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One of the primary concerns about securing a warehouse is protecting the large openings, like massive loading bays that could be four to five metres wide by three metres tall. Large Shutter Doors vs Roller Shutter Systems: what is best for your site? Answering this question involves reviewing how you use the space, what you are storing, and what your insurance might require.

Large industrial shutter doors (sectional overhead doors like you see on most large warehouses) open by lifting vertically, then running into the ceiling space on overhead tracks. The doors are divided into horizontal panels that are each hinged to a neighbouring panel. When the doors open, the entire vertical panel disappears into the ceiling space. These doors are standard for loading bays and other large access doors, and for good reason.

The main benefit of these doors is how large of an opening you get. You can get sectional doors up to 8 or 9 metres wide with no centre post or centre support, which is extremely important when you are moving large equipment, like forklifts and loaded pallets. The doors also don’t require any additional space in front of the opening when they are fully opened, unlike roller shutters which require clearance to roll down.

With insulation, sectional doors are the easiest to insulate. Large areas are expensive to heat, so insulated sectional doors can provide a moderate level of heat retention. Panels are usually filled with foam insulation, which prevents substantial heat loss in what would otherwise be a massive opening in a building. Some even achieve U-values good enough to meet building regulation criteria for heated warehouses.

Roller shutters for warehouses function differently. Interlocking slat curtains roll up into a barrel above the opening. They require less headroom than sectional doors, which is beneficial if you have limited space above the door for pipes, ducting or other annoyances. The barrel and guides can be installed inside or outside the building, depending on what works best for your situation.

From a security perspective, both can satisfy the required criteria, although to different extents. When it comes to the roller shutters that insurance companies require for LPS 1175 ratings for high-value warehouse contents, you are looking at heavy-duty steel construction. We’re talking thick slats, reinforced guide rails, and heavy-duty locking systems. Unlike the lightweight aluminum shutters you might install on a shopfront, these are heavy-duty pieces of equipment.

Sectional doors that satisfy the Secure by Design standards also provide very good physical security. The panels of these doors interlock and, when locked, the door essentially becomes a solid unified piece. A good quality sectional door has a locking system that offers multiple locking mechanisms on the door’s width, making it difficult to force it open without specialized equipment and a commitment of time. As long as either type meets the necessary certifications, insurance companies tend to accept both.

More than other places, the speed at which warehouses operate matters. When loading bays are busy, waiting vehicles cannot be kept waiting as time is wasted. For this reason, high speed roller shutters are great, as they open at the speed of 1 meter per second. Others, such as standard fast action sectional doors, can also be quite costly, but open at the same speed.

Needs when it comes to maintenance can be different. Between hinged sectional doors, there are always more moving parts. More features means more components needing regular maintenance. One moving section are tracks, which should be clean, as the rollers need to be lubricated. Springs can fail, cables can fray, and panels can be damaged.

Roller shutters are built with fewer components, but damageable components, particularly the slats. Forklifts hit slats, the bottom bar makes contact with the surface, and the guide rails are constantly hit by trucks. In busy loading bays, the primary issue is physical damage and not malfunction. Fortunately, with roller shutters, when one slat is damaged, you can almost always change that one slat without needing to change the entire door. For sectional doors, if one panel is damaged, you are very likely going to need to replace the whole panel.

The EN 13241 standard is a safety guideline for all industrial doors that include the power a door can close with, safety edges, and the capacity for doors to close and automatically release. All doors fitted are required to follow this legislation, especially for safety sake. Doors in a warehouse are of great concern if the door is operationally unsafe, as the doors can injure personnel. This is an area that does not contain room for leniency.

Each door type has different requirements for how much room the invalid space around the doors takes up. Sectional doors need a space above the door for the door panels and the track. This is an issue for low ceilings where obstructions above the door are present. Roller shutters do not require much headroom, however, you do need room for the overhead housing barrel that can be very big for large doors.

