Do Roller Shutters Reduce Noise? Everything You Need to Know

If you run a business that generates a lot of noise, managing sound levels is key. This helps you to maintain a good relationship with neighbours and stay compliant with local regulations. One effective solution that’s often overlooked is the use of roller shutters.

While typically known for security, high-quality roller shutters can also significantly reduce noise levels by acting as a barrier against sound.

Roller shutters aren’t just for businesses, either. Homeowners living near main roads, airports, or noisy neighbours can also benefit from the noise-dampening properties of modern roller shutters.
 

Key Takeaways
 

• Roller shutters significantly reduce noise by acting as a physical barrier. They are ideal for both commercial and residential environments near busy roads, machinery, or loud neighbours.
• Insulated and acoustic roller shutters offer the best results, with tests showing reductions of up to 27 dB in industrial units.
• They’re used across many industries, including gyms, bars, manufacturing, and kitchens, to comply with noise regulations and avoid disturbing others.
   

Table of Contents
 

• How Roller Shutters Reduce Noise in Commercial Environments
• How Can Homeowners Benefit From Roller Shutters?
• What Businesses Benefit From Using Roller Shutters for Noise Reduction?
• Using Insulated Roller Shutter Doors For Noise Reduction
• Roller Shutters at Security Direct

How Roller Shutters Reduce Noise in Commercial Environments

This CIEH Noise Survey found that  “Noise is the single biggest cause for complaints made to local authorities in the UK, with almost 356,000 complaints recorded in 2020–21, or 149 per 10,000 people”.

Roller shutters can play a key role in reducing unwanted noise by acting as a physical barrier. Their dense design and robust materials help absorb and block sound waves. This prevents noise from travelling beyond the premises. When fully closed, shutters also create a sealed environment, limiting the transmission of both airborne and structural sound.

In tests conducted by the Department of Acoustics at the University of Salford, acoustic roller shutters have demonstrated noise reductions of up to 27 dB in commercial-style units. This translates to a significant dampening of machinery, music, or general operational noise.

View our full range of roller shutters.

How Can Homeowners Benefit From Roller Shutters?

Roller shutters can also help homeowners reduce noise and improve comfort. If you live near a busy road, train line, or other noisy area, shutters can block out much of that constant background sound.

They’re especially helpful if you work from home and need a quieter space to focus. Noisy neighbours or street noise can disrupt your day, but roller shutters help create a peaceful environment by dampening those sounds.

Homeowners with home music studios or noisy hobbies will also benefit. Roller shutters add an extra layer of sound control, preventing noise from leaking out and avoiding complaints or conflicts with neighbours.

Discover our full selection of domestic roller shutters.

What Businesses Benefit From Using Roller Shutters for Noise Reduction?

Roller shutters are used to reduce noise for a wide range of businesses. Many assume that they are just used in industrial settings, like garages. However, due to their many benefits, such as enhanced security and durability, they are used in lots of different commercial settings.

Below are some businesses that commonly use roller shutters for noise reduction:

Gyms and Fitness Studios

Gyms often have loud music, weights dropping, and group classes that generate noise. This can be disruptive, especially in shared commercial units or buildings near residential areas.

Bars, Clubs, and Venues

Businesses that operate late at night with music, live performances, or large crowds can create significant noise. Noise-reducing roller shutters assist in meeting local licensing requirements and help reduce noise complaints.

Manufacturing Units

Manufacturing often involves heavy machinery and ongoing production that produces high decibel levels. Installing roller shutters can help contain this noise effectively.
 

Garages and Workshops

Power tools, machinery, and vehicle testing create constant background noise in garages and workshops. Roller shutters help to keep this noise contained, preventing disturbance.
 

Studios and Rehearsal Spaces

Music studios and rehearsal spaces need to limit sound leakage to avoid disturbing neighbours. Roller shutters add an extra layer of noise control on top of existing soundproofing measures, ensuring quieter surroundings outside the studio.
 

Commercial Kitchens

Extractor fans, delivery activity, and general kitchen noise can be loud, particularly during early morning or late-night hours. Roller shutters reduce this noise, helping kitchens in mixed-use or residential areas avoid complaints and operate smoothly.

Take a look at our range of commercial roller shutters here.

Using Insulated Roller Shutter Doors For Noise Reduction

Insulated roller shutters are designed with a core layer of insulating material, typically foam-filled slats, which not only improves thermal efficiency but also helps dampen sound. This added density makes them more effective at reducing external noise compared to standard shutters.

They’re a great option for businesses or homeowners who want both energy savings and a quieter environment. Whether you're dealing with traffic, machinery, or late-night activity, insulated shutters help create a more controlled and comfortable space.

Looking for a noise-reducing solution? Explore our insulated roller shutter doors for more details.

Roller Shutters at Security Direct

Whether you're looking to reduce noise at home or on a busy commercial site, Security Direct offers a wide range of roller shutters. 

We supply leading acoustic and insulated options. All our shutters are made to order and built to the highest standards of security and performance.

Need help finding the right option? Contact our team today for advice or a fast quote.

FAQs

Are roller shutters soundproof or sound-resistant?

Roller shutters are sound-resistant rather than fully soundproof. They help reduce noise by dampening sound waves and creating a sealed barrier, especially when made from dense or insulated materials. While they won’t block all noise, they significantly lower the volume of external or internal sounds in many home and business settings.

Do I need specific roller shutters for noise reduction?

While all reduce noise, it’s good to choose roller shutters designed with insulation or acoustic performance in mind. These typically feature foam-filled slats or denser materials that absorb and deflect sound. Standard shutters may offer some noise control, but purpose-built options provide a more noticeable difference in noisy environments.