If you run a business with a physical location, you’ve probably spent a lot of time working out how to make it more secure. And we’re sure one of the things on your list to research is roller shutters- which is how you ended up here. At My Lock Locksmiths, we’ve installed our fair share of roller shutters, so we wanted to give you an insight into how they can be used, and how effective they are.
What Are Roller Shutters?
Roller shutters pretty much do what they say on the tin. They are heavy-duty secure shutters, fixed to a rolling mechanism above the door and/or windows. When you want to lock the shop, you roll the shutter down and the shutter slides along rails that are embedded into the door/window frame. The shutter is then secured into place with a lock, so it cannot be moved up or down. This type of security measure is up there with one of the best there is, but there are a few things that you need to bear in mind. Before you opt for roller shutters, first consider:
- Is there space outside the property and above the door/windows to mount the shutters and storage space?
- Is there adequate electrical access for the shutters to run off?
- Is it ok to now have any light or view in and out of the property when it’s secured?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then roller shutters could be a suitable option for your business. So now, let’s look at the pros and cons.
Advantages of Roller Shutters
Roller shutters can be fitted to both windows and doors, allowing you to make your unit completely secure and significantly reducing the likelihood of break-ins. They also:
- Provide a high level of security.
- Ensure only authorised people can access your premises.
- Block out light and obstruct view both into and out of the premises.
Disadvantages of Roller Shutters
Of course, like everything there are negatives to roller shutters, and these will mainly apply if they aren’t a good option for you. They include:
- The shutters will need electricity in order to work. Sometimes this is not a problem, but if the power sources aren’t easily accessible then this can be expensive to put in place.
- They block out light and obstruct the view, which can be a negative in some circumstances.
- They can be more expensive than other options.
- They do require regular maintenance to run smoothly.
- If keys are lost, they prevent any kind of entrance to the premises until a locksmith arrives.
Are Security Grilles A Better Option?
Of course, roller shutters aren’t the only option for the extra level of security. Another, comparable choice is security grilles, which fold out sideways to create secure bars across all glass doors and windows in the property. Security grilles have their own pros and cons, but they can sometimes be more useful for businesses with large window spaces and displays. This is because they allow light into and out of the property and mean passers-by can see the window displays even when the retail unit is closed. For shops that sell high-value items this can be useful, as it allows people to browse and fall in love with their products even when they aren’t inside the store. However these are almost always more expensive than roller shutters, so they can be a much more affordable option.
At My Lock, we install and maintain all manner of physical security mechanisms, including roller shutters and security grilles. We can supply and fit the originals, cut new keys for you, and provide on-call maintenance to keep them working properly. If you would like to know more, just get in touch with the team today.