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Roller shutter won’t open or close? 7 checks before you call

Guide

Roller shutter won’t open or close? 7 checks before you call

Quick, safe checks for a stuck electric or manual roller shutter, and the warning signs that mean you should stop and call an engineer.

Safety first

Roller shutters are heavy and store a lot of energy in their springs. Never try to force a shutter, stand underneath a partly open curtain, or open the barrel housing.

If the shutter has dropped suddenly, is hanging at an angle or you can hear grinding, stop using it and call us.

Seven safe checks

These checks fix a surprising number of “broken” shutters:

  • Power: check the isolator switch near the control box and the fuse or breaker at the board.
  • Remote: replace the remote battery, and try the key switch if you have one.
  • Obstructions: look for anything in the guide rails, such as stones, ice, litter or a padlock left on.
  • Locks: make sure any manual bolts, end locks or floor locks are released.
  • Safety edge: a damaged rubber safety edge can stop the shutter closing. Check it is not split or hanging loose.
  • Thermal cut-out: motors cut out if overused. Wait 20–30 minutes and try again.
  • Ice: in freezing weather the bottom rail can freeze to the ground. Wait for it to thaw. Do not force it.

When to call an engineer

If none of the above works, or the shutter is noisy, slow, uneven or has dropped, call our 24/7 line. We can talk you through make-safe steps on the phone and dispatch an engineer straight away.

Shutter or door failed?

Engineers on call 24/7. Dispatch within 60 minutes, and we’ll make you secure tonight.