People often neglect the issues that come and go along with wind loading, and often wind loading is a problem that is not thought about until it is too late. Large doors that are exposed are an issue in costal areas that are elevated. Because of lightweight slats, wind can damage roller shutters. Curtans can billow and slats can be pushed out of the guide rails. Sectional doors can handle wind loading better, but still need proper fixing.

For warehouses that operate constantly, simplicity and reliability are required above everything else. During night shifts, a broken door could mean losing access to your main loading bay. Both options are reliable, but roller shutters have a way simpler mechanism, meaning less can go wrong. When roller shutters fail, however, they tend to fail completely, meaning the door will be unusable until repairs have been completed. With sectional doors, you still run the risk of a partial failure, however they can still be manually operated in an emergency situation.

With regards to doors, there is a huge difference in price, based on size and options. For the same size opening, sectional doors will always cost more than roller shutters, but that changes when insulated rolling doors, fast acting, and high security rated doors come into play, you get to a similar price on both. For large openings, around six meters or more, sectional doors tend to be the more economical option, because the roller doors require a more expensive mechanism than the sectional doors, leading to higher prices.

There are still insurance requirements that need to be verified before making a decision. Specific insurers will require certain security ratings based on what you are storing. Compliance to BS 5054 is standard for both grades, but for high-value stock, you will need to achieve higher LPS 1175 ratings. Make sure you understand what your policy mandates before settling on a specific type of door, as getting it right after will cost much more than getting it right in the first place.

The pragmatic reality for most warehouses is that sectional doors are best for the main loading bays where size, insulation, and significant daily usage are considerations. Roller shutters are best for secondary access points, areas with height restrictions, or where you need external protection for existing doors. A mix of both types is what most warehouses end up with, where each is fitted in the location that makes the most sense rather than trying to use a single solution everywhere.

Roller security shutters are not a set it and forget it sort of product. Like anything with moving parts, they need an attentive approach to keep them working in a healthy manner. Having a roller security shutter system that is looked after properly can result in a lifespan of 15-20 years. Neglect shutter systems and you will be faced with costly repairs, or a full replacements in just 5 years after full break down of the system.

To get started, you need to keep them clean. Neglect the cleaning of roller security shutters and you will get build up of dirt and debris. Dust and dirt build up in the guide rails fairly quick, especially in busy urban, or roadside areas. Every 4 weeks or so, you need to do a vacuum of the guide rails, and wipe them down with a moist cloth.

The slats need attention as well. During rainfall, dirt is washed from the scape, and dirt can settle and stain the slats. Having the slats washed with soapy water is a great practice. You can spot damage early this way too. Avoid rough brushes and cleaners and negative consequences will be avoided. Abrasive cleaners and brushes scratch the protective powder coating and will cause it to break. If this happens, corrosion will be a problem.

Look your slats over every couple of months for any damage. Look for dents, cracks, or missing coatings over metal. Minor damage is easy to repair – it is usually a small gap that a slat can be replaced. When left unaddressed, however, bigger issues arise. It becomes a water trap, rusting, and you’ll need to get entire segments replaced. The bottom metal shutter on your shutter endures the hardest battle. Every time the shutter is closed, it thuds to the ground, and it is the part of the shutter that people can kick – carts and shoppers can clang on the edge by accident. So, ensure that the rubber seal on the bottom bar is intact and doing its job. If it is old or worn, get a new one – it is a small cost to preserve a big part of your shutter.

The motor drives the electric shutters. Almost all modern motors are quite advanced. However, they are also quite touchy, and do not appreciate having to overwork themselves. If the shutter is having difficulty opening, closing, making strange noises, or stopping randomly, do not just keep pressing the button and hoping it will all magically resolve itself. It will not, and you will only continue to ruin the motor working it with no intention. It is out of alignment, dirt is stuck in the tracks, or damaged slats are getting caught on something, they are all common issues.

Other types of shutters also require attention. For manual shutters, it is important to pay attention to the gear mechanism. It should not require an excessive amount of force to initiate movement. If you are having to disrupt, that should prompt an investigation on your part. They should not be frayed or stuck, and you should also ensure that the lock is working. It is not just an inconvenience that a lock does not function correctly, but it also poses a security risk and could prevent you from making insurance claims if something happens.

