How do you Maintain Roller Shutters?

Roller shutters are an essential security feature for many business premises across the UK, providing protection against break-ins, weather damage, and unwanted access. You could have a roller shutter installed for your shop, warehouse, or industrial facility or even as a garage doors.

However, like any mechanical system, roller shutters require regular attention to ensure they continue working efficiently and reliably.

Hence, this guide will help you explore the importance of roller shutter maintenance and practical advice to help keep your security roller shutters in top condition.

What we’ll be covering?

• Why Roller Shutter Maintenance is Important

• Steps to Maintain Your Roller Shutter

• What You Need for Roller Shutter Maintenance

• Cleaning Inside Your Roller Shutter

• Cleaning Outside of Your Roller Shutter

• Prevent Rust

• Lubrication

• Check for Wear and Tear

• Seasonal Maintenance Tips

• When to get Professional Help?

• Upgrading Your Shutters

• Book Your Free Site Survey

Why is Roller Shutter Maintenance Important?

Roller shutters represent a significant investment in your property's security and functionality. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to various issues, ranging from minor operational hiccups to complete system failures, potentially at the most inconvenient moments.

Safety First

Safety should always be your paramount concern when it comes to roller shutter doors. A malfunctioning shutter can pose serious risks to personnel, customers, or family members. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they escalate into safety incidents. This is particularly crucial for industrial doors that operate in high-traffic environments where the consequences of failure could be severe.

There has been instances where neglected roller shutters have suddenly failed, causing near-miss incidents or property damage. Most of these situations could have been easily prevented with routine maintenance checks.

Operational Efficiency

A well-maintained roller shutter operates smoothly and efficiently, minimising unnecessary friction and wear on its components. This translates to quieter operation, consistent performance, and reduced energy consumption for motorised systems. In commercial settings where roller shutters might be operated dozens of times daily, this efficiency directly impacts productivity and operational flow.

Cost-Effective Prevention

The adage "prevention is better than cure" rings particularly true for roller shutter maintenance. Minor issues, when addressed promptly, typically involve simple fixes that cost relatively little. However, allowing these small problems to persist often leads to more extensive damage, requiring complex roller shutter repair services or even complete replacement.

You should keep this in mind, as the cost of regular maintenance, including professional servicing once or twice a year, typically amounts to less than 10% of the expense involved in major repairs or replacement. For businesses, this cost difference can be substantial, especially when factoring in potential downtime and security vulnerabilities.

Extended Lifespan

Perhaps the most compelling reason to maintain your roller shutters is the significant extension of their service life. With proper care, quality security roller shutters can remain functional for 15-20 years or even longer. Without maintenance, this lifespan can be drastically reduced to just a few years, necessitating premature replacement and additional capital expenditure.

Steps to Maintain Your Roller Shutter

Now that we understand why maintenance matters, let's explore practical steps you can take to keep your roller shutters in optimal condition.

What You Need for Roller Shutter Maintenance

Before you begin maintaining your roller shutters, gather these essential supplies:

• Soft cloths and microfibre towels

• Mop with extendable handle

• Garden hose with adjustable nozzle

• Mild detergent (avoid harsh chemicals)

• Appropriate lubricant (silicone-based or manufacturer-recommended)

• Maintenance checklist

• Protective gloves

• Rust inhibitor (for metal shutters)

• Safety equipment (ladder, goggles if needed)

Having these items on hand will make your maintenance tasks much simpler and more efficient.

Cleaning Inside Your Roller Shutter

The internal components of your roller shutter often gather dust and debris that can affect performance if not regularly removed. Here's how to keep the inside of your shutters clean:

1. Remove hard dirt: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush to eliminate dust and debris from internal components, paying special attention to the guide tracks where grime accumulates.

2. Hosing the roller shutters: If appropriate for your installation, a light hose-down can help dislodge stubborn dirt. Be careful around electrical components and ensure water doesn't pool in critical areas.

3. Cleaning stains: For stubborn marks, use a non-abrasive cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. Gently spot-clean affected areas without scrubbing harshly.

4. Washing shutters: Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent to clean larger internal surfaces. Work from top to bottom to prevent streaking.

5. Dry the slats: Thoroughly wipe down all surfaces after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust and other damage.

Cleaning Outside of Your Roller Shutter

External surfaces of roller shutters are exposed to the elements and often collect significantly more dirt, requiring regular cleaning:

1. Use the hose to detach all hard debris, spraying at a 45-degree angle to avoid forcing water into the mechanism.

2. Add a small amount of mild detergent to a bucket of warm water and mix well until slightly sudsy.

3. Dip the mop into the solution, wring it out until it's not dripping, and scrub one shutter slat at a time, working from top to bottom.

