Getting the right kind of security shutters for your property can be a challenge. Roller shutters and solid shutters both provide security, but not in the same ways, and both are suited for different situations.
Solid shutters are shutters with no moving parts. They are permanent, bolted down, and cover your building’s windows and doorways with steel and aluminum. They are over doors, like shopfronts on busy streets, and fold up for customers but close for the night. They are the most simple style of security, with no moving parts that can break, no slats that can be damaged, and no mechanisms that can be forced open to break in.
The most solid shutters that provide optimal security are the ones tested to LPS 1175. They are the most unpenetrable shutters on the market, and that’s why insurance companies and security experts love these the most. They are the most unbreachable because doors and windows are the most vulnerable. They protect the openings and don’t make any noise while closing, because most burglars don’t like making noise and are not willing to spend too much time on a break in, and they obviously don’t want a damaged door and windows.Roller shutters are different than most. They consist of individual slats that wrap around a barrel located in a box above the entrance. When you need them, they roll down along guide rails. There are modern manual systems that are turned with a handle, and automated systems that have remotes. Some rollers also integrate with alarm systems and can be scheduled to close on their own.
Roller shutters are only as secure as they are built and the material they are made of. The most basic slats that are made out of aluminum offer little security, as they are made to allow visibility and protect against the weather. A significant upgrade are steel slats, or aluminum slats that have a foam filling. Those offer a roller that can be classified as to meet security standards. Roller shutters that meet standards such as BS 5054 and have the Sold Secure mark are the most protective against forced entry.
One of the most valuable things roller shutters offer is their unique ability to cater to your needs. They rest above the entrance and are completely out of sight during the day. At night, or when your business is no longer open, they provide a solid security barrier. This is especially true for businesses that want to show off their shopfront appearance during open hours. This can be valuable for businesses. Solid shutters, while always secure, change the look of your building as they are always visible.
While making a decision, the certification aspect should not be overlooked. Shutters compliant with EN 13241 European safety certifications, including operation safety and accident prevention. However, for insurance, you may want to cover LPS 1175 ratings or Secure by Design. These are focused specifically on protection against forced entry, which is what insurers want to address risk.
Due to there being overall fewer weak points, solid shutters do tend to achieve higher LPS 1175 ratings more easily. Every join is a point in a roller shutter where something could be exploited, although with modern manufacturing that’s become much less of an issue. Regardless, a lot of roller shutter systems do meet the same standard, so solid shutters don’t automatically win for getting more points.
Another practical concern is maintenance. With roller shutters you have moving parts, guide rails that need to be kept clear, and motors to be serviced if they’re electric. Solid shutters are a lot more simple. There’s less that can go wrong, and when something does need attention it’s usually straightforward to fix.
When comparing expenses, there is a difference that should be noted. For example, because they are easier to make and install, solid shutters will usually cost less in the short term. Roll out shutters, especially the powered ones, are more expensive. However, that initial cost could be justified if you have to close and open the shutters every day. It will cost more to install electrically powered roll out shutters, but it is better than having to manually open a heavy solid shutter twice a day.
Residential areas are best suited for roll out shutters because they have less of an industrial feel. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and can be matched to the colors of the home. Not to mention, roll out shutters are even more discreet than solid shutters if they need to be closed for an extended period of time. On the other hand, solid shutters can also be less of an industrial look, but they are not the best look for a home.
Businesses have a completely different set of goals than home owners, especially for their commercial spaces. Solid shutters are the best option for closing a warehouse or a unit that will not be open for long periods of time. They are reliable and tough. However, for a retail space, where the unit will need to be closed and opened multiple times a day, roll out shutters are more beneficial.
Both types offer great protection if done right during the specifications and installation. How you plan on using the shutters, the design of the building, and the balance between convenience and simplicity influences a final decision. Don’t fall victim to the “price-quality” trap in regards to your shutters. Also, spend time on your desired shutter quality to eliminate closing the quality gap to save a few hundred. All your shutters mean to protect works only if the shutter quality is worth the price.