repairing roller shutter
Roller Shutters / By

Roller Shutter Repairs: 12 Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Table of contents

Table of Contents

It’s 7:30 AM on a Monday morning. You arrive at your shop to open up, press the button on your roller shutter control, and… nothing. Or worse, the shutter starts to rise then stops halfway with a grinding noise that makes your teeth ache. Your customers are due any minute, and you’ve got a dead shutter blocking your entire shopfront.

This scenario plays out across the UK every single day. Roller shutters are the workhorses of commercial premises, opening and closing hundreds of times per month, exposed to British weather, vandalism attempts, and the inevitable wear that comes with constant use. When they fail, they don’t just inconvenience you—they can completely shut down your business.

Professional roller shutter repair service

After two decades of repairing roller shutters across London and the South East for everyone from corner shops to major retailers like KFC and Boots, I’ve seen every problem imaginable. The good news? Many issues have straightforward solutions. Some you can troubleshoot yourself in minutes. Others require professional intervention before a minor inconvenience becomes a major expense.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the twelve most common roller shutter problems we encounter, show you how to identify what’s gone wrong, explain when you can safely fix it yourself, and give you realistic repair costs so you know what to expect. Because understanding your roller shutter isn’t just about saving money—it’s about keeping your business running smoothly.

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1. Shutter Won’t Open or Close at All

This is the nightmare scenario. You press the button and nothing happens. No movement, no sound, just silence.

Troubleshooting diagram for non-responsive shutters

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Complete lack of response when you activate the control
  • No motor noise or mechanical movement
  • Control panel lights may or may not be functioning
  • Sometimes preceded by intermittent operation in previous days

Likely Causes:

The most common culprit is a power supply issue. Before you panic, check the obvious: Is the shutter actually plugged in? Has a circuit breaker tripped? We’ve attended countless “emergency” callouts where the issue was simply a tripped RCD or a plug that had worked loose. It sounds basic, but in the stress of the moment, these simple checks often get overlooked.

If power isn’t the issue, you’re likely dealing with a faulty motor, damaged control panel, or a severed connection in the wiring. Motors can fail due to age, overheating from excessive use, or water ingress during heavy rain.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Start with the power supply. Check your consumer unit for tripped breakers and reset them if necessary. Inspect the plug and socket for any visible damage or loose connections. If you have a manual override key (and you should), try operating the shutter manually to determine if it’s an electrical or mechanical issue. If the shutter moves freely by hand, the problem is electrical. If it’s stuck solid, you’ve got a mechanical fault.

Test the control button or key switch by listening carefully for any relay clicks inside the control box. A clicking sound means power is reaching the control system, narrowing the fault to the motor or its connections.

When to Call a Professional:

If you’ve confirmed power is present but the motor doesn’t respond, don’t attempt further investigation unless you’re a qualified electrician. Roller shutter motors operate on mains voltage and can be dangerous. Similarly, if the shutter is stuck mechanically and won’t move even with the manual override, there’s likely a serious jam or broken component that needs professional attention.

Call Huxley & Co on 0207 112 4849 for same-day emergency repairs if your shutter is completely non-operational. We can usually diagnose and fix these issues within hours.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Simple electrical issues like replacing a control switch: £80-£150. Motor replacement on standard shutters: £350-£650 including labour. More complex electrical faults requiring rewiring: £200-£400 depending on accessibility and extent of damage.

2. Shutter Opens or Closes Partially Then Stops

You activate your shutter and it starts moving normally, then suddenly stops halfway. Sometimes it stops at the same position every time, other times it’s random.

Diagram showing partial operation problems

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Shutter travels partway then halts without warning
  • May stop at the same position consistently or vary
  • Motor might continue running while shutter stays stationary
  • Could be accompanied by unusual noises before stopping

Likely Causes:

This frustrating problem usually points to an obstruction in the guide channels, a misaligned slat, or limit switch issues. The limit switches are safety devices that tell the motor when to stop—when they malfunction or get knocked out of adjustment, your shutter stops prematurely.

Debris accumulation is remarkably common, especially in urban environments. Leaves, rubbish, cigarette butts, and even bird nests can lodge in the guide channels and halt your shutter’s progress. A single bent slat can also catch on the guides, creating a hard stop.

