Are Commercial Roller Shutters Secure?
The short version is yes, roller shutters provide a great deal of security for any premises. But how secure your roller shutter is depends on:
- The type of shutter you have installed
- The material it is made from
- The location of the building it is installed to
- How well maintained they are
- How well installed they are
Are Domestic Roller Shutters Secure?
Domestic roller shutters tend to have smaller, thinner slats so they are less intrusive when withdrawn, which means they are less secure than commercial roller shutters. It is worth pointing out that no security measure is 100% intruder-proof. However, roller shutters do provide a difficult-to-penetrate barrier and a strong deterrent.
What are Roller Shutters made from?
Roller shutters are typically made from either steel or aluminium, each material serving its own specific purpose.
Aluminium is lighter and easier to shape compared to steel making it ideal for roller shutters primarily serving as a visual deterrent, rather than strong break-in protection. This is especially useful for use in low-crime areas, on upper-floor windows, or in shops during closing hours.
Steel is much more resistant to damage than aluminium and is often used when security is vital, such as on a busy high street or in a high crime area.
How Strong Are Security Roller Shutters?
A roller shutter’s strength rests on two main factors, the material it is made from and the design of the roller shutters. Generally, roller shutters are designed to provide a sturdy barrier and enhance security. Steel roller shutters are known for their robustness and high resistance to forced entry, making them suitable for applications where maximum security is a priority. Whereas aluminium roller shutters are more suited to act as a deterrent.
How Secure are Commercial Roller Shutters Compared to Other Security Products?
Roller shutters are often seen as a reliable security solution, yet their level of effectiveness can vary based on factors such as material, design, and installation. Alternative security products come with their own set of pros and cons when it comes to keeping your property safe.
Security Cameras
Security cameras act as a deterrent, so the sight of a camera might discourage burglars from targeting your property. However, a thief could hide their face in order to avoid being identified.
Burglar Alarms
Burglar alarms are another deterrent for thieves. If they attempt to break into your business premises, the alarms quickly notify authorities or a monitoring centre, allowing for a swift response to potential threats. However, there is a possibility of false alarms with burglar alarms, which can result in fines or fees and inconvenience for business owners and authorities.
Double Glazing
Double glazing provides an additional barrier, making it more difficult for burglars to break through windows and gain unauthorised access to the premises. However, installing double glazing can be costly and can still be broken with sufficient force.
Are Roller Shutters Fire Rated?
Some shutters are constructed from fire-resistant materials. In the event of a fire, the shutters can be pulled down thus compartmentalising the fire, keeping people safe and helping prevent the spread.
Are Roller Shutters Insulated?
Some roller shutters offer insulative properties. This is achieved by filling the hollow slats with insulative materials, such as foam. The insulated roller shutters we supply are infilled with Eco Tech foam which is CFC free/ODP zero with a low global warming potential value of 3.
Can Roller Shutters Be Painted?
It is possible to paint your roller shutter but it’s not an easy job to do. It requires stripping the old paint off of each slat, preparing them all, and then applying and treating the paint. So while it is possible, we expect it is more work than most people would be comfortable carrying out. Excel Roller Shutters provides all our shutters in a range of colours and so can usually find a solution to match your building’s aesthetic without worrying about painting.
How To Clean Roller Shutters?
Cleaning your roller shutters is a very simple task. It doesn’t require much more than warm soapy water and a sponge to wipe away the surface grime. The trick is to make sure you don’t use an excessive amount of water and to try and dry the slats as much as possible to help prevent corrosion.
Do Roller Shutters Need Servicing?
The simple answer is yes. Roller shutters don’t need a lot of maintenance but they do need to be checked to comply with health and safety regulations, at least once every 12 months.
How Do Manual Roller Shutters Work?
Manual roller shutters work in much the same way as their electronic counter parks, except rather than pressing buttons to raise and lower the shutter you simply pull on a chain. This simplicity means that their reliability is increased and there are cost savings to be made.
Roller Shutters Vs Sectional Doors
There are two main differences between roller shutters and sectional overhead doors. The first is that the slats are bigger in sectional doors and as such, they are often made with viewing windows to increase visibility and light ingress. The second is that roller shutters retract into a box, which stores them out of the way. This makes them very useful for locations without much room as they are nice and compact. On the other hand, sectional overhead doors withdraw into the roof cavity and so more space is needed when installing them.
