Troubleshooting Roller Shutter Problems

When installed correctly, roller shutter doors are a fantastic dependable, long-term investment. 

However, as with any mechanical system, even the best roller shutters can face some issues during their lifespan. Thankfully, if spotted early, they can be resolved quickly, easily and affordably. 

To help you understand these issues, and ensure effective roller shutter maintenance, we’ve shared a complete guide to the most common issues with roller shutter doors. 

Keep reading to find out more about how they can develop, and how to avoid / prevent them. 

Damage to the Shutter

Physical damage to your shutters can include dents, cracks or bent slats. This is most commonly caused by impact (e.g. from vehicles, tools or debris during extreme weather). 

You can reduce the risk of damage occurring by being mindful when you park your vehicle, and ensuring you don’t park too close to the door. 

You should also have the damage inspected and repaired as soon as you spot it, as this will stop the issue from escalating. 

Motor Not Working

Motor failure can lead to roller shutters being stuck in place, or being unable to open or close.

The most common causes of motor failure include electrical faults, wear and tear, and system overheating.

The best way to prevent this issue is regular servicing and maintenance, as this will ensure your motor is kept clean, dry and in optimal condition. You should also try to avoid overuse of roller shutters in short bursts. 

If the motor is consistently faulty, then you should speak to a technician. You may need to replace your motor.

Shutter Moving Slow / Sticking

It could be that your roller shutter is moving slower than usual, or it keeps getting stuck as it opens / closes.  

This issue could be caused by a number of potential factors, including insufficient lubrication, misalignment, or a fault with the door’s internal components.

You can prevent this issue by regularly lubricating the door’s moving parts, and keeping your tracks clean. 

However, if the issue is persistent, then you may need to arrange for a professional inspection of your roller shutters. 

At Access Innovations, we offer comprehensive roller shutter repairs and maintenance services. Our skilled team can diagnose any issues with your door and promptly restore it to full working order, while minimising the risk of issues developing in the future. To find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Faulty Sensors

In modern roller shutters, sensors are built into the system, to stop the door from moving if obstacles are detected. 

If these sensors fail, then the roller shutters may not be able to close.

To keep the sensors working as they should, ensure they are cleaned regularly (dirt buildup is a common cause of faulty sensors). If the issue still persists, then you may need to enlist a roller shutter specialist to either recalibrate or replace the sensors.

Dirt & Blockages

Dirt and debris blocking the system, tracks or mechanisms is one of the most common causes of roller shutter faults. 

You can minimise the risk of these faults by routinely cleaning your roller shutters (particularly the tracks).  

Track Misalignment

If the tracks of your roller shutters are misaligned, this can lead to the shutters grinding or squeaking during their operation, or failing to close properly. 

Track misalignment is most commonly caused by impact to the shutters, or loose mounting hardware.

To address the issue, start by checking for any gaps or uneven spacing between the tracks. Ensure any loose bolts are tightened, and that the track is firmly secured. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, or if misalignment keeps recurring, you will need to enlist the assistance of a technician. 

The importance of roller shutter servicing and maintenance 

All of the issues listed above can be addressed or their risk minimised with regular servicing and maintenance. 

Preventative maintenance is designed to keep the entire roller shutter system running optimally. It also ensures that any faults or wear and tear are identified and addressed, before the issue is allowed to escalate into a more costly problem. 

At Access Innovations, we offer comprehensive maintenance services, conducted by highly skilled and fully trained technicians. With our assistance, you can ensure your roller shutters are operating safely and reliably, with minimal risk of downtime or costly unexpected repairs. 

If you’d like to learn more about our maintenance services, our team is on hand to help.