Another possibility is a failing motor that’s overheating. Motors have thermal cutouts that shut them down when they get too hot, which can happen if the shutter is being operated too frequently or if the motor is struggling against increased friction.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Visually inspect the guide channels for obvious obstructions. Use a torch to look up inside the channels when the shutter is partially open. Remove any visible debris with a gloved hand or appropriate tool—never put your fingers anywhere the shutter could trap them.

Check for bent or damaged slats by examining the shutter carefully as it moves. A single kinked slat will often be visible as an irregularity in the curtain.

If the shutter stops at exactly the same position every time, the limit switches may need adjustment. This is slightly technical but manageable if you’re handy. The limit switches are usually accessible in the motor housing, but proceed with caution.

When to Call a Professional:

If you can’t identify an obvious obstruction, or if adjusting the limit switches doesn’t resolve the issue, professional diagnosis is needed. A technician can check motor performance, inspect the internal mechanism for wear, and properly calibrate the limits.

Also call a professional if you suspect motor overheating—continuing to operate an overheating motor can cause permanent damage and turn a £200 repair into a £650 motor replacement.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Limit switch adjustment or replacement: £95-£180. Obstruction removal and guide channel cleaning: £120-£200. Slat realignment or replacement of individual slats: £80-£250 depending on number of slats and shutter size.

3. Shutter Making Grinding or Screeching Noises

Your shutter still operates, but it sounds like it’s torturing metal. The grinding, screeching, or squealing is embarrassing when customers are nearby and signals that something is seriously wrong.

Causes of grinding noises in roller shutters

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Loud grinding, squealing, or screeching during operation
  • Noise may occur throughout travel or only at certain positions
  • Often accompanied by slower than normal operation
  • Shutter may vibrate excessively during movement

Likely Causes:

Metal-on-metal contact without adequate lubrication is the primary culprit. Roller shutters need regular lubrication to function smoothly—the guides, springs, and curtain all have moving parts that require periodic maintenance. When lubrication dries out or washes away, friction increases dramatically.

Worn bearings in the motor or barrel assembly will also create grinding noises. These bearings support the weight of the entire shutter curtain and take tremendous strain over thousands of cycles. When they start to fail, you’ll hear it.

Misaligned guide channels can force the slats to rub against the guides at an incorrect angle, creating screeching sounds. This sometimes happens after building settlement or if the shutter was installed improperly.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

If you’re comfortable working with machinery, you can attempt basic lubrication. Use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for roller shutters—never use WD-40 or general-purpose oils, as these attract dirt and can actually make the problem worse.

Spray or apply lubricant to the guide channels, focusing on the full length of both sides. Operate the shutter several times to work the lubricant in. Also lubricate any visible springs and pivot points.

However, if the noise persists after lubrication, or if it’s clearly coming from inside the motor housing, DIY attempts should stop.

When to Call a Professional:

Grinding noises from the motor or barrel assembly indicate bearing failure, which requires professional repair. Continuing to operate a shutter with failed bearings will cause additional damage to the motor and potentially the entire mechanism.

If guide channel realignment is needed, this is definitely a job for professionals. Proper alignment requires specialized knowledge and tools to ensure the shutter operates safely and smoothly.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Professional lubrication service: £75-£130. Bearing replacement: £180-£350 depending on which bearings have failed. Guide channel realignment: £200-£400 including labour and any necessary adjustments to the shutter box.

4. Shutter Slats Are Bent, Dented, or Damaged

Physical damage to the shutter curtain itself is immediately visible and can range from cosmetic annoyance to serious security concern.

Types of roller shutter slat damage

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Visible bends, dents, or creases in individual slats
  • Gaps between slats when shutter is fully closed
  • Slats that don’t sit flush against each other
  • Light visible through the shutter curtain when it should be sealed

Likely Causes:

Vandalism and attempted break-ins account for a significant portion of shutter damage. Someone trying to force the shutter upward will bend or buckle the slats. Even unsuccessful attempts leave visible damage.

Accidental impact is equally common—delivery vehicles reversing into shutters, forklifts bumping them from inside, or even your own staff accidentally hitting the shutter with equipment. We’ve repaired shutters damaged by everything from shopping trolleys to scaffolding poles.