Lubricating your equipment is vital to keeping in running smoothly, but it is important that you do so in a calculated way. Make sure you use your products where they belong. Silicone spray is effective for moving parts and guide rails. Don’t use any heavy oils or grease, because they trap dirt and worsen your lubrication issues. Lubricating with a light spray on your guide rails every couple months will keep your rails running smoothly. If your equipment has an electric motor you will need to read the instructions on lubrication. Some electric motors are sealed units that should never be opened, but they will also provide other lubrication maintenance points.

At the top of the system, the curtain slats box contains the tube that the slats wind onto. You need to make sure that water does not get into that box. It should come with drainage holes, but they do get blocked. While doing other maintenance, make sure to keep your maintenance schedule from allowing water to sit in your curtain box for too long. Water will sit and cause the curtain box to develop corrosion and other motor problems.

We sell shutters that comply with all applicable parts of EN 13241, which means our shutters have built-in systems such as obstacle detection. Test these every once in a while. Try placing a cardboard box in the path of a shutter as it’s closing. If the shutter stops when it makes contact, the safety system is functional and working. If the shutter moves past the obstacle, service the system immediately. Those features are installed for a reason, and are there just so you can check a box.

The extent of regular maintenance for these systems depends on the volume of traffic these shutters endure. In an office setting, where the shutters are opened and closed twice a day, we recommend a yearly service maintenance schedule. In a residential setting, where the shutters remain closed in the evening, you can get away with a servicing every 2 years, although yearly servicing is best. A service includes a review of all mechanical parts, exercising the safety systems, adding lubricant to the parts that move, and calibrating everything to the applicable standards.

Make sure to keep a detailed maintenance schedule. This is for insurance purposes. If you have a claim and the insurers request proof that your security equipment has been properly maintained, service records demonstrate that you have done your part. For shutters with a Sold Secure rating or LPS 1175 certification, you have to keep the equipment in good working order to maintain those standards.

Pay attention to signs that service is due. These include slower shutter movements while opening & closing, increased operational noise, uneven movements, partial opening or closing, or rust on any metal parts. These all indicate that something is amiss and should be resolved promptly to prevent future aggravation.

One service that is frequently neglected is checking fixings. The brackets which hold the guide rails to the wall, and the bolts which secure the curtain box, can work themselves loose over time, especially on outside walls which experience temperature fluctuations. These should be given a visual check every six months on outside walls. If it looks loose, tighten it up. Loose fixings are a source of unnecessary stress on the components and can lead to failure.

Another service that some people overlook is the battery backup system on electric shutters. If the power fails, you should still be able to use the electric shutter. Switch off the power supply from time to time to check if the backup system is indeed operational. Batteries need to be replaced every three to five years or so, depending on the system, so if you haven’t replaced the battery in a while, it would be a good time to install a new one.

Yes, being simple works in people’s favor. It’s super simple to do to people, but doing stuff works. Most people have to do stuff. For most people, twenty minutes every few months is a simple enough task. So it’s a great deal of value to most people. It’s a super simple task, but accomplishing it saves them a ton of value, saves them a ton of stress, and saves them a ton of money. Plus, as a little bonus, stress and money and value is saved even more by getting to do stuff in a timely and responsible manner. It’s simple. If it looks broken, focus on getting stuff done about it. It’s broken. Simple as that.

Getting the right kind of security shutters for your property can be a challenge. Roller shutters and solid shutters both provide security, but not in the same ways, and both are suited for different situations.

Solid shutters are shutters with no moving parts. They are permanent, bolted down, and cover your building’s windows and doorways with steel and aluminum. They are over doors, like shopfronts on busy streets, and fold up for customers but close for the night. They are the most simple style of security, with no moving parts that can break, no slats that can be damaged, and no mechanisms that can be forced open to break in.

