Roller shutters are used on all kinds of properties across the UK. You will see them on high street shops, warehouses, garages, workshops and industrial buildings. They are fairly simple in purpose: close off an entrance when it is not being used and make the property more secure.
Picking one, though, is not always as simple as choosing a size and getting it fitted. The opening needs to be measured correctly. The number of times the shutter will open, whether it is practical to have a manually controlled one and the type of material that will suit the structure must also be considered.
The good installer of roller shutters normally considers these aspects when recommending a suitable shutter.
Begin at the Entrance
It is simple to study different types of shutters and find the most appropriate one. However, this is not always the right approach. Begin by examining the entrance itself. What is its width? Is there enough space above it to install the shutter?
How often would the shutter be opened during the average day? Does the business require that people should be able to see inside the building even when the shutter is closed?
This information helps to determine the possibilities more easily. Steel shutters are frequently installed in commercial or industrial buildings, where it is necessary to have a strong physical barrier. Aluminium shutters are also used if a lighter shutter system can be considered.
Some businesses prefer punched or perforated shutters. These allow a degree of visibility through the shutter, which can be useful for retail premises. Rather than guessing, speak to a roller shutter company about what the entrance actually needs.
Manual or Electric – Which Makes More Sense?
Both can work well. It depends mainly on the shutter and how it will be used. A small shutter that is opened in the morning and closed once at night may be perfectly manageable by hand.
Put the same arrangement on a large warehouse entrance that is used throughout the day and it becomes far less practical.
Electric shutters make larger or frequently used entrances easier to operate. Controls can vary from simple push buttons and key switches to other systems suited to the premises.
There is also the question of what happens if the power goes off. Depending on the system, a manual override may be needed.
It is an aspect that should be discussed with the roller shutter installers before the purchase of the shutter rather than when it is too late after completion of the installation.
What Really Happens During Roller Shutter Installation?
Roller shutter installation should begin with the taking of measurements and inspection. The installer must consider not only the dimensions of the door but must consider if there is enough space for the guides and the barrel of the shutter.
Once everything has been checked, a typical fitting job may involve:
- Preparing the opening and fixing areas
- Fitting the guide channels on either side
- Installing the brackets and barrel
- Positioning the shutter curtain
- Installing the motor or manual mechanism
- Connecting the operating controls
- Fitting relevant safety equipment
- Testing the shutter
Testing is an important part of the job. The shutter should travel through the guides without catching or moving unevenly.
It should also reach its correct open and closed positions. If something does not look or sound right during testing, it is better to deal with it there and then. Leaving a small alignment problem can eventually put unnecessary strain on the shutter.
Considerations for Everyday Usage
The shutter will appear well when first installed, but the true test lies in how the staff uses it on a daily basis. The controls need to be placed sensibly. The area around the shutter should be kept free from any obstructions, and all those who operate the shutter must be able to use it properly.
There could be different safety considerations depending on the nature of the system and its installation location. It could depend on the shutter whether there are safety edges, detection equipment or emergency manual operation that needs to be taken into account.
Experienced roller shutter installers will always show how it basically works before they leave the site. Ask when you don’t understand how things work. It is much better than repeatedly using the equipment incorrectly.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Once a shutter has been fitted, it can be tempting to forget about it until something stops working. That is rarely a good idea. Roller shutters contain several moving parts, and regular use naturally causes wear.
Dirt can also collect around guides and other areas. On a busy commercial entrance, those small issues can gradually affect operation. After your roller shutter installation, ask how often the particular system should be inspected or serviced.
During maintenance, attention may be given to areas such as:
- Slats and the shutter curtain
- Guide channels
- Brackets and fixings
- Motors
- Controls
- Safety equipment
- General opening and closing movement
The appropriate servicing schedule will depend on usage. A shutter opening dozens of times each day will generally need more attention than one that is only used twice.
Know When Something Isn’t Right
Roller shutters are not always prone to malfunction without prior notice. Actually, quite frequently there are subtle indications before that. The shutter may begin making squeaking sounds; it may slow down and/or operate not in the usual smooth manner.
Damaged slats also serve as an indicator that some maintenance needs to be done. Neglecting such indications might lead to having a minor problem evolve into a bigger one.
One should call on a roller shutter company whenever his/her shutter begins operating oddly. The issue can be fixed easily, for instance, by making adjustments or changing certain elements.
Repair or Replace?
There is no need for a shutter that is old and malfunctioning to be replaced. Sometimes it is just one particular component that has gone wrong. Considering the age of the shutter and its status, at times all it needs is a repair to the motor, control system, slats, or even other components.
At times there could be several problems, making it more appropriate to replace rather than fix. Consult a professional roller shutter company about your existing shutter.
They would be able to help you figure out what is wrong with your shutter, whether it can be fixed or what the process of replacement would be. It does not make any sense to replace a shutter when it can be fixed. On the other hand, constant repair of the same shutter might also be a waste of time and money.
Price is Not Everything to Consider
The cheaper quotation may be cheaper only because some aspect of the shutters is different from what you need. Find out what the quotation covers, the materials used for the shutters, the operating mechanism, control system, fittings, and maintenance.
In case there is any confusion regarding the quotation, it is better to clear it before taking up the job. The installation of roller shutters should be appropriate for your property and not just the cheapest one.
It would help if you knew whether the company provides service and maintenance facility or not. Having somebody familiar with the type of shutter can be useful if a problem appears later.
Choosing a Roller Shutter Company
There is no need to make the decision unnecessarily complicated. Look for a roller shutter company that is prepared to visit the property, measure the opening and talk through the options.
The installer should be able to explain why a certain shutter is suitable without filling the conversation with technical terms you do not need. Previous commercial work is worth checking as well.
Experienced roller shutter installers will have dealt with different openings and different working environments. That practical experience can be particularly useful when a site is awkward or the business needs to remain accessible while work takes place.
A Practical Shutter Should Make Life Easier
The best roller shutter may not necessarily be the most expensive, heavy, or even the most complicated one. It all depends on the fitment of the shutter for the door and its usage.
Prior to engaging your roller shutter service, consider the size of the aperture, use of the property, the level of security required, and the manner of use.
Consider the maintenance requirements as well, especially if you will be using the shutter frequently. By taking care of all these considerations from the very start, it would be much easier to get a roller shutter that will do just what it was meant to do.
FAQ’s
1. What should I look for when choosing roller shutter installers?
When choosing roller shutter installers, check their experience, previous commercial work and the types of shutters they fit. A reliable installer should assess your property before recommending a suitable option.
2. How long does a roller shutter installation take?
The time required for a roller shutter installation depends on the size of the opening, shutter type and site conditions. The installer should provide an expected timescale after inspecting and measuring the property.
3. How do I choose the right roller shutter company?
Choose a roller shutter company that provides clear information about shutter types, fitting, operation and maintenance. It is also useful to check previous projects and customer reviews before making a decision.
4. Do roller shutters need regular servicing?
Yes. Regular servicing can help identify worn parts, damaged slats or problems with the motor and guides before they become more serious. The servicing schedule will usually depend on the shutter type and how often it is used.