Common Roller Shutter Problems and How You Can Fix Them

If you own a commercial property like a warehouse or even a shop, roller shutter doors are one of the best ways to enhance its security. They are also a popular choice for domestic applications like garage doors. The shutter doors are known to be highly efficient, durable, and most importantly, very easy to use.

But while they do offer a host of benefits, their mechanical build also means that they go through several problems regularly. Professional assistance is generally required for severe issues; however, there are several common problems that you might be able to fix yourself.

Here is a list of some common roller shutters along with tips on how to fix them-

1. Door Won’t Open/Shut

The most common problem with commercial or domestic security shutters is that the doors fail to open or close. While there can be several reasons for it, the problem might be as simple as power loss. If you have an electric shutter, inspect its power source.

If it is already on, switch it off and turn it on again. Try using the door after you do this and it might start working just like before. If it doesn’t, you will know that the problem is not related to the power source.

2. Shutter Only Opening/Shutting Halfway

This problem generally occurs in garage and shop shutters. These are generally automated shutters that make use of proximity sensors. The sensors need to remain aligned for the flawless functioning of the door. If the shop front shutters are only opening/shutting halfway, ensure that its proximity sensor is in the right place and aligned.

A lot of times the sensors also accumulate dirt and debris and this can also affect the working of shutter doors. So, try cleaning the sensor and check if the door works as required.

3. Shutter Door is Stuck or Sticking

If the shutter door is sticking, stuck, or has a bumpy, slow movement and requires extra manual force for opening/shutting, it might need some lubrication. Even if the shutter is making a lot of noise, lubricating it can help eliminate the problem.

There are now many different types of spray lubricants available. The most popular of them is WD-40. Spray a bit of this solution on the track lines of the shutter and check if it solves the problem.

4. Shutter Door is Moving Too Slow/Fast

If the shutter door is moving very slowly, the problem might be related to its spring. While there are several other reasons that impact the speed of shutter doors, a damaged spring is often the culprit.

Similarly, if the door is moving too fast, it might be because a cable or spring might have snapped. Get the same replaced by a professional as quickly as possible as this is a serious problem that could result in accidents.

Some Other Reasons Why Roller Shutters Stop Working

If your aluminium shop front doors are not working at all, here are some other common reasons that might be responsible for the problem-

● Overheating

Another very common reason why a shutter door might not work at all is overheating. If you have used the shutter very frequently within a short span of time, its motor might have been overheated. Just wait for a while and let the motor cool down before using the door again to check if the problem is fixed.

● Damaged Shutter

If the shutter door is installed in a commercial setting, like a warehouse, that has a lot of machinery and vehicular movement, dings and dents will be common. While minor accidents don’t really affect the functioning of the shutter doors, severe ones might result in problems. You will need professional help in case of major damages.

● Code Clashing

Many of the garage shutters are code-based. So, it is very much possible that your neighbor has recently installed a similar shutter door and selected the same code as you. This can result in code clashing problem and your shutter door might stop working entirely. You will have to get in touch with a professional installer to fix this problem.

Tackling Common Shutter Door Problems

If your roller shutter doors are not working as they should, it might be due to one of the reasons listed above. If you are unable to figure out the problem or if the issue is severe, ensure that you always hire a professional for the job.