The most solid shutters that provide optimal security are the ones tested to LPS 1175. They are the most unpenetrable shutters on the market, and that’s why insurance companies and security experts love these the most. They are the most unbreachable because doors and windows are the most vulnerable. They protect the openings and don’t make any noise while closing, because most burglars don’t like making noise and are not willing to spend too much time on a break in, and they obviously don’t want a damaged door and windows.Roller shutters are different than most. They consist of individual slats that wrap around a barrel located in a box above the entrance. When you need them, they roll down along guide rails. There are modern manual systems that are turned with a handle, and automated systems that have remotes. Some rollers also integrate with alarm systems and can be scheduled to close on their own.

Roller shutters are only as secure as they are built and the material they are made of. The most basic slats that are made out of aluminum offer little security, as they are made to allow visibility and protect against the weather. A significant upgrade are steel slats, or aluminum slats that have a foam filling. Those offer a roller that can be classified as to meet security standards. Roller shutters that meet standards such as BS 5054 and have the Sold Secure mark are the most protective against forced entry.

One of the most valuable things roller shutters offer is their unique ability to cater to your needs. They rest above the entrance and are completely out of sight during the day. At night, or when your business is no longer open, they provide a solid security barrier. This is especially true for businesses that want to show off their shopfront appearance during open hours. This can be valuable for businesses. Solid shutters, while always secure, change the look of your building as they are always visible.

While making a decision, the certification aspect should not be overlooked. Shutters compliant with EN 13241 European safety certifications, including operation safety and accident prevention. However, for insurance, you may want to cover LPS 1175 ratings or Secure by Design. These are focused specifically on protection against forced entry, which is what insurers want to address risk.

Due to there being overall fewer weak points, solid shutters do tend to achieve higher LPS 1175 ratings more easily. Every join is a point in a roller shutter where something could be exploited, although with modern manufacturing that’s become much less of an issue. Regardless, a lot of roller shutter systems do meet the same standard, so solid shutters don’t automatically win for getting more points.

Another practical concern is maintenance. With roller shutters you have moving parts, guide rails that need to be kept clear, and motors to be serviced if they’re electric. Solid shutters are a lot more simple. There’s less that can go wrong, and when something does need attention it’s usually straightforward to fix.

When comparing expenses, there is a difference that should be noted. For example, because they are easier to make and install, solid shutters will usually cost less in the short term. Roll out shutters, especially the powered ones, are more expensive. However, that initial cost could be justified if you have to close and open the shutters every day. It will cost more to install electrically powered roll out shutters, but it is better than having to manually open a heavy solid shutter twice a day.

Residential areas are best suited for roll out shutters because they have less of an industrial feel. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and can be matched to the colors of the home. Not to mention, roll out shutters are even more discreet than solid shutters if they need to be closed for an extended period of time. On the other hand, solid shutters can also be less of an industrial look, but they are not the best look for a home.

Businesses have a completely different set of goals than home owners, especially for their commercial spaces. Solid shutters are the best option for closing a warehouse or a unit that will not be open for long periods of time. They are reliable and tough. However, for a retail space, where the unit will need to be closed and opened multiple times a day, roll out shutters are more beneficial.

Both types offer great protection if done right during the specifications and installation. How you plan on using the shutters, the design of the building, and the balance between convenience and simplicity influences a final decision. Don’t fall victim to the “price-quality” trap in regards to your shutters. Also, spend time on your desired shutter quality to eliminate closing the quality gap to save a few hundred. All your shutters mean to protect works only if the shutter quality is worth the price.

When the majority of the population considers shutters, the first image they get in their mind is of a shop in the high street. It is late at night, the lights are off, the heavy shutters are rolled down over the glass frontage. That image is true, but it tells half the truth. Increasingly, homeowners are increasingly making a decision to decorate their homes with shutters, not only due to security. 

Yes, shutters are excellent at keeping out intruders–that is their chief selling point. The thing is that they can contribute much more. Privacy, insulation, weather protection, and many other advantages are all part of the long list of advantages that make shutters as useful at home as they are with businesses. 

