Are your roller shutters looking worse for wear or no longer operating as expected? Wondering if it’s time to replace them or whether repairs may suffice?
High-quality aluminium roller shutters, when installed correctly, are a relatively low-maintenance product with a very long life. At Titan Roller Shutters, our products should continue to operate without issue for up to 20 years.
If your shutters are causing you concern and you’re unsure what the next steps should be, here’s our guide on what to look for.
By following this checklist, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s time to replace your shutters or call for help from an experienced technician.
Why Investing In Quality Shutters Matters
Due to the long-term nature of the decision, when you’re looking to invest in roller shutters it’s important to choose a reputable company.
Look for companies that use strong, high-quality materials to manufacture sturdy and reliable roller shutters, while still offering value for money.
This is the best way to ensure that your roller shutters will last for as long as possible without causing you any concerns.
While there are some more inexpensive options available on the market, these should always be approached with caution. These may utilise subpar materials, including low-grade motors, slats that are weak and flimsy, or inexperienced installers.
A lower initial investment may be appealing, however, going down this route is more likely to lead to shutters that are:
- Easily damaged
- Quickly discoloured or worn
- Difficult to operate
- Unreliable and/or not installed securely, and
- Needing to be constantly repaired, or replaced very early on
Opting for a reputable company with a proven record of quality and service means the best possible outcome and the best value for money as a result.
Replace Or Repair – How To Choose
Depending on what is wrong with your shutters, repairing them may be a viable option.
If your shutters are still relatively young, say under 10 years of age, it is worth speaking to a technician before consigning them to the tip.
An expert will be able to assess the issue or issues at hand and advise on the best course of action moving forward. Where the cost of repairs will be higher than a replacement shutter, we would usually suggest a replacement.
Just as equally, if it can be repaired properly and without huge expense, there is no need to replace it. Be wary of any company that pushes replacement over repair in these cases.
In some cases, a repair can be very simple and the normal function of the shutter can be quickly restored. Likewise, there are some situations in which the shutter is too damaged to repair or may be too old to secure replacement parts for.
Ultimately, the decision to replace or repair will rest on the circumstances around why the shutter has stopped working and the preferences of the homeowner.
5 Signs Your Roller Shutters May Need Replacing
Generally, roller shutters don’t need a lot of maintenance. Regular use and the occasional cleaning with some gentle detergent and a little water should keep them running smoothly and looking great.
Things can still go wrong over time, however, so it pays to be mindful of any changes in the appearance of your shutters or their functionality. Outlined below are some early signs of breakage or malfunction to be aware of and keep an eye out for.
Operational Difficulties
Operational difficulties can occur in both new and old roller shutters. Modern, electric roller shutters should continue to operate hassle-free for years on end – any change to that is cause for further investigation.
If your motorised shutter stops running smoothly, you should get in touch with your installer or an approved technician to get to the root cause of the issue. There may be something stuck in the guides, an issue with the motor, or it might just need a good clean.
Identifying and resolving the issue early on will prevent it from escalating into anything more serious, or any long-lasting damage being caused.
If you have an older roller shutter, particularly a manual one, difficulty putting the shutter up and down may be a sign that it’s time to replace it.
Manual roller shutters are subject to breakage of straps and winders, or damage caused by incorrect operation. Rather than repeated servicing and repair, it might be worth looking into a new system that can be operated remotely with the touch of a button.
Strange Noises
If your shutter has started to make a strange noise during operation or when it is closed, something might be amiss.
The most common cause of this is that the shutter has been closed onto something. This happens quite regularly and is something we see regularly on maintenance calls.
Common culprits include the shutter encountering:
- An open window
- Outdoor furniture
- A rake or other garden tool leaning up against the wall
- Curtains
- Children’s toys
When this happens, the slats can be dislodged or pushed out of level a little and this can cause it to emit strange noises. If you hear a clicking or scratching while it is moving, or rattling within the guides when it’s down, this could be why.
If caught early, it’s an easy fix to realign it – but continuing to operate your shutter when something is out of place can cause more serious damage to the motor and shutter curtain.
Once significant damage has occurred, there is no choice but to replace the entire shutter. Fixing this issue as soon as possible is always the most cost-effective choice.
Visible Damage
Some visible damage, such as scratched paint or dents, may require swift attention to prevent further damage.
Scratches in the paint may make your shutter more susceptible to rust, and any large dents may inhibit the smooth motion of the shutter, leading to a shutter that is out of level or misaligned.
The best way to prevent this damage from occurring is to do your research before choosing a supplier and making a purchase.
You should seek confirmation that your shutters are constructed from strong and durable materials, and have a scratch resistant coating. This will mean they are less likely to scratch, dent or discolour for years to come.
Personal Preference
Lastly, what if your home aesthetic has changed and your existing shutters look dated or out of place? Perhaps you simply want a more modern, updated option with remote operation over winders?
If this is the case, then of course replacing your shutters makes sense.
As a side note, we recommend against painting older shutters in these instances as the moving components can be easily damaged or become stuck. Depending on the age of your shutters, this would also void any warranties.
Titan Shutters – Value Meets Quality
At Titan Shutters, we offer strong, high-quality roller shutters, made in Melbourne from Australian aluminium, and installed by local teams with years of experience.
No matter the reason behind your decision to replace your shutters, we can help. Offering obligation-free quotes, we can walk you through all your available options and find the best solution for your needs.
Committed to the provision of quality products and exceptional customer service, our shutters are backed by our comprehensive warranty and unparalleled follow-up service.
This provides our customers with a trusted point of contact post-installation that ensures any concerns during the lifetime of the shutters are expertly handled without delay.
For roller shutters that outperform the competition and give you decades of use without any hassles, contact Titan Shutters today at 1300 020 001.
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