With 30 years in the roller shutter industry we’ve seen problems caused by everything you can imagine: from people leaving objects under the shutters while closing them to motors that work backwards and shutters that haven’t been cleaned or maintained in 10+ years.
In that time we have also created a list of tips to help you maintain your own shutters and keep them operating at their best for as long as possible. Many problems can be cheaply solved with a few quick changes to how you operate and maintain the shutters. Below are our top rollers shutter maintenance tips!
1. If you leave them open, run them.
If you leave your roller shutters open it is important that you at least cycle your roller shutters every 1-2 weeks to keep the weather strip in the shutter guides flexible
2. And if you leave them closed, run them, too.
If you leave your roller shutters closed it is important that you at least cycle your roller shutters every 1-2 weeks to keep the weather strip in the shutter guides flexible. Whether they’re opened or closed all the time the infrequent running of your shutters will help keep all the moving parts moving and the weather stripping flexible. You wouldn’t expect a car to run after 2 years in your driveway, right? Operate your shutters regularly to keep them in tune.
3. Do not continuously cycle your shutters.
Do not cycle your shutters more than 3 times in a row (continuously) as this will hit the thermal protection overload in the motor and cut out. This renders the shutter non-operational until the temperature of the motor cools down. Generally this will be around 15-20 min depending on ambient temperature. Hitting the thermal overload on the motors greatly reduces the lifespan of the motors.
4. Be aware when closing shutters.
If you have awning windows, casement windows, hopper windows or french doors please make sure that they are closed before lowering the shutters. Failing to do so will result the roller shutter landing on the open window or door as the motor will continue to drive the shutter down and unroll in the pelmet causing a myriad of different problems from a burnt out motor to a broken curtain. It is important not to use your shutter after this has occurred so as not to cause more damage than has already occurred.
5. Clean your shutters regularly.
Cleaning your roller shutters should be done at least every 6 months in metro suburb areas, every 4 months in rural areas, and every 2 months in coastal areas. Use a mild detergent (car wash) mixed with warm water in a bucket. Use an interior broom with soft bristles. First pre-rinse the shutter with water then clean the shutter with the soapy broom whilst fully closed. Rinse then partially open the shutter for all the ventilation holes are open then proceed to clean the shutter with the broom where the ventilation holes and rinse again.
6. Keep shrubbery tidy
If your home is surrounded by trees and shrubs check periodically for twigs and leaves that might lodge into the shutter guides. Remove branches, sticks, twigs, leaves and other debris that is in the way. Check the tracks for debris when the shutter is fully opened.
7. Test your battery backup
If you have shutters using a battery backup, every 6 months you should turn the power off from the circuit breaker to check that the battery backup is still working and also to wake the battery back up. This helps extend the life of the battery. If you have experienced a power surge electrical storm or black out you will need to reboot your battery backup (if your shutters are not working).
8. Rocking your rocker switch
Rocker type switches – when activating the switch to operate the roller shutter be sure to use a firm positive action when pressing the switch either up, down or stop, the same as you would for a regular light switch or a power point switch. If you do not use a firm positive action the switch might not engage properly and the roller won’t work and sometimes might cause it to electrically arc and cause more damage.
9. A warning about lubricants
Warning: do not use any lubricants on any part of the shutter system. Our shutter system has been designed as a low maintenance system and if lubricated will surely cause your shutters to fail.
Not following this maintenance schedule will severely reduce the lifespan and durability of your new shutters. Regular cleaning, maintenance and operation of the shutters and components will ensure your shutters last a long time.