Collection: External Roller Shutters

External roller shutters are available in several types to suit different security levels, environments, and usage requirements. The main types of external roller shutters include:

Aluminium External Roller Shutters

Lightweight yet durable, aluminium external roller shutters are corrosion resistant and often insulated for improved thermal and acoustic performance. They are commonly used on residential properties, shops, and light commercial buildings.

Steel External Roller Shutters

Steel external roller shutters provide a higher level of security and impact resistance, making them suitable for commercial, industrial, and higher risk locations. They are often specified where protection against forced entry and vandalism is a priority.

Manual External Roller Shutters

Manually operated shutters use a spring assisted mechanism and are suitable for smaller openings or low use applications. They offer a cost effective solution where electric operation is not required.

Electric External Roller Shutters

Electric external roller shutters are powered by a tubular motor and operated via a wall switch, key switch, or remote control. They are ideal for larger openings, frequent daily operation, and applications where ease of use is essential.

Perforated or Punched External Roller Shutters

Perforated shutters allow visibility and airflow while still providing a level of security. They are commonly used on shopfronts and customer-facing premises where product visibility is important outside trading hours.

Security Rated External Roller Shutters

Security rated shutters are tested to recognised standards, such as LPS 1175, and provide enhanced resistance to forced entry. These are suitable for higher risk environments or where insurance and Secured by Design compliance requirements apply.

Fire-Rated External Roller Shutters

Fire rated external roller shutters are designed to help prevent the spread of fire through external openings. They are typically specified as part of a building’s fire strategy and may be linked to fire alarm systems.

Each type of external roller shutter can be customised in size, material, and operation to suit the specific functional and compliance needs of the property.

External roller shutters can be fully customised to meet the security, operational, and aesthetic requirements of the building, ensuring they perform effectively while complementing the property’s exterior.

External roller shutters are manufactured to measure, allowing a precise fit over doors, windows, and larger openings. Depending on the level of security required, shutters can be produced in aluminium for lighter duty applications or steel for higher risk environments. Solid or perforated curtain designs can be selected to balance security with visibility and airflow.

A wide range of colours and finishes is available, enabling shutters to match existing window frames, doors, or façade materials. Powder coated finishes help protect against corrosion and weathering, ensuring long term durability and a clean external appearance. Shutter boxes and guide rails can be colour matched for a consistent look.

Operation can be tailored to suit daily use, with manual systems available for smaller openings and electric operation recommended for larger shutters or frequent use. Electric roller shutters can be operated via wall switches, key switches, remote controls, or integrated into access control, alarm, or building management systems.

Additional customisation options include enhanced security specifications such as LPS 1175 rated designs, wind resistance upgrades, safety devices for remote operation, and bespoke fixing methods to suit different wall constructions. These options ensure external roller shutters deliver the right balance of security, functionality, and visual appeal.

External roller shutters are used across a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial settings, providing security, privacy, and protection for external openings. Their versatility makes them suitable for both customer facing and high risk environments.

Retail Shops and Shopfronts

External roller shutters are commonly installed over shopfront windows and doors to protect against theft and vandalism outside trading hours. Perforated options allow visibility of displays while maintaining security.

Commercial Buildings and Offices

Offices and commercial premises use external roller shutters to secure entrances, windows, and service doors, particularly in exposed or ground floor locations.

Residential Properties

On homes and apartments, external roller shutters are used to protect windows, patio doors, and garages. They improve security, privacy, insulation, and weather resistance, especially on ground floor or street facing elevations.

Industrial and Warehouse Buildings

External roller shutters are widely used on industrial units and warehouses to secure loading bays, access doors, and storage areas. Steel and security rated shutters are often specified for higher-risk sites.

Schools, Colleges, and Public Buildings

Educational and public sector buildings use external roller shutters to protect windows and doors from vandalism and unauthorised access, particularly during out of hours periods.

Bars, Restaurants, and Hospitality Venues

External roller shutters are installed over entrances and glazing to protect premises overnight while maintaining a professional appearance during the day.

High Risk and Exposed Locations

In areas with higher crime risk or exposure to harsh weather, security rated roller shutters provide added protection against forced entry, impact, and environmental conditions.

These applications demonstrate why external roller shutters are a practical, durable, and adaptable solution for securing external openings across many different building types.

External roller shutters provide a robust and reliable solution for protecting buildings while improving privacy, comfort, and operational security. Their design delivers clear benefits across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Strong Physical Security

External roller shutters create a solid barrier over doors and windows, helping to deter intruders and protect against forced entry, vandalism, and impact damage. Security rated options offer enhanced resistance for higher-risk environments.

Weather and Environmental Protection

Designed for outdoor use, external roller shutters protect glazing and entrances from wind, rain, debris, and harsh weather conditions, helping to extend the life of windows and doors.

Privacy and Light Control

When closed, external roller shutters block visibility into the property, providing privacy outside operating hours. Perforated options allow light and visibility while still maintaining security.

Improved Thermal and Acoustic Performance

Insulated shutter designs help reduce heat loss in colder months, limit heat gain in warmer conditions, and reduce external noise, contributing to a more comfortable internal environment.

Space Saving Operation

The vertical rolling design allows shutters to operate without swinging or sliding, keeping walkways and access areas clear and unobstructed.

Manual or Electric Operation

External roller shutters are available with manual or electric operation. Electric shutters offer convenience and are ideal for larger openings or frequent daily use, with options for remote control and system integration.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Manufactured from corrosion resistant materials and finished with protective coatings, external roller shutters are built for long-term outdoor use with minimal maintenance requirements.

