Looking After a Roller Shutter: Checks That Prevent Breakdowns

Every week

• Sweep the bottom of the opening so grit and litter do not jam the bottom rail.
• Watch the shutter go up and down once. Listen for new noises.
• Check nothing is stored where the curtain comes down.

Every month

• Wipe the guide rails and remove anything stuck in them.
• Look along the curtain for bent or cracked laths.
• Test the safety edge on a motorised shutter: it should stop or reverse on contact.
• Check the bottom locks open and close freely.

Every year

Have a professional service. An engineer checks the spring tension, motor, limit settings, brake, fixings and safety devices, and lubricates the parts that need it. For shutters that run many times a day, such as loading bays, twice a year is better.

Warning signs to act on

• Grinding or clicking from the motor or barrel.
• The curtain dropping faster than usual, or feeling heavier when lifted by hand.
• One side lower than the other.
• Stopping halfway or reversing for no reason.
• A key switch or remote that works only sometimes.

What not to do

Never adjust or release the spring yourself: it stores a lot of energy and can cause serious injury. Do not force a shutter that is stuck, because it bends more laths. And do not keep running a motor that is labouring; it is likely to burn out.