Should you choose manual or electric roller shutters?

Industrial roller shutter doors help to keep your business premises safe and secure. They also support your operations, making it easy for people, traffic and goods to move from one space to another.

But which industrial roller shutter doors are best? Those that open and close manually? Or those that you can operate electronically?

Here we’ll look at both types of roller shutters. And hopefully, help you to decide between the two.

What is a roller shutter door?

A roller shutter door is made from horizontal slats and fastened together with hinges. They can be made from metals, like steel. And from other strong materials like polycarbonate.

When the door opens, it rolls up and comes to rest, in a coil, at the top of a doorway.

Roller shutters offer excellent protection against the weather, fire and theft. And they’re a popular choice for industrial and commercial buildings. Here’s why:

• They open vertically so they don’t take up much space
• They’re strong and offer top-notch security against break-ins
• You can get them almost any size – so they’ll fit any doorway or opening
• They’re available in a range of finishes so you can tailor them to the look of your business

When it comes to their operation, roller shutters come in two main varieties – manual and electric. So now, let’s take a look at how manual and electric roller doors differ.

How do manual roller shutters work?

You operate a manual roller shutter door by hand. Usually, there’s a crank or winder that you turn to raise or lower the door. You’ll turn the crank one way to open and another way to shut.

How do electric roller shutters work?

Electric roller shutter doors – also called motorised roller shutter doors – run on electricity.

You can open electric roller shutters with the touch of a button or the turn of a key. A motor turns the gears to open and close the door.

Electric shutters are usually powered by a mains energy supply. But you can get battery or solar powered electric roller shutters too.

Manual vs electric roller shutters

We now know how manual and electric doors work. And what they have in common. But which type of roller shutter best meets your needs?

Here are the benefits that each type of door offers.

Benefits of manual roller shutters

Cost savings

Manual roller shutters are a cheaper option than electric shutters. They offer the same great security but for a fraction of the price.

Fewer technical issues

Motorised roller shutter doors are more complicated to install, service and repair. Manual roller shutters are easy in comparison. They’re likely to have fewer technical issues. And they’ll need less maintenance too.

More environmentally-friendly

Manual roller shutters are operated by hand. They don’t use electricity. So you do your bit for the environment while saving on your energy bills too.

Benefits of electric roller shutters

Anyone can use them

To operate electric roller shutters, you just press a button or turn a key. So anyone – regardless of their strength – can open and close them.

Fast open and close speeds

Electric shutters aren’t reliant on manpower. They’re high speed doors that open and close quickly every time you use them.

Better business efficiency

Because electronic doors are fast, your team can move quickly from one space to another. They’re less likely to get held up waiting for a door to open.

Those extra seconds add up, particularly if your doors are used regularly throughout the working day.

Good insulation

Another benefit of fast opening and closing speeds? If you manage a temperature controlled space – or you simply want to keep energy costs down – electric roller shutters minimise the time your space spends open to the elements.

Built-in safety features

Electric roller shutters come with built-in safety features – like a manual override function – that help to prevent accidents.

Some electric roller shutters also come with battery backup. That way, if your mains electricity supply fails, you can still open and close your doors.

Which is best for your business? Manual or electric roller shutter doors?

There are pros and cons to both manual and electric roller shutter doors. The type of door you choose will depend upon the needs of your business.

Running a small commercial premises where you open and close your shutters once a day? Then manual roller shutter doors are a solid option.

They’re cheaper than motorised roller shutter doors. And because your doors aren’t in constant use, you won’t mind the time it takes to operate them.

On the other hand, if you’re in charge of a fast-moving environment where people, traffic and goods are constantly on the move, electric roller doors may be a better choice.

An electronic system is easy to use. It’s also quicker and more efficient.

In fact, you may end up offsetting the cost of electric roller shutters because they’ll help maximise the efficiency of your operations.

Get manual or electric roller shutters from Secure Door Systems

Still unsure whether to choose manual or electric roller shutters? Then get some advice from the expert SDS team!

We can supply and install your roller shutter doors. And with made-to-measure options, plus maintenance packages, we’re your one-stop-shop for industrial doors.

Get in touch with us today – to talk about your requirements and get a no obligation quote.