Security and Peace of Mind 

Protection is still the most glaring explanation of why home owners install the shutters. Weak points of any house are windows and glass doors. The glass can always be broken however thick it may be. The equation is reversed when a shutter is rolled down on a window. All at once you are not only dealing with glass, you are dealing with a solid wall of steel or aluminium. To a potential burglar, that is usually sufficient to cause them to look at an easier mark. 

The advantage of shutters that attracts them to homes is that they do not have to be everywhere. They can be installed only on the windows on the ground floor, sliding doors on the back side or windows facing the street. It is customized coverage and provides a flexible protection depending on how your property has been configured. And when they are down, they give us something still better than strength, peace of mind. 

Privacy, Comfort, and Quiet 

Large contemporary windows are great in the day time, but at night they can be exposing. When there are lights inside it is almost as though the entire street could see into your living room. Curtains and blinds are useful but shutters provide you with complete and instant privacy with a single pull. This will be particularly helpful when you live on a main road or in a close-knit neighbourhood where people keep on walking by. 

Another thing where shutters can be of great benefit is noise. When you live in a busy neighbourhood, close to a major road, a train line, or simply outside, you are familiar with how distracting outside sounds can be. Shutters provide a third barrier between you and the noise. It will not be complete silence, but most of the homeowners will observe a very clear reduction in the amount of sound entering their homes. It implies more sleep and less stress in the house. 

Weather Protection and Energy Conservation 

Shutters not only keep people away, but they keep the elements away as well. During a storm, they cover the windows with hail, branches and other debris that might damage it. The homes along the coast are also favored, as shutters will save against salt-water, which over time can ruin the window frames. They are not only a luxury in stormy areas of the country, but a necessity. 

They will also assist in energy bills. There is a layer of air between the window and the shutter, and this forms insulation which is trapped by closed shutters. During the winter, that retains warmth indoors. During summer, it shades away the sunlight and heat. In the long run, it translates to reduced pressure on your heating and cooling systems, and reduced energy expenses. To families, it is not only about security anymore, but rather a home that is more comfortable all year round. 

Designed to Suit Your Home 

One of the fears that people have is the appearance. They picture great grey metal shutters that render a house a factory. It was so before but nowadays modern shutters are available in many styles and finishes. Powder-coated colours, smooth contemporary designs, even having one tuck away neatly when rolled up all add up to the fact that you do not need to compromise on appearance. 

Shutters actually enhance curb appeal to some homeowners. They tidy up a house and make it look well-maintained, as well as indicating the power and stability. They do not need big add-ons, but can now be a natural extension of the house design. 

Shutters might have originally been used primarily in stores and other businesses, but their use in homes is increasing at a rapid pace. It is no longer about closing things at night. They provide you with privacy when you need it, quiet when you want it, protection when the weather gets rough and savings when the energy bill comes. Most importantly, they bring you peace of mind because you know that your family and home is more secure. 

For many years, business owners have continually tried to solve the troublesome issue of how to secure windows and doors, without allowing the business to appear excessively boarded up. It is true that conventional window bars can be a deterrent for possible intruders. However, they also come with many disadvantages of blocking natural daylight and windows looking plain and unattractive. Security window bars have made advancements to modern security window grills.

Grilles let the maximum amount of window light in. While protection window grills are closed, light can come in and they also serve as a protective barrier. Nobody can unlock the windows from the outside or put their hands through large gaps. A mesh window security grill is a great investment in security. On sunny days, natural light that promotes mental stimulation can be kept, improving mental and emotional well-being.

There are different types to be considered. Fixed grilles are immovable and stay in place over windows or doors. Their immobility and installation over ground level windows is why they are popular in commercial real estate in high crime rate areas. If you want flexibility, retractable grilles operate like concertina gates – they fold away in the day and pull across at night. This gives you normal window use flexibility when you are at home or open for business, and gives you that security when you need it.

