Roller shutters are a key part of many commercial and industrial premises. They protect your building from break-ins, help with insulation and keep operations running smoothly.
But — like any mechanical system — if you want to keep them reliable and safe, your shutters need proper maintenance.
Neglecting the maintenance of roller shutters can lead to stiff operation, breakdowns and expensive repair costs. It can also pose a safety risk to your staff or customers.
Want to keep your shutters in top working condition? Then take a look at our roller shutter door maintenance checklist — and our advice on how regularly you should be getting your doors serviced.
Why regular maintenance of roller shutters is so important
Roller shutters bring a lot of benefits to your business. And there are a couple of very good reasons to stay on top of your roller shutter maintenance schedule:
- Safety: Faulty shutters are a safety risk. If the door jams, falls or stops responding properly, it could injure someone on-site.
- Security: A malfunctioning shutter can be an easy entry point for thieves or vandals.
- Downtime: If your shutters stop working, your operations could grind to a halt.
- Insulation and soundproofing: When your roller shutters are faulty they don’t always offer the level of weather and soundproofing they did when first installed.
- Compliance: Businesses are required by law to ensure the health and safety of people on their premises and to keep powered doors safe and well-maintained.
Commit to the regular maintenance of roller shutters and you’ll catch small issues before they turn into big (and costly) problems.
How often should you service roller shutters?
As a rule of thumb, maintenance of roller shutters is something you should do at least once a year.
In busy industrial environments, you may need to conduct a shutter service more often, every two to six months.
Your shutter maintenance schedule will also vary depending on whether you have manual or electric roller shutters. Electric shutters should be looked at more regularly.
In between professional servicing, you or your maintenance team should carry out regular checks. That’s where the following roller shutter door maintenance checklist will come in handy.
Your 8-step roller shutter door maintenance checklist
This roller shutter maintenance checklist is designed for business owners, facilities managers and in-house maintenance teams. It doesn’t replace professional servicing — but it can help you keep your roller shutter doors in good shape between visits.
Tick the following items off your list to make sure your roller shutters are working properly and — if you spot problems — get in touch with trained professionals who can fix your doors in line with regulations.
1. Inspect the curtain and slats
- Check for dents, warping or other visible damage to the shutter curtain
- Make sure slats are aligned and free from debris
- Clean off any dirt or rust that could affect shutter operation
Why it matters: Damaged slats can jam, rattle or put strain on the motor.
2. Examine the guides and tracks
- Clear the tracks of any obstructions
- Look for signs of wear, corrosion or misalignment
- Make sure the shutter runs smoothly within the guides
Why it matters: Misaligned or dirty guides can cause sticking, jumping or uneven closing.
3. Check the motor and electrics (for powered shutters)
- Listen for unusual noises from the motor during operation
- Test the open/close controls
- Inspect any switches or controls for wear
Why it matters: Small electrical faults can lead to complete motor failure if you ignore them.
4. Test the manual override
- If your shutter has a manual override (usually a crank handle or chain), test it to make sure it works
- Make sure the override is easy to access in an emergency
Why it matters: In a power cut or emergency, the override may be the only way to open or close the shutter.
5. Lubricate moving parts
- Lightly and carefully oil hinges, springs, rollers and bearings
- Avoid over-lubricating, especially on the motor or tracks
Why it matters: Good lubrication reduces wear and unnecessary strain on the motor.
6. Test the balance and tension
- Open and close the shutter slowly and smoothly — does it feel balanced?
- If it pulls to one side or is heavy to lift, the tension spring may need adjustment
Why it matters: Uneven balance puts stress on the motor and hardware, causing early failure.
7. Check locks and latches
- Test all locks for smooth operation
- Lubricate as necessary and look for signs of tampering or wear
Why it matters: Security is a core function of roller shutters — you need to check that doors are offering the best possible protection for your business premises.
8. Examine safety features
- For powered doors with automatic closing, test the safety features
- Put an object in the path of the door (like a wooden block).
- Try to open the door and check to see that it reverses when it senses the object.
Why it matters: Safety features are required by law to prevent injuries during operation. If the door doesn’t automatically reverse, you need to call in the professionals.
Signs you need professional roller shutter servicing
Even with regular maintenance checks, there are times when you should call in the experts. Look out for common roller shutter problems including:
- Grinding, squeaking, or unusual noises during operation
- Jamming, sticking, or shuddering shutters
- Slower-than-usual opening or closing
- Any signs of electrical faults or power issues
- Damaged control switches or keypads
- Shutters that are no longer closing flush to the ground
- Gaps, rust or visible deterioration in the shutter material
If you spot any of the above, and they can’t be resolved with a clean and a bit of lubrication, it’s time to book a professional inspection and service.
Book a roller shutter service with Secure Door Systems
At Secure Door Systems, we manufacture, supply and install commercial and industrial roller shutters across the UK.
We also help keep your shutters safe and compliant. So whether you’ve got a single shop front shutter or a full set of industrial doors, our team can:
- Service and repair both manual and electric roller shutters
- Carry out full safety checks and adjust tension or alignment
- Provide emergency repair if your shutters break down
All work is fully compliant with current regulations and carried out by trained and experienced engineers.
Need maintenance of roller shutters or a regular servicing agreement? Contact Secure Door Systems today for a quote or to book your next roller shutter service.
