The external roller shutters fitted to properties are a great way to increase both the level of security and privacy, ensuring the safety of a buildings occupants as well as their possessions. But as with anything mechanical, the key to longevity and reliable operation is regular maintenance.
In between the scheduled maintenance periods, there are also several things that you can do to ensure that your new roller shutters work as efficiently and as safely for as long as possible.
Cleaning Your Roller Shutters
Due to roller shutters being installed on the external face of windows and doors, they are likely to attract dirt and grime throughout the course of the year. And whilst this dirt isn’t dangerous and is unlikely to significantly hamper the operation of your roller shutters in the short term, leaving it in situ to build up over a period of time could end up jamming the mechanism.
Simply fill a bucket with warm soapy water every month and wipe your roller shutters down to remove all visible dirt.
Roller Shutter Lubrication
All moving parts, whether as part of your roller shutter system or any other mechanical object need to be lubricated on a regular basis. The gears which operate your shutters will have been lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t need touching outside of the scheduled maintenance intervals, but it is always a good idea to lubricate the tracks to prevent sticking.
The key is to choose a lubricant that is not sticky, otherwise you will find that it attracts dirt and other grime which will cause a build-up of sticky residue which could cause your shutters to jam or not operate as smoothly.
Careful Roller Shutter Operation
Most roller shutter systems are hardwearing, designed to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Regardless of this fact, you should ensure that you never leave objects sitting on your external window sills or on the ground underneath your roller shutters.
If you do, and you operate your shutters without removing these items, you might find that you have damaged the mechanism which controls the position of your shutters which may prevent them from opening properly in the future.
Use Your Shutters Regularly
The shutters installed to your home or business require regular use, as this will keep the mechanisms well lubricated and prevent the build-up of rust. Rather than leave your security roller shutters in the up or down position for months on end, consider operating them at least once a week to keep everything working as it should. Regular use should prevent the need for maintenance outside of the scheduled maintenance period.
Roller Shutter Repair
If you do find that your roller shutters have become damaged or are no longer working as they should, we would recommend getting in touch with the company that installed them on your behalf. If this isn’t possible, simply contact a suitable roller shutter installation company in your area who should be able to provide you with the assistance you require.