There are many benefits of installing roller shutters to protect access points in high-traffic areas, including increased security and privacy. Not only can shutters deter vandals and thieves, but they can also help to improve thermal insulation and reduce noise pollution.
Of course, the extent of these advantages depends on the type of shutter system and how it’s installed and operated. While roller shutters are typically made from horizontal metal slats linked together that can be rolled up or down, different operating mechanisms are available.
When selecting the right roller shutter system for your business or residence, one of the biggest decisions you must make is choosing between a manual or motorised electric mechanism. This will affect everything from daily operational efficiency to long-term costs.
Below, we look into the pros and cons of each type of mechanism – exploring considerations from design and convenience to maintenance and roller shutter repairsto help you make an informed choice for your property.
Manual Roller Shutters
Manual shutter systems work by using a hand-operated crank, winder, or pulley mechanism, with benefits including:
- Low initial investment – with a simple design and no electrical wiring needed, manual shutters are a budget-friendly option.
- Physical control – manual shutters can be operated as normal during power outages and cannot be hacked by remote control.
- Fewer components – without an electrical system, manual shutters are cheaper to run and have fewer parts that can malfunction.
These factors make manual shutters a good choice for domestic properties or small businesses. However, the downsides include:
- Limited features – without an electrical system, shutters have no automatic features and cannot be programmed for convenience.
- Slow and labour-intensive – a person must always open the shutter by hand, which is physically demanding and time-consuming.
- Size constraints – larger doors with heavier weights cannot be manually operated safely and should be motor-operated.
Businesses with large access openings or multiple shutters will likely find manual shutters slow and too much effort to operate.
Electric Roller Shutters
Electric shutters are powered by a motor connected to an electricity supply, which brings a range of benefits such as:
- Convenient operation – can be controlled with the push of a button and from a distance with a wireless remote control.
- Automation options – electric shutters can be programmed to operate on timers and integrated into smart systems.
- Extra safety and security – easy to use with obstacle sensors, integrated locks, and battery or manual back-ups.
Faster opening and closing also means electric systems can improve energy efficiency, but this convenience does result in:
- Higher upfront costs – the initial cost of parts and installation is typically higher for electric shutters than for manual shutters.
- Complex installation – a professional engineer must install the system, which needs to be connected up to a power supply.
- Stricter maintenance – motorised and electrical components will need more intensive upkeep to maintain smooth operation.
Despite these downsides, many property owners prefer the convenience of electric shutters because they also offer long-term labour, energy, and time savings that make the upfront investment worth it.
Roller Shutter Installation & Repairs
Generally, manual roller shutters are affordable and simple, while electric roller shutters cost more to install and have greater maintenance needs, but are more cost-effective in the long run due to their fast and easy operation.
The right shutter system for your premises depends on your circumstances, preferences, and budget, plus the facilities available if you need to install wiring and connect your shutters to the building’s electricity supply.
In either case, you’ll still need to carry out regular checks of your shutter system to make sure it’s working properly and call a professional engineer to assess and certify its safe operation at least once a year.
At Roller Shutter Services, we offer a full range of supply, installation, maintenance, and repair services, so you can come to us whenever you need a new roller shutter, require shutter servicing, or need emergency repairs.
Just call us on 0800 328 9356 for help or email an enquiry to info@rollershutterservices.co.uk for more information.