Materials play into the security and potential for light pass through. The steel grilles offer the most secure protection and are even more protective when they achieve LPS 1175 endurance ratings for physical security. The ratings test the time it takes to breach the grille with various tools, from simple hand tools to power equipment. Higher ratings mean tougher protection, and they tend to come with thicker bars and tighter spacing which affect light levels.

Aluminum grates are popular for residential use due to their lightweight and rustproof qualities. While they are not as secure as steel, they are more protective than many of the alternatives, not to mention easier to handle. If you are looking for retractable options, they also easily slide open. If grates are going to be used, we recommend the powder coated options. Lighter shades will be much more reflective, leading to lighter and brighter rooms.

Another popular alternative are security screens. These are thin sheets of stainless steel mesh that, while mostly translucent, form a solid protective barrier. From the inside, you’d hardly notice they are there. These screens are Secured by Design approved, making them more difficult to break than they look. Plus the added bonus of mesh is that pesky summer insects won’t be able to get through.

When it comes to security grilles and insurance, the spacing between bars becomes even more critical. If the gaps are too wide, it will not contain a security system. If they are too narrow, people will be able to use it to break the system by reaching through. These gaps also remain key to allowing the passage of light and viewing the surrounding area. Most security grilles that meet insurance requirements have spacing of around 100-125mm, which balances all of these considerations.

A difference in installation can have a big impact on security and function. An anchor must be fitted into robust masonry and not just a screw into a window frame. Weak fixing points are the most common failure in break-in attempts – all the strong steel in the world won’t help if the grille isn’t properly unaffected from the building. Find installers that can show you completed projects and understand the requirements in their industry.

For businesses, grilles can have some benefits over shutters in some situations. A closed shopfront can still be visually open. Customers can see the window displays and marketing messages, so it can still work while you’re not there. It can also help keep the street from feeling dead after hours, making it less attractive to some crimes. Criminals prefer dark deserted areas where they can work in safety and not be seen.

Grilles are also common for residential properties on the ground floor windows and patio doors, which pose the most risk and the most light blocking. With retractable grilles, you can close off the patio doors and ground floor windows so that you can sleep peacefully or fully secure the house while quickly leaving. Pulling them across also only takes a second.

Security grilles serve industries with protective barriers, including the psychological. We know that break-ins are often very opportunistic. Most criminals are not premeditating. Oftentimes, they will try a door or window, and if one moves easily, they are in and can steal whatever they want. From the psychological perspective, if someone can easily see a strong security measure, they will know that property will be a hassle to access and will likely not try to break in. Most criminals want easy targets!

From the psychological perspective, most comapnies see they may save money on insurance grilles that meet Sold Secure standards or LPS 1175 ratings. This is especially true if specific security measures are required due to the type of property or location. Approved grilles cover that requirement sans the expense of complete shutters. This also avoids the disruption of having to replace all your windows with high security glass.

Light transmission issues with grilles are also less of a problem in real-life situations than most spectators believe. Yes, they do reduce light levels a little compared to completely unobstructed windows, but the difference is almost always less extreme than they expect when stopping to really consider the issue. In residential properties, people usually adapt to it quickly. With commercial properties, some people may need slightly more overhead light, but that is a small price to pay for the increase in security.

Security grilles used to be big and heavy with the look of prison bars . Now, they have slimmed down and have a more sleek look to match the modern aesthetic of many buildings. Most security grilles have a hard to notice, mesh screen that blends with the property. Those that want to stand out can get a security grille that has a bold and modern design to announce to the world that they take security seriously.

A common concern about security grilles is that they can block light and a bit of a part view into the property. However, in busy and urban areas with valuables, the protection security grilles offer is well worth a bit of blocked light.

One of the joys of running a business or seeking protection for your home is evaluating the ideal means of security. The cost for your ideal means of security is a great motivator for diveing into the world of running a business but the security needed to keep the goods running is equally as dire. So, is wthering the cost of security for your home worth the money? This tip gets you evaluating your budget.
Your tarp system pull’s down gets secured and then locked. It’s that simple. Once the shutters are down, you can rest easy knowing the same level of security as the electric versions. No electrical work needed, and the installation process is just as simple.