Sometimes the damage is self-inflicted through improper operation. Trying to force a jammed shutter to open or close can bend slats. Operating the shutter when something is caught in the guides will crease the curtain.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

For minor cosmetic dents that don’t affect operation, you can sometimes carefully straighten them using gentle pressure. Work slowly and avoid creating creases. However, this is really only viable for very minor damage and won’t restore the slat to original condition.

Honestly, damaged slats usually need professional replacement. Individual slats can be replaced without changing the entire curtain, but it requires the right tools and matching slat profiles.

When to Call a Professional:

Any damage that affects security or operation should be professionally repaired immediately. Bent slats create weak points that make forced entry easier. Gaps in the curtain compromise both security and weather protection.

Even cosmetic damage is worth repairing professionally if your business relies on kerb appeal—a damaged shutter looks unprofessional and can suggest your business is struggling or poorly maintained.

For major clients like APM Monaco or other high-street retailers, maintaining pristine shutters is part of brand image. We regularly replace damaged slats to keep shopfronts looking immaculate.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Individual slat replacement: £45-£95 per slat depending on shutter type and slat profile. Multiple slat replacement (3-5 slats): £180-£350. Extensive damage requiring half-curtain or full curtain replacement: £450-£1,200+ depending on shutter size and specification.

5. Shutter Curtain Has Come Off the Guides

This dramatic failure leaves your shutter hanging at an angle or completely detached on one side. It’s alarming but usually repairable.

Diagram showing curtain derailment problem

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Shutter hangs at an angle instead of level
  • One side of the curtain is visibly outside the guide channel
  • Shutter may be bunched up on one side
  • Impossible to fully close or may jam completely

Likely Causes:

Violent impact is the most common cause. Someone forcing the shutter upward from the bottom or a significant collision can pull the curtain out of the guides. This sometimes happens during break-in attempts when thieves try to create a gap to crawl under.

Worn or damaged guide channels can also allow the curtain to escape. If the guide opening has widened due to corrosion or damage, the slats can slip out during normal operation.

Occasionally, extreme wind can catch a partially open shutter and force it out of the guides. This is more common with larger shutters on exposed locations.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Do not attempt to force the curtain back into the guides while the motor is engaged or the shutter is under tension. This is genuinely dangerous.

If you have a manual override and can safely release all tension, you might be able to carefully guide the curtain back into the channel by hand, working from bottom to top. However, this really depends on how far out it’s come and whether any slats are damaged.

When to Call a Professional:

This is almost always a professional job. Getting the curtain properly reseated requires releasing spring tension, which can be extremely dangerous without proper training and tools. The springs in roller shutters store enormous energy and can cause serious injury if mishandled.

Additionally, if the curtain has come off the guides, there’s a good chance something else is damaged or misaligned that needs fixing to prevent recurrence.

Call 0207 112 4849 for emergency assistance if your shutter curtain has derailed. We’ll send a technician who can safely repair the issue and check for underlying problems.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Reseating curtain in guides: £150-£280. If guide channels need repair or replacement: £250-£450. If slats were damaged during derailment: add £45-£95 per damaged slat.

6. Shutter Won’t Lock Properly

Your shutter closes but won’t lock securely, or the locking mechanism is stiff and difficult to operate. This is a critical security issue.

Common roller shutter lock problems

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Lock won’t fully engage even when shutter is fully closed
  • Key turns but bolt doesn’t move smoothly
  • Lock feels stiff or requires excessive force
  • Bolt is misaligned with the receiving bracket
  • Lock can be opened with excessive play or wiggle

Likely Causes:

Lock misalignment is extremely common and usually develops gradually as the shutter settles and the building experiences minor movement. The bolt and receiving bracket can fall out of alignment by just a few millimeters, which is enough to prevent smooth locking.

Internal lock mechanism wear is inevitable with daily use. The springs, levers, and bolt inside the lock cylinder wear down, especially on cheaper locks. Corrosion from weather exposure accelerates this wear.

Sometimes the bottom rail of the shutter has warped or bent slightly, moving the lock out of position. This can happen after impact damage or simply through age and repeated stress.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Inspect the lock alignment carefully. When the shutter is fully closed, does the bolt line up perfectly with the receiving bracket? If not, the bracket might need adjusting—some brackets have slotted mounting holes that allow for minor repositioning.

