If you’re looking to protect a shop front, office, warehouse or even a garage, you’ve probably come online to figure out what the best option is. In your reading (where you’ve probably been advertised a hundred different products), you’ll have come across 2 big names in physical security. Roller shutters and security grills. On the surface it might seem like they do the same job, sitting in front of your doors and windows making life very difficult for anyone with bad intentions. But they go about it in quite different ways, so choosing the right option for you is a little more complicated than you might think. It’s all about what you’re protecting and how you use your building.
What’s the Difference Between Roller Shutters and Security Grills?
Here’s a simple look at what each of them are, and what makes them different.
Roller shutters are made from solid interlocking slats (usually aluminium or steel) that roll up into a box above the door or window. When they’re down, they form a solid barrier that covers the whole opening with no gaps.
Security grills are made from an open lattice or bar design. They can be fixed in place, or they can be retractable and fold back like a concertina to one side when you open up. Because they’re an open structure, you can see right through them.
The Benefits of Roller Shutters
Roller shutters are definitely more of a heavyweight option. Because they form a solid barrier, they hide what’s inside. And if someone can’t see what’s on the other side, they’ve got much less reason to target the premises in the first place. They also do a lot more than keep intruders out. They also:
Add strength. A good, well-fitted shutter is a serious obstacle to get past. It takes time, effort and a lot of noise to get through, and thieves don’t like any of those.
Protect glass from weather and vandalism. They shield the glass from graffiti, damage, and the worst the weather can throw at them.
Insulate noise. If you opt for insulated shutters, they can help keep heat in and street noise out.
Convenient to use. Electric shutters can be opened and closed with a switch or even a remote, which makes locking up on a dark and wet January evening much easier.
Of course, they’re not perfect. They tend to cost more, and once they’re down your premises is invisible from the street. Great, unless you want a lit window display working for you after hours. The motors and mechanisms will also need servicing on occasion, and if you don’t catch problems early you could find your shutter stuck halfway down on a busy Monday morning.
The Benefits of Security Grills
Security grills are often the more practical choice for businesses that don’t want to hide away completely. Because they’re designed to be open, it means passers-by can still see your window displays, and passing police patrols or neighbours can see inside – which works in your favour if something does look wrong. They’re also great for:
Visibility. A huge advantage for retail units, salons, cafes and any business with a window display worth showing off.
Airflow and light. Useful for units that need ventilation or natural light.
Cost. They’re generally more affordable than a full shutter system.
A traditional look. In some settings, a grill can be much more in keeping with the building than a solid roller shutter.
The trade-off here is that they don’t protect you against everything. A grill will stop someone from climbing through, but it won’t stop them spraying graffiti on the glass, or taking a peek at what’s inside. The quality of the grill matters a lot too, since the more lightweight, budget options are far easier to defeat than a properly manufactured, tested one.
So Which is Better?
Honestly, it depends. Which might not be the answer you want to hear, but bear with us.
Roller shutters are usually a better choice if:
- You want the highest level of protection
- You’d rather nobody could see what’s inside overnight
- Your premises is in an area with a higher risk of break-ins or vandalism
- You’d like the extra benefits of weather protection and insulation
While security grills are usually the better choice if:
- You want to keep your window display visible after hours
- You need ventilation or natural light
- You’re working to a tighter budget
- You want a lower-profile look that suits the building
So, it’s really about figuring out what your priorities are, and where they fall on those lists.
Before You Buy
Whichever way you’re leaning, there are a few things you need to check before you buy.
Your insurance policy: A lot of insurers set out specific security requirements, and it’s easy to assume you’re covered. After all, you’re adding security, right? But sadly, not always, so it’s worth checking before you buy anything.
Planning permission: If you’re in a conservation area, a listed building or a shopfront, then you might need permission from your local council before fitting either option.
Fire safety and escape routes: Anywhere people sleep or need to get out quickly needs to be able to open from the inside. Since you may have people working inside your premises even when it isn’t open to the public, you need to make sure anything you install can be opened from the inside and meet planning regulations.
The locks: This is the bit people often forget. A shutter or a grill is only as secure as the locks that are holding it shut. Having a top-quality shutter with a weak lock is like putting a steel door on a tent. At the end of the day, the best option is the one that suits your premises, your budget and your insurer. If you’re not sure which way to go, as experienced locksmiths we’re always happy to talk it through with you. We can take a look at your doors, windows and existing locks, and advise you on what will give you the best protection. Just get in touch with the team today, and we’ll get started.