Wind Rated Roller Shutters When Storms Hit Britain

Introduction

In 2020, the UK experienced some of its worst storms in years, with Storms Brendan, Dennis, Ciara, and Jorge bringing winds up to 100mph and record rainfall. Such extreme weather can severely damage property, including roller shutters.

The Importance of Wind-Resistant Roller Shutters

During these storms, many customers reported issues with roller shutters blowing out. Choosing the right roller shutter with appropriate wind resistance can mitigate such risks significantly. When purchasing roller shutters, it's crucial to consider not just cost and security but also the typical wind conditions in your area.

Roller Shutters and Exposure to Elements

Roller shutters are often exposed to harsh conditions, especially those installed in open or coastal areas where wind speeds can be particularly high. At Security Direct, we offer a range of shutters tested for various wind loads, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards.

Understanding Wind Load Ratings

To help you understand what to look for, we’ve provided an overview of the different wind classes our products meet:

Wind Class 2: Suitable for winds up to 59 mph.

Wind Class 3: Can withstand violent storms up to 73 mph.

Wind Class 4: Designed to handle hurricane-like conditions up to 88 mph.

Wind Class 5: Our strongest, capable of withstanding major hurricanes with winds up to 100 mph.

Read more about wind ratings and their importance in our detailed article on Wind Ratings and How They Work.

Choosing the Right Roller Shutter

When selecting a roller shutter for windy conditions, consider the following:

Size of the Opening: Larger shutters have more surface area and can be more vulnerable to wind. Consider using two smaller shutters instead of one large one if possible.

Slat Selection: Opt for twin-walled slats which offer double the thickness and greater strength compared to single skin slats.

Vision Slats: Reduce the amount of vision in your shutters to maintain structural integrity.

Guide Rails: Choosing deeper guide rails helps keep more of the curtain within the guides, enhancing stability.

Windlock Guides: Specialized windlock guides provide additional strength and prevent the shutter from blowing out.

Mechanical Supports: Additional locks and supports can prevent the curtain from being pushed inward by strong winds.

Our Top Wind-Resistant Products

100mm Insulated Industrial Roller Shutter Doors: Wind Class 5, spans up to 7m, available with single or 3-phase industrial motors.

Ultra Compact Roller Shutter: Wind Class 5, spans up to 4m, equipped with a single-phase tube motor.

For further details or to address any queries, please Contact Our Sales Team.