Rolling Shutters Maintenance and Care Guide
Delaying maintenance can cost up to ten times more than regular maintenance. That’s why we educate all of our customers at Rollac on the importance of rolling shutter maintenance. All types of exterior roller shutters are susceptible to wear and potential failure over time, posing safety risks like any other machinery. Whether you own an equipment rental space with security shutters or consider residential shutters for added hurricane protection for your beach-front home, regular maintenance ensures they continue to work efficiently.
Don’t wait until issues arise; read our Rolling Shutters Maintenance Guide 2025 to keep your property safe, secure, and running smoothly.
Why Is Proper Maintenance Necessary?
Regular rolling shutter inspections and maintenance are essential. Neglecting proper care for your rolling shutters can lead to safety risks, especially with commercial shutters, posing potential hazards for you, your employees, and your customers. Additionally, poorly maintained roller shutter doors compromise security, increasing the risk of theft or property damage.
By comparison, hurricane shutters that aren’t regularly maintained may be unable to withstand the heavy winds and flying debris of a strong storm.
Luckily, rolling shutter maintenance doesn’t have to be challenging or costly if scheduled regularly. There are things you can do to ensure they’re being taken care of and in tip-top condition.
When Should Shutters Be Maintained?
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is essential to ensuring your roller shutters’ durability and peak performance. Depending on several factors, including frequency and environmental conditions (i.e. preparing your rolling shutters for winter if you live in a colder part of the country), a checklist should be implemented to address the specific needs of your coverings.
Weekly Inspections
Conduct weekly visual inspections to identify early warning signs of wear or damage. For example, if you own storefront security shutters in a busy outdoor shopping plaza, look for visible issues such as dents, rust, and scratches and listen for any unusual noises during operation. Identifying these problems early can help you avoid more extensive and costly problems.
Monthly Cleaning
Give your shutters a thorough monthly cleaning to prevent dirt and grime buildup. For instance, if you operate a pharmacy equipped with perforated rolling shutters over your store windows, you want to ensure you can see through those openings from either side of the glass to prevent smash and grabs and other types of vandalism. This significantly impacts their functionality over time. Regular cleaning helps keep your shutters operating smoothly and prolongs their lifespan.
Semi-Annual Lubrication
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts of your rolling shutters, such as guide rails and bearings, at least twice a year. But if your shutters are used frequently or exposed to harsh environmental conditions, they may require more frequent lubrication.
Yearly Professional Maintenance
A professional inspection and maintenance should be conducted once a year. An in-depth check ensures all components, including those not easily visible or accessible, are in optimal working order. With evolving trends in rolling shutters, including enhanced automation, regular professional maintenance is essential to maximize the lifespan and functionality of these modern features.
Urgent Repairs
Suppose you have difficulties operating your electrical supply company security shutters or cannot open your manual rolling shutters one morning. In that case, you should contact the professionals to ensure safety and prevent further damage.
How Do You Care for and Maintain Your Shutters?
So, what exactly does rolling shutter maintenance entail, and what steps should you take? Whether you’ve customized your rolling shutters to provide increased privacy at home or to create a luxurious atmosphere for high–end clients in your jewelry store, the following actions will help keep your shutters in optimal condition.
Ensure They’re Clean
Jammed or incorrectly closing shutters are often caused by grime, dust, and debris buildup, which is common if they’re located in a windy or high-traffic area. To effectively clean your rolling shutters inside and out, lower them (ensuring the windows or doors on the other side are correctly closed). Use a soft cloth and mild detergent, and avoid abrasive materials. Use a broom or vacuum for interior parts.
As part of rolling shutter care, ensure the tracks and guides are debris-free to ensure smooth operation. For example, if the tracks and guides on your gas station security rolling shutters are dirty, avoid using oil-based lubricants because they will attract dirt. Instead, consider applying a silicone spray to lubricate them.
When shopping for commercial roller shutters, keep in mind that if you purchase steel shutters, you’ll need to check for rust and corrosion regularly. In contrast, Rollac’s commercial rolling shutters are non-corrosive and rust-proof, dispelling one of the most common myths about this type of covering.
Weatherproofing
Roll-down shutter maintenance should include weatherproofing regardless of where you live in the U.S., from the Arizona desert heat to the rains of the Pacific Northwest and the Florida hurricanes.
One benefit of installing rolling shutters is their capacity to conserve energy. That’s why checking your weather seals, including weatherstripping, is crucial to help conserve energy by preventing drafts or air leaks around the shutters. Weather seals will minimize the energy needed to heat or cool your home by preventing air infiltration. Keeping inside temperatures cool in the summer and warm in the winter. So, if they show signs of wear, avoid drafts and replace them immediately.
Lubrication
Lubrication should be part of your roll-down shutter maintenance schedule. It is vital for smooth, quiet operation and helps minimize wear on moving parts, including the motor. Begin by inspecting the mechanisms for rust, damage, or wear. Then, clean them thoroughly using a dry cloth or an air compressor. Use a silicone-based lubricant and apply it sparingly to the guide rails, hinges, and bearings. Whether your shutters are automated or manual, regular lubrication enhances performance and prolongs lifespan.
Repairing Minor Issues
From noisy operation to difficulty in movement, promptly addressing minor roller shutter repairs is essential to avoid costly repairs later.
For instance, let’s say you have roller shutters in your retail shop to provide additional security and noise reduction, but you’re having trouble raising and lowering them. The reason may be improper spring tension or obstructions in the tracks. Clear the debris, and contact a professional if that doesn’t improve things. If you’re having issues with the manual override mechanism, this, too, could be resolved using lubrication and chain tension adjustments.
Another common roller shutter problem is minor dents and scratches. Though Rollac’s rolling shutters are incredibly durable, other coverings can be susceptible to damage. Dents and dings can be hammered or sometimes even removed with a plunger. At the same time, scratches can be touched up with matching paint. Small rust spots can be removed with a steel wool pad, applying a rust converter, primer, and then repaint.
When Is The Time for Professional Maintenance?
If you discover a significant problem during roller shutter repairs, such as your automated coverings being unbalanced, we advise contacting the original installer or a qualified professional. Professional repairs ensure the shutters maintain their functions such as precise light control and keeping insects out, both essential for comfort and security. Most commercial and residential rolling shutters come with a warranty, which may cover repairs at the manufacturer’s expense.
Keep Your Rolling Shutters in Top Shape with Rollac
Rolling shutter maintenance is crucial for safety, longevity, and optimal performance. With inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and weatherproofing, they can withstand daily use and environmental wear while providing a variety of benefits. For more information on Rollac’s range of rolling shutters and how we can help keep your shutters in peak condition, contact us today.