We supply, fit and repair roller shutters in Clerkenwell for shops, takeaways, offices, schools, warehouses and units on trade estates. This page is for business owners, landlords and facilities managers who want to protect glass fronts, doors and stock when the building is closed.
Below we cover the shutter types, how they are made and driven, the planning rules, what drives the cost and how to keep them running. Our team is FENSA registered, and the work comes with a 10-year guarantee. For other services, see our commercial glazing page, or our double glazing home page.
Why Fit Roller Shutters
Glass fronts are the weak point of most business premises. A brick or a car can break them in seconds. A roller shutter puts a strong barrier in the way, so thieves cannot reach the glass or the door.
Shutters also protect your glazing from vandals and graffiti. They can block the view of stock and tills at night. Some insurers ask for them, or offer better terms when they are fitted. And when the shutter is open, it rolls up into a compact box above the opening, so it does not get in the way during the day.
Types of Roller Shutter
Each type of shutter gives a different mix of security, light and looks. We help you pick the right one for your site.
- Solid steel lath: strong, curved steel slats that lock together. They give the most security and block the view in.
- Perforated lath: slats with small holes. They let light out and let passers-by see your window display at night.
- Punched or vision lath: slats with larger slots for more view, while still keeping people out.
- Grilles: an open lattice of steel or aluminium links. They suit shopping centres and inside units where the look matters.
- Insulated aluminium: foam-filled slats that help keep heat in and cut noise. They suit loading bays and units with staff inside.
- Fire shutters: tested shutters that close when the fire alarm sounds. They hold back fire for a set time between parts of a building.
Shutters come in a range of powder coat colours, so they can match your shop front glazing and signs.
How Roller Shutters Are Built and Driven
A shutter has a curtain of slats, side guides that hold it in place, a bottom rail and a barrel that it rolls up on. The barrel sits in a box above the opening. On most shops, we fit the box on the outside face of the wall. Where planning or looks are a concern, we can fit it inside behind the glass.
You can choose how to open it:
- Manual: a spring helps you lift the shutter by hand. This suits small openings.
- Hand crank: a gearbox and handle wind the shutter up. It works where there is no power.
- Electric tube motor: a motor inside the barrel. It is quiet and suits most shop fronts.
- Direct drive motor: a stronger motor on the end of the barrel, for large and heavy shutters.
Electric shutters can run from a key switch, a wall button or a remote. We fit safety edges on the bottom rail and photo cells so the shutter stops if something is in the way. A manual override lets you open it in a power cut.
Security Ratings and Locking
Not all shutters give the same level of security. Some are tested to LPS 1175, a standard that rates how long a product resists attack with set tools. A higher rating means the shutter holds out for longer against more tools. Some are also approved under Secured by Design, the police scheme for crime prevention.
We match the rating to the risk. A phone shop or jeweller may need a high rating. A café in a quiet street may need much less. Locks include bottom rail locks, shoot bolts into the guides and locks built into the motor. We can link the shutter to your alarm so it reports if forced.
For more protection, pair the shutter with laminated glass behind it. Our security glazing page explains the options.
Planning Permission for Shop Shutters
An external shutter on a shop front often needs planning permission, because it changes how the street looks. Many councils prefer perforated or grille shutters to solid ones, as they keep the street feeling lively at night. Some ask for the box to be hidden behind the fascia or fitted inside the shop.
Rules are stricter on listed buildings and in conservation areas. Talk to your council before you order. We can supply drawings, photos and product details for your application. Internal shutters behind the glass do not normally need planning, though listed building consent may still apply.
What Drives the Cost of Roller Shutters
We do not post set prices, because each opening is different. Every job gets a written, fixed quote after a free survey. You can book one on our get a quote page. The price depends on:
- Size: wide or tall openings need more slats, a bigger barrel and a stronger motor.
- Lath type: insulated, vision and fire-rated slats cost more than plain steel.
- Security rating: tested and certified shutters cost more than standard ones.
- Drive: electric motors cost more than manual, and large direct drive units cost more again.
- Box position: a hidden or internal box can need more work than a face-fixed one.
- Colour: special colours add to the cost of standard finishes.
- Power and controls: a new power supply, remotes or alarm links add parts and labour.
Payment stages are set out in the written quote.
Fitting and Servicing
We survey the opening, check the wall and fixings and agree the spec with you. The shutter is made to measure. On the day, we fit the guides and box, hang the curtain, wire the motor and test the safety features. Most shop shutters are fitted in a day, and we can work after hours to keep you trading. A summary of each stage is on our how we work page.
Powered shutters need a service at least once a year. We check the motor, springs, slats, guides and locks, and test the safety edge and photo cells. Fire shutters must also be tested and serviced on a set routine, with records kept for your fire risk assessment. Between visits, keep the guides clean and free of grit, and never force a shutter that sticks.
Choosing the Right Shutter
Think about your risk, your street and how you trade. A high-risk shop needs a solid or rated shutter with strong locks. A shop that wants its window to sell at night should look at perforated or vision lath. A unit with staff working behind the shutter should consider insulated slats.
Also think about the doors behind the shutter. A strong shutter is wasted if the door behind it is weak. Our aluminium doors have multi-point locks and can take laminated glass. To find out more about who we are, see our about us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are roller shutters made from?
Most security shutters are made from galvanised steel slats with a powder coat finish. Steel gives the most strength. Aluminium is lighter and does not rust, so it suits large openings and insulated shutters. Grilles may be steel or aluminium. We help you choose the right material for your security needs, the size of the opening and the look you want.
Can our manual shutters be made electric?
Often, yes. If the curtain, guides and barrel are in good shape, we can fit a tube motor and a key switch or remote. We check the size and weight first, as heavy shutters may need a direct drive motor. If the shutter is worn or damaged, a new one may be the better choice. We will explain the options at the survey.
Do roller shutters need planning permission?
External shutters on shop fronts often need planning permission, as they change the look of the street. Councils often prefer perforated or grille shutters to solid ones, and may ask for a hidden box. Listed buildings and conservation areas have stricter rules. Shutters fitted inside behind the glass do not normally need planning. Check with your council first.
Are roller shutters weather-resistant?
Yes. Galvanised steel and aluminium slats with a powder coat finish stand up well to rain, wind and sun. Seals on the bottom rail keep out driven rain and leaves. Very wide shutters on exposed sites may need wind locks in the guides. Keep the guides clean and get a yearly service to stop rust or wear on moving parts.
How do we look after our roller shutters?
Clean the slats and guides with soapy water a few times a year. Keep grit and litter out of the guides. Do not force a shutter that sticks; switch it off and call us. Book a service at least once a year for powered shutters. Fire shutters need tests on a set routine, and you should keep the records.
