Your roller shutter doors keep your premises safe and secure — and ensure operations run smoothly. So a broken roller shutter can really get in the way of things.
It’s important that you identify and fix roller door problems as quickly as possible. Shutter problems tend to get worse if you ignore them. And broken doors can impact the safety of your building and personnel.
So here’s our guide to common roller shutter problems and the reasons behind them — plus some advice on how to repair roller shutters yourself.
Read more: 12 benefits of roller shutters
Common roller shutter problems
Let’s troubleshoot the most common roller shutter problems. First, we need to identify the issue you’re experiencing.
Whether you have manual or electric roller shutters, you may be experiencing one or more of the following issues:
- Roller shutters that won’t open or close
- Stuck roller shutters
- Jammed roller shutters
- Shutters opening or closing too fast
- Overheating
- Doors screeching
- Shutters only opening halfway
A regular roller door service can help to prevent these problems. During a door maintenance visit, a technician will assess your doors. They’ll identify wear, tear and problems. Then, fix any issues before they impact your business.
But, if you’re experiencing one of these problems now, you need a quick fix. So let’s take a look at why these common roller shutter problems might be occurring — and what you can do to repair your doors.
Reasons (and repairs) for roller door problems
Broken roller shutters – or shutters that don’t work as well as they should — can bring business operations to a standstill. Let’s try to get you back up and running!
If you’re experiencing any of the shutter problems above, here are the probable causes and a few easy repairs.
Please note: If you’re unsure how to repair your roller shutters safely, leave it to door repair professionals like the SDS team.
No power
If your electric shutters aren’t opening and closing, the first thing to do is check the power source. It could be that the power has failed — or that it has simply been switched off.
The fix: If you have a battery-operated control, replace the batteries. For an electric door, switch your door power source on and off. If that doesn’t work, try checking the fuse in the control panel and check the mains breaker board, too.
If that doesn’t fix things, avoid attempting any electrical work yourself unless you’re a trained electrician with an understanding of electric roller shutters.
A build-up of dirt or debris
Through daily use, dirt and debris accumulate in all the nooks and crannies of your roller shutter doors. This is a particular problem if you have roller shutters in a dusty or dirty environment, like an auto repair garage.
If dirt and debris are allowed to build up in your shutter mechanism, they can prevent the door from moving smoothly. They can also cause roller doors to jam or stick.
The fix: Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and debris from your door, paying special attention to the tracks.
Cable or spring issues
If your roller door is moving too fast, it could be that its cables or springs have been damaged. This can happen due to wear and tear, improper tension adjustment, or door damage.
The fix: You need to get urgent, professional advice for this problem as a fast-closing door can pose a danger to the people using it.
A lack of lubrication
If your roller shutter is jammed or stuck, if it doesn’t move as smoothly as it used to or if it screeches when you open and close it, you may have a lubrication problem.
The fix: This problem is easy to resolve. After removing any dirt and debris, simply apply grease or an oil like WD40 to ease the door’s movement.
Faults with shutter sensors
Automated roller shutters use proximity sensors to open and close. If these sensors become dirty or uneven, your door may fail to operate or may only shut halfway.
The fix: To fix this roller door problem, check your sensors. Ensure that they’re aligned and that they aren’t damaged. Then, give them a clean to see if this fixes the issue. If not, you may need to call in the professionals to check or replace your sensors.
Structural damage to the shutter door
If your door has been banged or bashed, it may have dents. It may also be out of alignment. This can prevent it from opening and closing smoothly.
The fix: If structural damage is preventing your roller door from opening and closing properly, you may need to replace the damaged slats. It’s best to use manufacturer-approved slats and to get the help of a roller door repair professional.
Track misalignment
When your roller shutter doors are misaligned, they don’t move smoothly along their tracks. Signs that your shutters are misaligned include doors jamming or uneven movement. This can be caused by shifts in the structure of your building or doors, loose brackets or damaged tracks.
The fix: It’s important that a track misalignment issue is resolved quickly as continuing to use your doors can cause further damage. You can try tightening loose brackets and clearing any debris or obstructions from the tracks.
Roller shutter motor problems
Like all mechanical components, shutter door motors don’t last forever. If your roller shutter is making a slow or jerky movement, if you hear a grinding or buzzing noise or if controls are unresponsive, the door motor could be to blame. Motor overheating is another sign that there’s a problem.
The fix: If you suspect a roller shutter motor problem, call in the professionals. Shutter motor repair isn’t something you should attempt yourself.
How to repair roller shutters: some final advice
As we’ve seen, there are some simple ways to fix some of the most common roller shutter problems. It may just be a case of replacing a fuse, cleaning your shutters or applying some lubrication.
However, some problems are more complex and require specialist attention. And if you’re unsure how to fix roller shutter doors, getting the professionals in is always the safest bet.
A professional door repair team can fix your broken roller shutters safely. They’ll use the right parts, ensure your shutters meet health and safety regulations and prevent further damage to your doors.
Our commercial and industrial door repair service is available 24/7. If you need your doors fixed fast, by an expert technician, contact our team to book your repair now.