Try lubricating the lock cylinder with graphite powder (not liquid lubricant, which attracts dirt). Insert the key and work it back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant.

Check that the shutter is fully closing. Sometimes the limit switches stop the shutter a centimeter too high, preventing proper lock engagement.

When to Call a Professional:

If adjustment and lubrication don’t resolve the issue, professional lock replacement or realignment is needed. A malfunctioning lock is a serious security risk that shouldn’t be ignored.

For businesses handling cash or valuable stock, we often recommend upgrading to high-security locks during repair. These provide better protection against picking and forced entry attempts.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Lock adjustment and lubrication: £65-£95. Standard lock replacement: £120-£220. High-security lock upgrade: £200-£380. Bottom rail realignment: £150-£280.

7. Remote Control Not Working

Your remote control has stopped operating the shutter, leaving you to use manual controls or override keys. This convenience feature is particularly missed when it stops working.

Remote control troubleshooting guide

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Remote doesn’t activate shutter from normal operating distance
  • Intermittent response requiring multiple button presses
  • Remote works only when very close to receiver
  • Complete lack of response from remote

Likely Causes:

Dead or weak batteries are the most common cause. Remote controls typically use coin cell batteries that last 1-2 years with normal use. As batteries weaken, operating range decreases before the remote stops working entirely.

Signal interference from other electronic devices can disrupt remote operation. WiFi routers, mobile phones, and other remote controls operating on similar frequencies can cause problems.

Receiver unit failure is less common but does occur, especially in older systems. The receiver module inside the control box can fail due to power surges or component aging.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Replace the batteries first—this solves the majority of remote control issues. Check the battery orientation carefully, as incorrect installation can damage the remote.

Test the remote from different distances and positions. If it only works when very close to the shutter, the batteries are likely weak or there’s signal interference.

Try removing other electronic devices from the area temporarily to test for interference. If the remote works with other devices switched off, you’ve identified the source of interference.

When to Call a Professional:

If new batteries don’t restore normal operation, the remote may need reprogramming or the receiver unit might need replacement. Programming procedures vary between manufacturers and often require specific button sequences or timing.

Receiver replacement requires electrical work inside the control panel, which should only be performed by qualified technicians.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Remote reprogramming: £65-£95. Receiver unit replacement: £85-£150. New remote handset: £45-£85. Complete remote control system upgrade: £180-£320.

8. Motor Overheating and Cutting Out

Your shutter operates normally for a while, then suddenly stops. After a cooling period, it works again briefly before stopping once more.

Motor overheating problems diagram

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Shutter operates normally then stops without warning
  • Motor housing feels hot to touch
  • Operation resumes after 15-30 minute cooling period
  • Progressively shorter operating periods before cutout
  • Possible burning smell from motor area

Likely Causes:

Thermal overload protection is built into most roller shutter motors to prevent damage from overheating. When the motor gets too hot, the thermal cutout activates and shuts down operation until the motor cools.

Overheating usually indicates the motor is working harder than it should. This can be caused by increased friction in the mechanism, worn bearings, or operating the shutter too frequently without allowing cooling time.

Blocked ventilation around the motor housing can also cause overheating. Motors need airflow to dissipate heat, and accumulated dirt or debris can restrict this cooling.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Allow the motor to cool completely before attempting operation. Check for obvious obstructions that might be causing increased resistance—debris in guides, damaged slats catching on guides, or lack of lubrication.

Ensure adequate ventilation around the motor housing. Clear away any accumulated dirt, leaves, or debris that might be blocking air vents.

Reduce operating frequency if you’ve been cycling the shutter repeatedly. Motors need rest periods between operations, especially in hot weather.

When to Call a Professional:

Persistent overheating indicates a serious problem that requires professional diagnosis. Continuing to operate an overheating motor will eventually cause permanent damage.

A technician can measure motor current draw, check bearing condition, and identify the root cause of excessive load. Early intervention can often save the motor, while delayed action usually means complete replacement.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Motor service and bearing replacement: £180-£350. Thermal cutout replacement: £95-£150. Complete motor replacement due to overheating damage: £350-£650.

