For most shop owners, shutters are a security measure that’s taken for granted. You roll them up in the morning, pull them down at the end of day, and that’s about it – until one jams halfway or refuses to lock, that is.
Suddenly, the store is exposed (or unable to be opened) and you’re scrambling for an emergency repair call-out. Preventative checks don’t remove every risk of this kind of thing from happening, but they keep breakdowns and issues to an absolute minimum.
Regular inspections
Nobody’s expecting staff to give the shutters a close inspection every morning – what can help, however, is a quick look whenever they’re being operated. Are there dents in the curtain? Does it make strange noises, or feel slower than usual? Has the seal at the bottom started tearing?
These are often just small things, but as a result, they’re quite easy to notice. If those small issues are logged early, they can be fixed before the damage snowballs into a more serious problem.
Keep them clean
High quality shutters from providers like LBS Group do not respond well to dirt or neglect. Dust and grit will start to build up in the tracks, especially in certain environments, while a lack of grease can start to put extra strain on the motor.
Over time, the system feels heavier and heavier with the motor having to do more and more work, until something eventually gives. A few minutes cleaning the tracks and applying lubricant each month is enough to stretch the lifespan by years, and will also allow it to function quicker and with less screeching noises.
Don’t ignore safety features
Every shutter has some form of safety feature – a manual override, emergency stop, sometimes even sensors to detect if there’s something in the way. In most cases, they’re rarely ever used or touched, which is exactly the reason that you need to test them.
Waiting until an emergency to discover the override doesn’t work is a gamble, and one that could cost you more than money. Add it to a monthly routine: check that the manual chain works, that the stop function kicks in, and that sensors still detect movement.
Regular professional servicing
Even with regular checks, a yearly assessment from a qualified engineer is essential. Electric motors, springs, and controls will still need expert attention. Insurers can also want this kind of proof too. A stamped report shows you’re compliant, and can save you a lot of hassle if you ever do need to make a claim.
Train staff properly
The fastest way to wreck shutters is through misuse – a rushed shop opener forcing them open, double-pressing the controls, or ignoring noises. A five-minute induction for staff (how to open, how to shut, what and where to report) avoids a lot of that damage, and requires relatively little effort to take care of.
Preventative shutter care isn’t complicated. A combination of regular, quick checks and an annual in-depth service can make a huge difference – skip those basic checks, and one day you’ll likely find that the shutter simply won’t move.