Repair or install security shutters.

Whether you are upgrading to modern electric roller shutters or need an emergency repair for a jammed manual system, understanding the process and the associated costs is essential. Professional installation ensures your property remains secure, compliant with safety standards, and easy to operate daily.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Survey: A professional will measure the opening, check the structural integrity of the lintel or brickwork, and specify the correct shutter type (manual vs. electric).
• Preparation: For repairs, this involves isolating the power, removing the hood cover, and diagnosing faults in the motor, barrel, or limit switches.
• Installation: Fitting the side guides, the barrel assembly, and the shutter curtain (slats), followed by the protective hood.
• Electrical Integration: Wiring the motor to a fused spur, installing key switches or remote receivers, and integrating fire alarm links if required.
• Commissioning: Setting the travel limits (where the shutter stops), testing the safety brake, and lubricating the guides for smooth operation.
• Handover: Providing a demonstration, issuing a maintenance log, and supplying a warranty certificate.

Typical Costs

Prices vary based on the size of the aperture, the material (aluminium vs. steel), and whether the system is manual or automated. Most domestic installations or major repairs fall within the £600 to £3,200 range including VAT.

The primary cost drivers are the "shutter curtain" material and the motor quality. Bespoke powder-coating to match your home’s exterior and high-security "bullet" locks will also increase the final quote.

How Long Does It Take?

• Minor Repairs: 2–4 hours (typically one engineer for slat realignments or sensor fixes).
• Motor Replacement: 4–6 hours (involves dismantling the barrel assembly).
• Full New Installation: 0.5–1 day per shutter (depending on electrical complexity and access).
• Lead Times: 2–4 weeks for bespoke manufactured or powder-coated shutters.

DIY or Professional?

Security shutter installation is not a recommended DIY project for most homeowners. The shutters are heavy, under significant spring tension, and require precise levelling to prevent the motor from burning out.

Any electrical work for automated shutters must comply with Part P of the UK Building Regulations, and safety brakes must be professionally tested to prevent the curtain from dropping unexpectedly.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Qualifications: Look for installers registered with the DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) or ADSA.
• Verify Insurance: Ensure they hold at least £2 million in Public Liability insurance.
• Red Flags: Avoid tradespeople who refuse to provide a written quote or those who cannot explain how they will comply with safety "force testing" regulations.

• Does the quote include the cost of the electrical connection and a fused spur?
• Will you provide a CE or UKCA marking and a commissioning certificate?
• What is the warranty period for the motor versus the shutter curtain?
• Do you offer a 24/7 emergency call-out service if the shutter gets stuck?

UK Regulations

• BS EN 12453: The British Standard for safety in the use of power-operated doors/shutters.
• Part P (Electrical Safety): Mandatory for new electrical circuits in domestic dwellings.
• Planning Permission: Rarely needed for rear-facing shutters, but often required for the front of properties in Conservation Areas or on Listed Buildings.
• Paperwork: You should receive a Declaration of Conformity and an Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual upon completion.

Common Problems

• Sticky Guides: Dirt or debris in the side tracks causes the shutter to jerk; this can be avoided with regular cleaning and silicone spray.
• Motor Burnout: Often caused by the shutter being operated too frequently in a short period, triggering the thermal cut-out.
• Curtain Misalignment: If the slats shift horizontally, they can snag on the guides, leading to a total jam.
• Flat Remote Batteries: A common "fault" that is easily fixed but often results in unnecessary call-out fees.

Frequently Asked Questions