9. Shutter Moves Slowly or Struggles to Operate

Your shutter still works but takes much longer than usual to open or close. The motor sounds labored and the movement is sluggish.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Noticeably slower operation than normal
  • Motor sounds strained or labored
  • Shutter may pause during travel
  • Increased power consumption
  • Operation may be worse in cold weather

Likely Causes:

Lack of lubrication is the most common cause of sluggish operation. As lubricants age and wash away, friction increases throughout the mechanism. This forces the motor to work harder and slows operation.

Worn components create increased drag. Bearings, guide channels, and springs all wear over time, creating resistance that wasn’t present when the shutter was new.

Cold weather thickens lubricants and can cause temporary sluggish operation. However, if the problem persists in warmer weather, mechanical wear is likely.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Apply fresh lubrication to all accessible moving parts. Use silicone-based lubricants designed for roller shutters, focusing on guide channels, springs, and pivot points.

Check for obvious sources of increased friction—bent slats rubbing on guides, accumulated debris, or damaged components.

Test operation in different weather conditions. If the shutter only struggles in cold weather, the problem may be lubricant-related rather than mechanical wear.

When to Call a Professional:

If lubrication doesn’t improve operation significantly, internal wear is likely. A professional assessment can identify worn components before they cause complete failure.

Continuing to operate a struggling shutter can accelerate wear and potentially damage the motor through overloading.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Professional lubrication and adjustment: £95-£150. Bearing replacement: £180-£350. Spring adjustment or replacement: £200-£400.

10. Electrical Issues and Tripping Breakers

Your shutter causes electrical problems—tripping RCDs, blowing fuses, or causing lights to flicker when operating.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Circuit breakers trip when shutter operates
  • RCD trips intermittently during operation
  • Lights dim or flicker when shutter starts
  • Burning smell from electrical components
  • Visible sparking or arcing

Likely Causes:

Water ingress into electrical components is a common cause of electrical faults. British weather takes its toll on outdoor electrical equipment, and even small amounts of moisture can cause short circuits.

Worn motor windings can cause increased current draw, leading to breaker trips. As motors age, insulation breaks down and efficiency decreases.

Loose electrical connections create resistance and heat, potentially causing arcing and component failure. Vibration from shutter operation can gradually loosen connections over time.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

If electrical problems occur, turn off power to the shutter immediately at the consumer unit. Don’t attempt to operate the shutter until the fault is identified and repaired.

Check for obvious signs of water ingress—moisture in control boxes, corroded connections, or water stains around electrical components.

Do not attempt electrical repairs unless you’re a qualified electrician. Roller shutter electrical systems operate at mains voltage and can be dangerous.

When to Call a Professional:

All electrical faults require professional attention. Continuing to operate a shutter with electrical problems risks fire, electrocution, and damage to other electrical systems.

Our technicians carry electrical testing equipment to identify faults safely and make appropriate repairs using weatherproof components.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Electrical fault diagnosis: £85-£120. Connection repair and weatherproofing: £120-£200. Motor winding repair or replacement: £250-£450. Control panel replacement: £180-£350.

11. Weather Seals Damaged or Missing

The rubber seals around your shutter are cracked, missing, or no longer provide effective weather protection.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Visible gaps around shutter perimeter when closed
  • Water ingress during rain
  • Drafts around closed shutter
  • Cracked or hardened rubber seals
  • Seals pulling away from mounting surfaces

Likely Causes:

UV degradation from sunlight breaks down rubber compounds over time. British weather cycles of freeze-thaw also contribute to seal deterioration.

Physical damage from impact or vandalism can tear or displace seals. Even minor damage can compromise weather protection significantly.

Age-related hardening makes seals less flexible and effective. Most weather seals need replacement every 5-8 years depending on exposure.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Inspect seals carefully for cracks, hardening, or displacement. Small sections of damaged seal can sometimes be temporarily repaired with appropriate sealant.

Clean seal mounting surfaces to ensure good adhesion if attempting temporary repairs. However, proper seal replacement usually requires professional installation.

When to Call a Professional:

Complete seal replacement ensures proper weather protection and professional appearance. We use high-quality seals designed for British weather conditions.

Proper installation requires removing the old seals completely, preparing surfaces, and ensuring correct alignment for effective sealing.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Partial seal repair: £65-£95. Complete weather seal replacement: £120-£220. Premium seal upgrade for enhanced weather protection: £180-£280.

