Roller Shutter Garage Doors
What is a Roller Shutter Garage Doors?
A roller shutter garage door is a type of garage door that consists of horizontal slats or laths that piece together to make the curtain. Roller doors open vertically and roll up around a barrel located at the very top of the door opening. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings due to their durability, security features, and space-saving design.
The Evolution of Roller Doors in the UK
The evolution of roller garage doors in the UK has been influenced by changes in architectural styles, advancements in technology, and shifts in consumer preferences. Here’s a brief overview of the evolution of roller garage doors in the UK:
Roller shutter garage doors became increasingly prevalent in the UK from the late 20th century onwards. These doors are composed of horizontal slats or panels that roll up vertically and coil around a drum mechanism located at the top of the door opening. Roller shutter doors offer enhanced security, insulation, and space-saving benefits compared to traditional garage door designs.
Overall, the evolution of rollers has been marked by a progression towards designs that prioritise functionality, security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. Advancements in technology continue to drive innovation in the garage door industry, offering homeowners an array of options to suit their needs and preferences.
The Benefits
Roller shutter garage doors offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Here are some of the key advantages:
Security
Roller shutter garage doors provide excellent security for properties. Made of aluminium, these doors are difficult to break through, offering protection against intruders and burglars. Their robust locking mechanisms, along with built-in alarm systems, enhance the security of homes, businesses, and valuable assets stored in the garage.
Ease of Use
Rollers can be operated manually or automatically using a tubular motor system. Electric roller garage doors are equipped with remote controls or keypads for convenient operation. This makes accessing the garage quick and easy, especially during inclement weather or when carrying heavy items.
Spave Saving
Roller shutters open vertically and roll up around the barrel located at the top of the garage opening. This design maximises the space inside and outside the garage, allowing vehicles to park close to the door without obstructing its operation. It's ideal for properties with limited garage space or where every inch of space matters.
Low Maintenance
Compared to some other types of garage doors, roller doors require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and lubrication of moving parts are typically all that's needed to keep them in good working condition. This saves time and money on maintenance and repairs over the lifespan of the door.
Overall, they offer a combination of security, space-saving design, durability, convenience, and customisation options, making them an attractive choice for home owners.
Types of Roller Garage Doors
Manual Roller Shutter Doors: These doors are operated manually, typically by pulling a handle or chain to raise or lower the door. Manual roller shutter doors are straightforward in design and are often used in smaller residential garages or spaces where automation is not necessary.
Electric Roller Shutter Doors: Electric roller shutter doors are powered by an electric motor, allowing for automated operation. They are controlled by a remote control, wall-mounted switch, or keypad, providing convenience and ease of use. Electric roller garage doors are popular in both residential and commercial settings, where frequent operation and security are priorities.
Insulated Roller Shutter Doors: Insulated roller shutter doors feature additional insulation materials, such as foam or polystyrene, sandwiched between the layers of the aluminium door lath. These doors provide improved thermal efficiency, helping to regulate the temperature inside the garage and reduce energy costs. Insulated roller shutter doors are ideal for domestic properties where climate control and energy efficiency are important considerations.
How Roller Doors Work
Domestic roller shutter garage doors work using a simple yet effective mechanism that allows them to roll up vertically into a compact coil above the door opening. Here’s how they typically work:
Construction: Roller shutter garage doors are made up of horizontal slats that are hinged together. These slats can be made of various materials, such as steel, aluminium, or composite materials.
Rolling Mechanism: At the top of the door opening, there is a box unit. This serves as a housing for the door curtain (the connected slats) and allows it to roll up and down smoothly.
Guides and Tracks: The sides of the door opening are equipped with vertical guides. These guides help to keep the door curtain aligned as it moves up and down and prevent it from swinging outward.
Operation: Roller garage doors can be operated manually or automatically. Manual operation involves pulling down on a handle or chain to lower the door and lifting it up to roll it back up. Automatic operation utilises an electric motor and drive mechanism to raise and lower the door at the push of a button. Automatic roller shutter doors are often controlled by a remote control.
Safety Features: Modern roller shutter garage doors are equipped with various safety features to prevent accidents and injuries. These may include safety edges that detect obstructions in the door’s path and automatically stop and reverse the door, preventing it from closing on objects or people.
Locking Mechanisms: Roller shutter doors come with locking mechanisms to secure the door in the closed position. These may include manual locks operated by keys or automatic locking systems that engage when the door is fully closed.
View Our Gallery of Roller Doors
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roller Garage Doors
When choosing a new garage door for your home, several factors should be considered to ensure you select the right option that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
Security Features: Security is a crucial consideration for garage doors. Look for roller shutter doors with robust locking mechanisms, reinforced slats, and tamper-resistant features to enhance the security of your home. Additionally, consider optional security features such as alarm systems or self locking straps for added peace of mind.
Insulation: If your garage is attached to your home or used as a living space, consider an insulated roller door for your properties to improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable temperatures inside the garage. Insulated doors can help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs.
Size and Dimensions: Measure the dimensions of your garage opening accurately to ensure the roller shutter door fits properly. Consider factors such as headroom, side room, and clearance requirements for installation. Some roller shutter doors can be customised to fit non-standard or oversized openings. However, we always recommend hiring a specialist when it comes to buying new garage doors. (Use our directory to find your local specialist.)
Style and Design: Roller shutter garage doors come in a variety of styles, designs, and finishes to complement your home’s architecture and aesthetics. Choose a door style and finish that enhances the overall appearance of your property. Options may include 77mm slats, 55mm slats, vision slats, textured finishes, and a range of colour choices.
Operation: Decide whether you prefer manual or automatic operation for your roller shutter garage door. Manual doors require physical effort to operate but may be more cost-effective. Automatic doors feature electric motors and remote control systems for convenient operation from inside your vehicle or home. Consider the reliability, ease of use, and additional features such as battery backup or smart home connectivity.
Budget: Determine your budget for purchasing and installing roller shutter garage doors. Prices can vary depending on factors such as material, size, insulation, and automation features.
Warranty and Service: Look for roller shutter doors from reputable manufacturers that offer warranties on their products. Consider the availability of service and support, including installation assistance, maintenance services, and warranty coverage for repairs or replacements.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a door that meets your specific requirements in terms of security, insulation, aesthetics, functionality, and budget.
Be Aware! Cheap Roller Garage Doors
If you are reading this page, then I can imagine you have seen advertising for cheap roller doors everywhere. This is not a good thing because cheap roller garage doors have flooded the market over the last 10 years. With companies scamming the public with cheap roller doors, this is how it works:
> These companies sell you a roller door at a great price.
> They then sell you a 10 year extended warranty because the door comes as standard with only 1 to 2 years.
> Then when your door breaks in 6 months, they are no longer in business and have gone into administration.
This is only a concern when it comes to roller doors, but below is the reason why you need to be concerned.