Customisable Appearance

A wide choice of colours, finishes, and shutter styles allows external roller shutters to be tailored to the building’s exterior, maintaining a professional and well presented appearance.

Together, these features make external roller shutters a secure, durable, and versatile solution for protecting external openings across a wide range of properties.

Compliance and safety are essential when specifying external roller shutters, particularly as they are installed on the outside of buildings and may be subject to planning, security, and electrical regulations. Correct specification and installation ensure safe operation and long term reliability.

Planning Permission Considerations

In some cases, external roller shutters may require planning permission, particularly for shopfronts, listed buildings, or properties in conservation areas. Local authorities may have restrictions on the appearance, colour, and design of shutters, especially in customer facing locations. Perforated shutters are often preferred for shopfronts as they maintain visibility and improve streetscape appearance.

Electrical Safety and Regulations

Electric external roller shutters must be installed in accordance with current electrical regulations. This includes safe isolation, weather protected wiring, and compliant control systems. All motors and electrical components are designed for external use and tested to relevant safety standards.

Safety Devices for Remote Operation

Where external roller shutters are operated by remote control, appropriate safety devices must be fitted. These may include obstacle detection, safety edges, or automatic stop and reverse functions to reduce the risk of injury or damage during operation.

Installation Standards

External roller shutters must be installed in line with manufacturer guidelines and relevant British Standards. Correct fixing into suitable substrates, secure guide alignment, and proper box positioning are critical to ensure safe operation, wind resistance, and security performance.

Fire Safety and Escape Routes

External roller shutters should not obstruct designated fire exits or escape routes unless specifically designed and approved as part of a fire rated system. This is particularly important for commercial premises and public buildings.

Ongoing Maintenance and Safety Checks

Regular visual checks and periodic servicing help ensure external roller shutters remain safe and reliable. Any signs of damage, corrosion, or irregular operation should be addressed promptly to avoid safety risks.

By considering planning requirements and ensuring correct installation and safety features, external roller shutters provide a compliant, secure, and dependable solution for protecting external openings.

Correct installation and ongoing maintenance are essential to ensure external roller shutters operate safely, reliably, and withstand long-term exposure to weather and daily use. This applies whether the shutters are professionally installed or supplied on a self-fit basis.

Professional Installation

External roller shutters are typically installed by experienced engineers to ensure accurate measurements, secure fixings, and smooth operation. Installations are usually face fixed to the building exterior, with careful consideration given to wall construction, wind loading, and weather sealing. For electric shutters, professional installation includes safe electrical connection, commissioning, and testing of all control and safety devices.

Fire-Rated and Security Rated Shutters

Fire-rated and security rated external roller shutters require specialist installation to ensure compliance with certification and performance standards. These shutters should only be installed by competent professionals, particularly where they form part of a fire strategy or insurance requirement.

Supply Only / DIY Installation

Supply only external roller shutters may be available for competent tradespeople or experienced DIY installers. This option is most suitable for standard, non fire rated shutters in low risk environments. Accurate measuring, correct fixing into suitable structural substrates, and precise guide alignment are critical. Electric shutters will still require final electrical connection by a qualified electrician, and all safety devices must be correctly installed and tested. DIY installation is not recommended for security rated or fire-rated shutters.

Routine Maintenance

External roller shutters are designed for outdoor use but benefit from regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the shutter curtain and guide rails to remove dirt and debris, checking fixings for security, and inspecting finishes for signs of wear or corrosion.

Servicing and Safety Checks

Electric external roller shutters should be operated regularly and inspected periodically to ensure smooth movement and correct function of safety features. Any unusual noise, resistance, or damage should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.

With professional installation or careful supply-only fitting, supported by routine maintenance, external roller shutters provide a durable, secure, and long-lasting solution for protecting external openings.

The cost of external roller shutters depends on the size of the opening, material specification, level of security, and method of operation. The following guide provides indicative prices to help with budgeting.

All prices are approximate and exclude VAT unless stated.

Aluminium External Roller Shutters
Standard aluminium external roller shutters for doors or windows typically start from £800 – £1,400 supplied and installed. Prices vary based on size, finish, and whether the shutter is manually or electrically operated.

Steel External Roller Shutters
Steel external roller shutters, designed for higher security and durability, are usually priced from £1,200 – £2,500 installed, depending on curtain thickness, size, and control method. These are commonly specified for commercial and higher-risk environments.

Electric External Roller Shutters
Electrically operated external roller shutters generally add £300 – £600 to the cost compared to manual operation, depending on motor type and control options such as key switches or remote controls.

Security Rated External Roller Shutters
Security rated shutters tested to standards such as LPS 1175 are priced higher due to enhanced construction and certification. Indicative prices typically start from £1,800 – £3,500 installed, depending on size and security level.

Fire-Rated External Roller Shutters
Fire-rated external roller shutters are specialist products and are usually priced from £2,500 – £5,000 installed, depending on fire rating (60, 90, or 120 minutes), size, and integration with fire alarm systems.

Supply Only / DIY Pricing

Supply only external roller shutters may be available for competent installers. Prices typically start from £600 – £1,200 supplied only for standard aluminium shutters. Fire rated and security rated shutters are generally not recommended on a supply only basis due to compliance requirements.

Factors Affecting Final Cost

Final pricing may vary depending on:

• Exact opening size and quantity
• Aluminium vs steel construction
• Manual or electric operation
• Security or fire rating requirements
• Colour and finish selection
• Installation access and complexity

Getting an Accurate Quote

For an accurate price, a site survey or detailed measurements are recommended. This ensures the external roller shutter is correctly specified, compliant with regulations, and suited to the intended application.