12. Spring Problems and Tension Issues

Your shutter feels unbalanced, drops suddenly when released, or requires excessive force to operate manually.

Symptoms and Warning Signs:

  • Shutter drops rapidly when motor stops
  • Excessive effort required for manual operation
  • Shutter feels unbalanced or tilted
  • Visible spring damage or displacement
  • Unusual noises from spring mechanism

Likely Causes:

Spring fatigue develops over thousands of operating cycles. Springs gradually lose tension, making the shutter harder to lift and potentially dangerous if they fail completely.

Corrosion weakens springs, particularly in coastal areas or industrial environments. Corroded springs can fail suddenly and catastrophically.

Impact damage can displace or break springs. Even minor collisions can affect spring mounting and tension.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

Do not attempt spring repairs or adjustments. Roller shutter springs store enormous energy and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled.

If you suspect spring problems, stop using the shutter immediately and call for professional assistance.

When to Call a Professional:

Spring work requires specialized tools, training, and safety procedures. Our technicians are trained in safe spring handling and carry appropriate safety equipment.

Spring replacement often involves complete rebalancing of the shutter mechanism to ensure safe and smooth operation.

Typical Repair Cost Range:

Spring adjustment: £120-£200. Single spring replacement: £200-£350. Complete spring system replacement: £300-£500. Emergency spring failure repair: £400-£650.

Understanding Repair Costs

Knowing what to expect helps you budget for repairs and avoid surprises. Our pricing is transparent and based on the actual work required.

Roller shutter repair cost breakdown

Basic Repairs (£65-£180):

  • Remote control reprogramming
  • Limit switch adjustment
  • Basic lubrication and cleaning
  • Minor electrical repairs
  • Lock adjustment

Mid-Range Repairs (£180-£450):

  • Individual slat replacement
  • Lock replacement
  • Bearing replacement
  • Receiver unit replacement
  • Weather seal replacement

Major Repairs (£450-£1,500+):

  • Motor replacement
  • Spring replacement
  • Guide channel repair or replacement
  • Multiple slat replacement
  • Complete electrical rewiring

Emergency Callouts:

We understand that shutter failures don’t follow business hours. Our emergency service operates 24/7 with callout fees of £75-£120 depending on time and location. This fee covers the emergency response and is separate from repair costs.

For businesses where shutter failure means lost revenue—restaurants, retail stores, warehouses—emergency repair often pays for itself by preventing business disruption.

Preventive Maintenance: Your Best Investment

The shutters we repair least often are those that receive regular preventive maintenance. A small investment in maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs and extends shutter lifespan significantly.

Monthly Checks (15 minutes):

Visual inspection reveals developing problems before they cause failure. Look for damaged slats, loose components, debris accumulation, and unusual wear patterns.

Operational testing familiarizes you with normal shutter behavior. Run through a complete cycle monthly, listening for new noises or feeling for changes in operation.

Basic cleaning prevents debris accumulation that can jam mechanisms and accelerate wear.

Quarterly Maintenance (30 minutes):

Lubrication keeps moving parts operating smoothly and reduces wear. Use silicone-based lubricants designed for roller shutters, never general-purpose oils that attract dirt.

Thorough cleaning removes accumulated grime that adds weight and creates drag.

Annual Professional Service:

Professional servicing identifies problems before they cause failure. Our technicians inspect internal components, test safety systems, and provide compliance certification where required.

Annual service contracts typically cost £120-£180 per shutter and include priority emergency response. The cost is usually recovered through prevented emergency repairs and extended equipment life.

For detailed maintenance guidance, see our comprehensive roller shutter maintenance guide which covers everything from DIY care to professional servicing requirements.

Emergency Situations: When Every Minute Counts

Some problems can’t wait for a scheduled appointment. Recognizing true emergencies helps you get appropriate response times and avoid unnecessary emergency charges.

True Emergencies:

Shutter stuck open: Complete security vulnerability requiring immediate attention. Your premises are exposed to theft and weather damage.

Safety hazards: Damaged shutters that could injure people or falling components require immediate professional response.

Business-critical failures: If you can’t operate your business because the shutter won’t function, this constitutes an emergency for your operations.