4. Don't allow the detergent to dry in place, this can leave residue that attracts more dirt.

5. Rinse thoroughly with a hose under medium pressure, again working from top to bottom.

6. Use a clean towel to dry the shutters completely, preventing water spots and reducing the risk of rust formation.

Prevent Rust

For metal roller shutters, rust prevention is critical to maintaining structural integrity and smooth operation. Rust can spread rapidly if left unchecked, potentially compromising both the appearance and functionality of your security roller shutters.

If you spot the telltale orange-brown discolouration of rust beginning to form, immediate action is required. For small areas of surface rust:

1. Gently sand the affected area with a fine-grit sandpaper.

2. Clean thoroughly and ensure the surface is completely dry.

3. Apply a rust-inhibitive primer.

4. Finish with a protective coating matched to your shutter's original finish.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication is essential for maintaining smooth operation of your roller shutters. Every 3-6 months, apply a suitable lubricant to all moving parts, including hinges, springs, and bearings.

When selecting a lubricant, opt for silicone-based products rather than traditional oil-based ones. Silicone lubricants are less likely to attract dust and typically perform better in varying weather conditions, an important consideration for the British climate.

Apply the lubricant sparingly to prevent dust accumulation, which can create a gritty paste that accelerates wear rather than reducing it. Focus particularly on guide tracks, rollers, and locking mechanisms, as these components experience the most friction during operation.

Focus your lubrication efforts on:

1. Guide rails or tracks (both sides)

2. Bearings and rollers

3. Hinges and pivot points

4. Springs (if accessible)

5. Locking mechanisms

Check for Wear and Tear

Regular inspections for wear and tear can help identify potential issues before they develop into major problems requiring industrial door specialists to resolve. Following a structured checklist ensures nothing is overlooked:

Maintenance Checklist

Seasonal Maintenance Considerations

The UK's varied climate presents specific challenges for roller shutter maintenance throughout the year. Adapting your maintenance routine to seasonal conditions can help prevent weather-related issues.

For Winter

Cold weather can be particularly challenging for roller shutters:

1. Check weather seals: Ensure they're intact to prevent drafts and water ingress, which can lead to freezing components.

2. Lubricate more frequently: Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken, potentially affecting operation.

3. Clear ice and snow: Remove accumulations from the shutter and surrounding area to prevent mechanical stress.

4. Test motor function: Cold can affect motor performance, so regular operational checks are important.

5. Inspect for water damage: Look for signs of water penetration that might freeze and cause damage.

Summer Maintenance

Warmer months bring different challenges:

1. Check for sun damage: UV exposure can degrade certain materials, particularly plastic components and seals.

2. Inspect for insect activity: Summer brings increased insect activity, which can interfere with mechanisms.

3. Clean more thoroughly: Pollen and increased dust can accumulate in guides and mechanisms.

4. Check alignment: Thermal expansion in hot weather can sometimes affect alignment and operation.

Get Professional Help at Elite Industrial Doors

While DIY maintenance is valuable, professional servicing remains essential for complex components and comprehensive assessment. Elite Industrial Doors specialises in roller shutter maintenance and offers expert technicians with specialised knowledge of all industrial door systems.

Our comprehensive maintenance programs are designed to address all aspects of roller shutter care, from mechanical components to electronic systems. We also provide emergency shutter repairs when unexpected issues arise, minimising downtime and security vulnerabilities.

At Elite Industrial Doors, we offer a free site survey to check and assess if your roller shutter is in proper working condition. This professional evaluation can identify potential problems before they become serious, saving you money and preventing security breaches.

Upgrade If Needed

Even with excellent maintenance, the time eventually comes when upgrading becomes the most sensible option. Modern roller shutters offer enhanced security features, better insulation, and more reliable operation than older models.

Consider upgrading if:

• Your current shutter requires increasingly frequent repairs

• Security standards have evolved beyond your existing installation's capabilities

• Energy efficiency has become a priority for your business

• Your operational needs have changed, requiring faster or more frequent use

Keep Your Roller Shutters Performing Their Best

Maintaining roller shutters isn't just about preserving functionality, it's about protecting your property, employees, and business assets. With proper care, quality roller shutters can provide decades of reliable service.

Elite Industrial Doors offers high-quality security roller shutters designed for durability and performance in demanding commercial and industrial environments. Our products combine robust security with smooth operation and are built to withstand the challenges of daily use in British weather conditions.

Beyond roller shutters, we provide a comprehensive range of industrial doors, garage doors, and PVC curtains to meet all your commercial needs. Whatever your security or access requirements, our experienced team can recommend the perfect solution.

Browse our gallery for inspiration and to see examples of our exceptional work across various industries and applications. From retail security shutters to warehouse loading bay solutions, our portfolio demonstrates our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or call us at 0116 348 0023 to speak with our professionals. We'll assess your needs and help you understand which security solution is right for your property.

Let our experts help you secure your premises with reliable, long-lasting solutions tailored to your property. Book your free, no-obligation site survey today and take the first step toward optimal roller shutter performance and security.