shutters look fine when they're first installed, but inferior product will break down in the future. Well-built shutters should last as long as the building, and actually pay for themselves through energy conservation."

Locally, the company has three installers and four employees who assemble the shutters.

The showroom is located at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd., just east of Jones Boulevard. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment on Saturday.

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