A Detailed Overview of Shop Front Roller Shutter Solutions in London

[edit] Introduction

Shop front roller shutters are commonly used on retail and other commercial premises to provide security and control access outside trading hours. In London, they may be used on a wide range of shopfronts, from narrow openings in traditional high streets to larger commercial frontages. Their suitability depends on factors including the dimensions and construction of the opening, required security, frequency of operation, appearance, available space and the characteristics of the existing building.

A roller shutter consists of a curtain formed from interconnected slats that moves vertically within guide channels and winds around a roller barrel above the opening. Systems can be manually operated or powered by an electric motor. Selection and installation need to take account of the building structure, shutter dimensions, operating conditions and relevant safety requirements.

[edit] Structure and components of shop front roller shutters

The principal components of a roller shutter include the shutter curtain, roller barrel, guide channels, bottom rail and operating mechanism. Depending on the system, additional components may include a motor, control equipment, locks, safety devices and a protective enclosure or shutter box.

[edit] Roller barrel and shaft

The roller barrel, or drum, supports and winds the shutter curtain as it is raised. Its dimensions and construction are selected according to the size and mass of the curtain, the operating mechanism and the required duty cycle. Larger or more frequently operated shutters may require more substantial components and powered operation.

[edit] Slats and shutter curtain

The curtain is formed from interconnected horizontal slats, which may be manufactured from steel or aluminium. Solid slats provide a relatively continuous barrier when the shutter is closed, while perforated or punched slats incorporate openings that allow some visibility and ventilation.

The profile and dimensions of the slats affect the shutter's strength, weight, appearance and ability to resist wind and attempted forced entry. The appropriate configuration depends on the size and location of the opening and the required level of security.

[edit] Guide channels

Guide channels retain the edges of the shutter curtain and control its vertical movement. They are fixed to the structure at either side of the opening and must be adequately supported and aligned. Their dimensions and fixing arrangements depend on the shutter design and the loads imposed during operation.

Where shutters are installed on traditional or architecturally sensitive shopfronts, the position and appearance of the guide channels and shutter box may be particularly important. Externally mounted shutters can have a significant visual effect on the appearance of a shopfront.

[edit] Operating mechanisms

Shop front roller shutters may be manually operated or electrically powered. Manual systems can use a direct lifting arrangement, spring assistance or a chain mechanism, depending on the size and design of the shutter. Larger or frequently operated shutters are commonly motorised.

Powered systems normally incorporate a tubular or external motor, controls and safety devices appropriate to the installation. The operating system should be selected according to the shutter's size, weight, frequency of use and method of control.

[edit] Bottom rail and locking

A bottom rail provides rigidity at the lower edge of the curtain and helps it engage correctly with the guide channels. Shutters may incorporate locks or other means of securing the curtain in the closed position. The locking arrangement depends on the shutter design, operating mechanism and security requirements.

[edit] Types of shop front roller shutters

Different shutter configurations are available to suit requirements for security, visibility, ventilation, appearance and thermal performance.

[edit] Solid roller shutters

Solid roller shutters use relatively continuous metal slats to form an opaque barrier when closed. They provide a high degree of visual screening and are commonly used where security and protection of the shop interior are the principal requirements.

[edit] Perforated and punched roller shutters

Perforated shutters incorporate relatively small, regularly distributed openings in the slats, while punched shutters generally have larger openings or patterns. Both allow greater visibility through the closed shutter than solid systems.

These types can be useful where maintaining visibility of a shop display outside trading hours is desirable. The openings also allow some air movement, although the precise degree of ventilation and security depends on the design.

[edit] Transparent roller shutters

Transparent roller shutters can incorporate polycarbonate or other transparent elements within a supporting framework. They provide visibility through the closed shutter while maintaining a physical barrier across the opening. Their suitability depends on the required level of security, impact resistance, fire performance and the manufacturer's tested system characteristics.

[edit] Insulated roller shutters

Insulated roller shutters incorporate slats with an insulating core, generally using materials such as foamed polymers between metal skins. They can reduce heat transfer through the closed shutter compared with uninsulated systems and may also provide improved acoustic performance.

The thermal performance of an insulated shutter depends on the complete assembly, including the slats, joints, guide channels and shutter box. It should not be assumed that an insulated roller shutter will provide the same thermal performance as an insulated wall or door assembly.

[edit] Installation and design considerations

Installation normally begins with a survey of the opening and its surrounding structure. The dimensions of the opening, available headroom, fixing points and condition of the supporting structure need to be established before the shutter is selected.

The principal stages generally include:

• measuring the opening and assessing the supporting structure;
• selecting a suitable shutter type, slat profile and operating mechanism;
• determining the position and dimensions of the roller barrel, shutter box and guide channels;
• installing and securely fixing the guide channels and supporting components;
• assembling the barrel and shutter curtain;
• installing the manual or electric operating mechanism;
• aligning the curtain and checking its movement;
• installing and testing locks, controls and safety devices; and
• commissioning the complete installation.

The installation should be carried out in accordance with the requirements applicable to the particular shutter and its intended use. Powered shutters require particular attention to safe operation, control systems and protection against foreseeable hazards. Where shutters are used as workplace equipment, inspection and maintenance requirements may also apply.

[edit] Shop front design and the London context

The appearance of a roller shutter can have a significant effect on a shopfront, particularly where the building forms part of a traditional high street or a conservation area. Shutter boxes, guide channels and curtains can obscure architectural features or alter the proportions of an existing frontage. The design and location of the shutter therefore need to be considered alongside the character of the building and the surrounding streetscape.

Historic shopfronts may be particularly sensitive to externally mounted roller shutters. In some circumstances, local planning or conservation requirements may affect the acceptability of a proposed installation. The need for security should therefore be balanced against the architectural and townscape considerations of the site.

[edit] Operation, inspection and maintenance

Roller shutters contain moving mechanical components and, where electrically operated, electrical and control equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance can help identify problems such as damaged slats, misaligned guide channels, worn components, faulty motors, defective controls and problems with locking mechanisms.

A shutter that becomes difficult to operate, makes unusual noises, moves unevenly or fails to stop correctly should be inspected before continued use where doing so could create a safety risk. Maintenance requirements depend on the type of shutter, its frequency of use and the conditions in which it operates.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Shutter
• Types of shutters
• Emergency roller shutter repair
• Solar shading design
• Shop signs
• The high street
• Design codes and pattern books
• Pilaster
• Fire doors in buildings
• Shop

--Qsfcontractors