The big advantage of a manual system is that they are severelty relieable. No need to worry about an electrical moter shutting down, or some kind of circuit shutting down and breaking. In manual shutters were to breakdown, the repairs are minimal.

What can actually go wrong with them is repairs and, with them, you will no doubt deal with mechanical parts as opposed to more complicated ones such as motors and control systems. With electric shutters, you can open and close them with the touch of a button. Some may have key switches and others remote controls. More complicated systems can be programmed to open and close at scheduled times or integrated with the building management systems. With the convenience that comes with the electric shutters, the case may seem a little extreme with a single small shutter. However, if you have large heavy shutters or open and close multiple shutters on a daily basis, the electric option becomes more reasonable. Most people do not realize, but the weight of the shutter and the size of the shutter is the factor that matters the most when making this decision. A small shutter that covers an average size window is not too demanding when it comes to operating it manually. If you have to turn the handle thirty to forty times, it becomes a job, but it is not that difficult. But if you have a large storefront and a shutter that is made from heavy gauge steel to meet higher security ratings, it becomes extremely difficult. Doing that twice a day every day is a lot. A common issue is that staff leave shutters open because of the extreme effort it takes to close them, and this defeats the purpose of installing security shutters. Commercial properties that have multiple shutters face the same issue more frequently.

If you have a retail unit with front and side entrance shutters and possibly loading bay shutters at the back, the time and effort it takes to manually operate all of them really adds up. When one employee spends twenty minutes opening all the shutters and another twenty minutes doing the same at closing time, it adds up to a significant amount of time and cost over a year’s worth of doing this. Shutters with electric opening mechanisms and closing mechanisms that meet EN 13241 standards are required to have closing safety systems that will detect an obstacle and stop the shutters from closing to avoid injury and damage. On top of that, with auto-reverse systems closing safety systems will also reverse the motion of the shutters. These systems are even more important in the scenario where a heavy steel shutter closes on a person and causes injury. These scenarios are much more common with manual shutter systems. Some safety measures just don’t get considered with manual systems. And the difference maintenance requirements between the two systems become more apparent. Manual shutters just need the closing and opening mechanisms to get checked periodically because the chain or the strap will need to be replaced after over time from use. Other maintenance of shutters will just be adaptive cleaning, and lubrication, which is considered industry standard. On the other hand, electric systems will need to have their motors serviced, electrical connections checked, and their entire control system serviced on top of what manual systems need. When something does go wrong with electric shutters, it is usually a specialty job.

Power outages affect electric shutters, of course, but manual shutter issues can usually be resolved by any capable maintenance worker. Most contemporary installations come with manual bypass features, which let you use the shutters physically if the power goes out, as long as you ensure that this functionality is both available and operational. Some budget shutters ON THE OTHER HAND, choose to ignore this, which can leave you in quite the predicament during power outages. From an insurance perspective, there’s a chance having shutters that remain closed with no way to open them during an emergency could be an issue. Pricing for installations can widely vary. Manual shutters can be put in within a day since no electrical work is required. For electric shutters, the same physical work is required along with the running power, control panels, and some system configuration. You might need an electrician which adds more cost and trouble. For historic buildings, or places with complicated wiring, installations can be much more difficult and considerably more expensive. Operating costs for both types of shutters is very low. Electric shutters don’t consume much power since the motor only runs for a minute or so each time you deploy the shutter, and it’s not like you’re running an electric heater or air conditioner.

We obviously notice the difference when things aren’t working correctly. When things go wrong, we’ll need to spend a few hundred pounds to replace the motor or the control panel. This also happens with the manual systems, but not to the same extent, since the mechanical parts are a lot cheaper. The residential properties will almost always come down to the frequency of use, and if you have to close and open the shutters every night, it’s worth it to spend a little extra and make life easier. If you just leave the shutters closed when you go on holiday or use them for extra security when the weather is bad, it’s not worth it and you save money with the manual option, since you aren’t using it every day. Businesses have to think about investments like this in a different way. Staff convenience is a real thing, and if the shutters are hard to use, they won’t be opened, and they won’t be used properly. The time that is saved each day is important and should be considered. Also, for businesses that have specific requirements to meet for insurance purposes for security after hours, it’s important that the shutters are easy to open to encourage consistency. The same security ratings apply for both systems, and you can get manual shutters that are LPS 1175 SR2 or higher, and electric shutters can have the same ratings.