What to Do While Waiting:

Document the problem with photographs for insurance purposes and to help our technician understand the situation before arrival.

Secure the area if there are safety concerns. Don’t allow people near damaged or unstable shutters.

Try manual override if safe to do so. This might provide temporary security or access while waiting for repairs.

Our Emergency Response:

Call 0207 112 4849 any time for genuine emergencies. We operate 24/7 across London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Hertfordshire.

Emergency response times: 2-4 hours in London and major towns, same working day for more remote locations.

Our service vehicles carry common replacement parts, enabling first-visit repairs for many problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a commercial roller shutter last?

With proper maintenance, quality commercial shutters last 15-25 years. The shutters we installed for some clients in the early 2000s are still functioning perfectly today. However, neglected shutters in harsh environments might need replacement after just 8-10 years. Regular servicing dramatically extends lifespan—well-maintained shutters often exceed 25 years with just motor replacement during that time.

Can I replace just one damaged slat?

Individual slat replacement is almost always possible and much more cost-effective than replacing the entire curtain. We regularly replace single damaged slats for £45-£95 per slat depending on the shutter type. The challenge is matching the slat profile and finish to your existing shutter. For common types, this isn’t a problem. For unusual profiles, we may need to replace several slats to create a matching section.

Why does my shutter work fine in summer but struggle in winter?

Temperature affects roller shutter operation significantly. Cold weather thickens lubricants and increases friction. Moisture can freeze in guide channels. Metal components contract, potentially changing tolerances. If your shutter only struggles during winter, schedule autumn maintenance with cold-weather-appropriate lubricants. Persistent winter problems might indicate marginal wear that copes in summer but struggles when cold adds extra resistance.

Is it worth repairing an old shutter or should I replace it?

If repair costs exceed 60% of replacement cost, replacement is usually better investment. However, for a 10-year-old shutter in good condition, even a £400 motor replacement makes sense because the rest should provide another 10-15 years of service. For 20-year-old shutters with multiple issues, replacement often makes more financial sense. We’ll always give you honest assessment and recommend replacement when repair isn’t economical.

How quickly can you repair a broken shutter?

For emergencies affecting business operations, we aim for same-day service in our core areas. Many repairs are completed on the first visit because our technicians carry common parts. Simple repairs like limit adjustment might take 30-45 minutes. Motor replacement typically takes 1-2 hours. Complex repairs requiring fabrication might need a second visit, but we’ll secure your premises safely until completion.

What’s included in your maintenance contracts?

Maintenance contracts include annual professional servicing, priority emergency response, and discounted repair rates. For businesses with multiple shutters, we provide coordinated scheduling to minimize disruption. Contracts typically cost £120-£180 per shutter annually. The priority emergency response alone often justifies the cost—when your shutter fails on a busy Saturday, you jump the queue ahead of non-contract customers.

Get Professional Roller Shutter Repairs Today

Don’t let a malfunctioning roller shutter compromise your business security, damage your stock, or turn customers away. With over twenty years of experience and hundreds of satisfied clients across London and the South East, Huxley & Co has the expertise to diagnose and repair any roller shutter problem quickly and effectively.

We’ve maintained and repaired shutters for everyone from independent shopkeepers to major brands like KFC, Boots, Nando’s, and APM Monaco. Our technicians are fully trained, insured, and equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and replacement parts.

Why Choose Huxley & Co for Your Roller Shutter Repairs?

Rapid Response Times: Same-day emergency service across London and the South East. When your business is at risk, every hour counts.

Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before we start work.

Quality Guarantee: All repairs come with comprehensive warranties. We stand behind our work and use only high-quality replacement parts.

Comprehensive Service: From simple adjustments to complete refurbishment, we handle every type of roller shutter repair.

24/7 Emergency Support: Shutter failures don’t respect business hours. Neither do we. Call any time for genuine emergencies.

Ready to Get Your Roller Shutter Fixed?

📞 Emergency Repairs: 0207 112 4849 (24/7 Response)
📧 Email: info@huxleyandco.co.uk
🌐 Online: Book Your Repair Assessment

Service Areas: London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas

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This repair guide is updated regularly to reflect current best practices and pricing. For specific advice about your roller shutter problem, contact Huxley & Co for professional diagnosis and repair.

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