Shutters do a slightly different job to doors, but the maintenance is just as important. Because they’re often rolled up and down every day, the moving parts take a lot of wear. The tracks are the first place to look. There can be dust and leaves and even cobwebs collected there, and this causes the shutter to strain when it moves. A hasty brush-out and wipe of the tracks every so now and then keeps things running smoothly.
You have manual shutters, check the springs and handles. Springs can wear out over time, so if the shutter doesn’t roll as easily as it used to, that could be the problem. Handles and latches also need checking — make sure they still lock in properly, and aren’t coming loose.
For motorised shutters, listen to the motor while it’s running. When it sounds like it is strained or when it is sounding louder than normal it may require a service. Most of the time, though, a little cleaning and making sure the tracks are clear, will keep the motor from having to work too hard.
As with doors, wipe the shutter panels down with mild soapy water now and then. This ensures that the finish can maintain a good appearance and prevents dirt from eating into the coating. Aluminium shutters particularly benefit from this, as they can begin to appear dull if left dirty for extended periods of time.
Keeping On Top of It
The trick with security doors and shutters is regular upkeep. You can save yourself headaches in the long run by spending half an hour here and there. Most of the work is easy enough for anyone to do, no special tools or skills required.
When you find something that seems to be out of a simple repair, such as a broken lock that is in a bad condition or a shutter which does not open easily, then it is time to call the professional. However, in daily maintenance it is largely cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and looking out in the event of minor changes.
Security products are an investment, and as with any investment, they’re worth looking after. A little DIY maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your doors and shutters not only strong, but looking good for years to come.
Are Security Shutters Worth the Investment?
No matter if you are operating a business or simply looking after your home, it’s only normal to wonder, is an upgrade truly worth the investment? Security shutters are that for many people. They are not the cheapest thing you can have installed, and upon first consideration, they may even seem like an unnecessary feature if you already have doors, windows, and perhaps even an alarm system. But if you examine what they really do, shutters begin to make a whole lot more sense.
Why People Choose Shutters
The most obvious one is that of security. No matter how thick the glass sheet is, it can be broken. A shutter coming down over that glass is another matter. It’s a solid obstacle that makes intrusion so much harder and, in most cases, not worth attempting at all. The villains will always look for easy targets, and shutters proclaim that your business is not it.
It’s not just theft, either. Shutters are also vandal-proof. If you have a shopfront in a busy area, there’s a risk that windows will be broken by individuals messing about late at night. A shutter saves you the trouble of arriving the next morning to graffiti or damage staring you in the face.
Weather is another factor. High winds, flying debris, and severe storms can cause extensive damage to doors and windows. Shutters provide an additional layer of protection. For companies with locations in storm-prone areas, they’re a no-brainer. Even homeowners put them up for the sake of peace of mind in bad weather.
And then there are the less obvious benefits. Shutters can provide insulation, holding in the warmth in winter months and shutting out the sun in summer. They also block out outside noise, which is convenient if your home or store is located next to a busy road. These are not the first things that come to mind when one thinks of security shutters, but they are actual benefits that make them worth it.
Weighing Cost Over Value
And the million-dollar question — the price. Security shutters are an investment, and there is no way around that. The price differs with size, material, and manual or motorised. Aluminium shutters are the norm and very durable, while steel is denser and even more durable. Motorised versions are more convenient but, naturally, more expensive.
So are they worth it? Think about it: how much would a break-in cost you? Stolen goods, repairs, downtime, insurance claims — it all adds up. Shutters cost less than the cost of a single burglary for many businesses. And unlike an alarm, which doesn’t trigger until someone’s already inside, shutters keep them out in the first place.
For homeowners, the calculations are a little different but still apply. Maybe you don’t have a warehouse full of goods, but keeping your home and family safe is priceless. If you live in a neighbourhood where crime or hurricanes are prevalent, shutters can provide the intangible value of peace of mind.
Finally, shutters aren’t for everyone. If you live in a quiet neighbourhood with no record of problems, you may decide you’re not in need of them. But for businesses with valuable inventory, homes in high-traffic inner-city areas, or homes in areas prone to bad weather, they’re an investment that pays for itself the first time they prevent something bad from occurring.
Security shutters don’t just bring an added layer of security — they bring peace of mind. And knowing your property is less likely to be broken into or damaged is something you’ll enjoy every evening when you close up.