You can recognize the security of the shutter thanks to the construction. The heaviest slats, the thickest guide rails, the best locking mechanism. Whether you pull it open or push a button, the shutter door is not easy to breach. An often overlooked practical point is, what happens when the only person who knows how to operate the shutter is not there? With electric systems, the only skill required is to be able to push a button. With manual systems, especially the older or clumsier ones, there is often a special technique to be able to operate them which inexperienced staff can struggle with. This is more of a concern when you are trying to open up in a hurry or a temp is on at closing time. The practical answer for the majority of commercial properties is that electric makes sense, despite the higher price. The value of their convenience, speed and reliability makes it worth while. For smaller commercial units and residential properties where budget is more of an issue, manual systems do the job just fine and save you a considerable amount of money both at the point of purchase and over the lifetime of the shutters.

You don’t need a home like a fortress to deter burglars. Looking for burglar deterrents, then we’ve got you covered. The best deterrents should stop an intruder from breaking in or stop the crime as soon as possible. 

One of the most effective deterrents is security cameras.  Research done amongst convicted burglars and known thieves has confirmed that they will check for security cameras before targeting property, and if present they will move on and find another target. 

If a burglar ignores cameras, then a useful deterrent would be an alarm system or siren, as the last thing a burglar wants to do is draw attention to themselves. The cameras in place, too, would give evidence of the intruder’s face. A budget-saving deterrent would be outside lights. Motion sensing lights would be a better option as they would alert you when someone is approaching your home. 

CCTV monitoring and security systems are very effective in preventing thieves from breaking into a business or residence. When a surveillance system is installed, it helps police identify perpetrators and acts as a deterrent for potential thieves. Security measures such as security cameras, alarms, and monitoring can also help police identify and eventually convict burglars.

A variety of businesses uses security systems. For example, they are used within banks to prevent fraud and other forms of theft and vandalism. Within a retail setting, they are used to identify thieves and deal with them quickly. It can also increase workplace productivity as employees know that they are safe.

Installing a CCTV security system in such a location may prove to be very effective in identifying suspects.

A security system will also give the business owner peace of mind, knowing that they have done all they can to deter criminals.  

When it comes to security, many people predominately think about having good quality security doors and underestimate the importance of securing windows. Everyone knows that you can increase the security of your windows through the use of bars, but they are quite unsightly and unappealing. Below is a few ways to better secure your windows without using bars.

1. Add a secondary lock. You do not simply have to rely on the original locking mechanism for the window but can an another for additional protection.

2. Reinforce windows with security film. A good quality window security film goes over the window, is practically undetectable and helps prevent the glass from shattering.

3. Include window alarms in your home security system. Do not neglect the windows.

4. Plant thorny or spikey shrubs under windows to help deter anyone from wanting to use a window for access.

These four tips are great examples of ways you can increase the security of your windows.

A smart video doorbell is a simple piece of security equipment that you can attach to the outside of your home which alerts you and sends a video stream of whoever is outside your home to your smartphone.

It’s a DIY-friendly modern alarm that can provide you with a little extra added security for your home. They use sensors to alert and monitor any disturbances that come in the area where you place the sensors, usually your porch area or front/back door.

Installation is fairly straight forward and the only thing extra you will require is a smartphone that is able to download an app. You are able to deactivate them when you are home if required and are able to control them remotely via the app. They are all set up via Wi-Fi but you can find options that have 3g built-in, in the event of your Wi-Fi is down.

Video doorbells come in a variety of different price ranges depending on which extra features you desire. You can also purchase battery operated options or ones that you can wire into your existing electric connection although you would need a qualified electrician to do this.