Roller Shutter Buyers Guide

The first and most important question is the purpose of the shutter.

Roller shutters are typically installed for one of three reasons:

Visual Barrier

Used where appearance and cost are more important than high security.

Examples include:

• Bars and serveries
• Shopfronts
• Internal counters

Security

• When security is the priority, the specification depends on your budget and risk level.
• Higher security shutters cost more
• Insurance-approved shutters are available

Some insurers may require specific security ratings

Fire Protection

Used in areas such as:

• Kitchen serveries
• Openings on fire escape routes

Fire shutters are usually specified by:

• Fire Officers
• Building Control

If you are unsure, always seek advice, as fire shutters are more specialised and more expensive than standard shutters.

There are several types of roller shutters, each designed for different applications.

Security Roller Shutters

• Designed to protect against theft and vandalism
• Available with different security levels and certifications

Insulated Roller Shutters

• Help retain heat and improve energy efficiency
• Common in warehouses and industrial buildings

Fire Rated Roller Shutters

• Designed to contain fire and protect escape routes
• Must be specified in line with fire regulations

Shopfront & Bar Shutters

• Often include perforated or punched laths for visibility
• Balance security with aesthetics

Industrial Roller Shutters

• Heavy-duty shutters for large openings
• Suitable for warehouses, factories, and loading bays

The two main materials are steel and aluminium, and each has different advantages.

Aluminium Roller Shutters

Aluminium shutters are typically extruded with a twin-wall construction, making them stronger than many people expect.

Advantages:

• Stronger construction due to reinforced extrusion design
• Suitable for external use and can achieve insurance approval
• Smaller shutter box size, ideal where headroom is limited
• Corrosion resistant and will not rust
• Better for coastal environments
• Quieter and smoother operation
• Powder coating provides a long-lasting finish

Steel Roller Shutters

Steel shutters are usually made from single-skin laths formed from steel plate.

Advantages:

• Typically the lowest cost option
• Suitable for larger openings
• Can be manufactured up to approximately 7m wide and 7m high
• Types of Curtain Available

The curtain is the main body of the shutter and affects visibility, security, and appearance.

Solid Laths

• No visibility through the shutter
• Most secure option
• Typically the lowest cost

Perforated Laths

• Small punched holes
• Approximately 15 percent visibility
• Allows some light and visibility

Punched Laths

• Larger openings or slots
• Provides 44 to 69 percent visibility
• Often used for retail applications

Options are available to:

• Reduce spacing
• Add polycarbonate inserts for added security

In some cases, different lath types can be combined in one shutter, for example vision panels at eye level with solid sections elsewhere.

Choosing the correct shutter depends on your specific requirements.

Key factors to consider:

Purpose

• Security, visual barrier, insulation, or fire protection

Opening Size

• Larger openings may require industrial or heavy-duty systems

Frequency of Use

• High usage requires electric operation and robust components

Location

• Internal vs external
• Exposure to weather or wind

Security Level

• Standard or insurance-approved systems

Selecting the right combination of these factors ensures the shutter performs correctly and lasts longer.

Roller shutters are available in manual or electric operation.

Manual Operation

Spring and Lock (Most Common)

• Lift and lower by hand with spring assistance
• Suitable for smaller shutters

Chain Operation

• Used for larger manual shutters
• Less common today

Electric Operation

• Operated by a motor
• Powered by 240V or 3 phase supply for larger shutters

Benefits:

• Easier to use
• Safer for larger shutters
• Suitable for frequent operation

Electric operation is recommended for most applications, especially larger or regularly used shutters.

The two main materials used are steel and aluminium.

Steel Shutters

• Cost-effective
• Suitable for large openings
• Typically single-skin construction

Aluminium Shutters

• Extruded twin-wall construction
• Stronger than many steel shutters
• Corrosion resistant
• Smoother and quieter operation
• Better for external and coastal environments

Material choice impacts:

• Security level
• Durability
• Appearance
• Long-term maintenance
  
  
  
  

Roller shutters can be customised to suit both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Curtain Options:

• Solid laths for maximum security
• Perforated laths for limited visibility
• Punched laths for higher visibility

Colour and Finish:

• Galvanised steel finish
• Powder coating in a wide range of colours
• Custom colours available to match branding

Additional Options:

• Vision panels
• Combination lath designs
• Windlock systems for exposed areas

Customisation allows shutters to integrate with the building design while maintaining performance.

Roller shutters can be installed in different ways depending on the building and opening.

Common Installation Types:

• Face fix (onto wall)
• Reveal fix (within opening)

Key Considerations:

• Available headroom for the shutter box
• Suitable fixing substrate (steel or masonry)
• Access for maintenance

Professional installation is recommended to ensure:

• Correct alignment
• Safe operation
• Long-term reliability
  
  
  

Roller shutters are designed for long-term use but require regular maintenance.

Typical Maintenance:

• Checking guides and curtain alignment
• Inspecting motors and controls
• Lubricating moving parts
• Testing safety features

Life Span Factors:

• Frequency of use
• Environmental conditions
• Quality of installation
• Regular servicing

Well-maintained shutters can last many years with minimal issues.

The cost of a roller shutter depends on several factors:

• Size of the opening
• Material (steel or aluminium)
• Type of curtain
• Operation (manual or electric)
• Control systems and upgrades

General Pricing Guidance:

• Steel shutters are typically the most cost-effective
• Aluminium shutters offer higher performance at a higher cost
• Electric operation adds convenience with a relatively small cost increase
• Advanced controls and automation increase overall price

The prices below are intended as a general guide only. All roller shutters are manufactured to measure, and the final cost will depend on size, specification, and installation requirements.

Manual Roller Shutters
From £450 – £900 + VAT - Typically suitable for smaller openings or low-use applications. Manual shutters are a cost-effective option where electric operation is not required.
Common uses: small shopfronts, internal counters, garages, low-frequency access points.

Electric Roller Shutters
From £750 – £1,500 + VAT Electric operation adds convenience and is recommended for larger shutters or where frequent daily use is expected. Prices vary depending on motor type, controls, and safety features.
Common uses: retail units, commercial doors, garages, industrial openings.

Perforated Roller Shutters
From £950 – £1,800 + VAT - Perforated shutters allow visibility and light while maintaining security. Costs are typically higher than solid shutters due to the slat design and finishing.
Common uses: shopfronts, shopping centres, display areas.

High-Security Roller Shutters (LPS 1175)
From £1,800 – £3,500 + VAT - High-security shutters are engineered for enhanced protection and are tested to recognised security standards. Pricing reflects reinforced materials, upgraded locking systems, and certification.
Common uses: pharmacies, banks, industrial sites, high-risk premises.

Fire-Rated Roller Shutters
From £2,500 – £5,000 + VAT - Fire-rated shutters are specialist products designed to contain fire and smoke for a certified period. Costs vary depending on fire rating, size, and control system integration.
Common uses: kitchens, serveries, plant rooms, internal compartmentation.

• Choosing the wrong shutter type for the application
• Focusing only on price instead of performance
• Selecting manual operation for large or frequently used shutters
• Not allowing for headroom or installation space
• Using incorrect replacement parts or specifications
• Ignoring wind exposure on external shutters

Getting the specification right from the start avoids costly issues later and ensures long-term performance.