Rolladen purchase inspired by trip

When Bruce and Wanda LaFollette visited Salzburg, Austria, to see their daughter, they saw that Rolladen Rolling Shutters were a common accessory on buildings.

Recently, they had shutters installed on 13 doors and windows of their Las Vegas home, which overlooks a golf course.

"We had them installed because of the heat and security," Bruce LaFollette said.

Wanda LaFollette said their daughter loves her shutters in Austria, where there is no air conditioning.

"She has an apartment and has lived there for 22 years. The shutters are simply a way of life over there. Most of the time, they're built into the homes."

The LaFollettes cited ventilation, wind and golf balls as other reasons for the shutters.

"We've never had a window hit, but our neighbors have. However, our home has been hit several times very close to the windows," he said.

The couple had a swamp cooler installed in their residence, so they could open their windows and leave the shutters in the vented position to gain the greatest benefit.

The shutters are used to cover doors and windows. They may lower power use as much as 64 percent, according to industry sources.

Each residence or business is measured before the shutters are made. Installation usually follows three weeks later, according to franchise owner Fran Minnozzi.

The showroom is at 6168 W. Charleston Blvd. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

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