Released On 6th Feb 2024

Weathering Winter Challenges: Ensuring Your Roller-Shutter Doors Stand Strong

The UK’s unpredictable weather can usher in more than just a chill in the winter season…and not only in the winter! Seasonal conditions can pose challenges for maintaining the safety of our workplaces, staff, and visitors. 

Roller-shutter doors, crucial for industrial settings, are particularly susceptible to issues like freezing, increased weight from snow, and potential water damage from rain. However, with proactive measures and routine maintenance, businesses can weather the storm and keep their roller-shutters operating smoothly. 

Practical steps for businesses to mitigate weather-related issues

Regular Maintenance

Schedule routine inspections to ensure all components of the roller-shutter are in optimal condition. The frequency of these checks depends on the door’s level of usage (our blog post about your legal obligations has more information in this respect), but at minimum, once a year. 

Weather-proofing

Safeguard against corrosion and damage by rainwater infiltration by ensuring vulnerable areas are sealed. Some roller-shutter doors come with built-in weather seals and gaskets to provide insulation and protection against the elements, while others may offer them as optional add-ons. 

Vulnerable areas prone to corrosion or susceptible to water entry:

• Bottom rail – Being close to the ground it is exposed to moisture and prone to corrosion.
• Guide channels – Water can seep into guide channels, leading to corrosion, especially if the channels are not properly sealed or maintained.
• Fixings and fasteners – Bolts, screws or other fasteners may be vulnerable if they are not corrosion-resistant.
• Exposed steel components – Unprotected steel parts that are exposed to the elements are also at risk of corrosion. Anti corrosion treatments can help.

If your doors don’t have this protection, get in touch for advice and options. 

Anti-corrosion treatments

We recommend the following methods to reduce the rate of corrosion to your roller-doors, or resist its effects.

• Galvanisation – Coated steel components with a layer of zinc through galvanisation creates a protective barrier.
• Powder-coating – Applying a powder-coating to the surface provides a durable and protective layer.
• Corrosion-resistant paints – High quality, corrosion-resistant paints formulated for outdoor use can also help to protect steel components.
• Stainless steel components – Stainless steel is inherently resistant to rust.
• Rust inhibitors and sealants – Applying rust inhibitors or sealants to vulnerable areas, such as fasteners and joints, can create an additional protective layer.
• Regular cleaning and lubrication – Keep roller-doors clean and well lubricated to help prevent the accumulation of moisture.

Lubricating treatments

For lubricating roller-shutter doors, it's advisable to use lubricant specifically designed for such applications. Some examples include:

• Silicone based lubricants – Known for their versatility and resistance to water. They can provide a protective coating and smooth operation for moving parts.
• White lithium grease – This is a heavy-duty lubricant that adheres well to surfaces and provides good protection against rust and corrosion.
• Teflon-based lubricants – Teflon (PTFE) lubricants offer excellent friction reduction and can be effective in preventing wear and tear on moving parts.
• Graphite lubricants – These are suitable for high-temperature environments and provide good lubrication for door tracks and other components.

Remove snow 

Clear accumulated snow regularly to prevent excessive weight, which can damage the shutter mechanism; prolonged wet conditions will also lead to rust. Use appropriate tools, such as a snow rake or snow broom, to avoid damaging the door surface. 

Maintain the right temperature

Maintaining the ideal temperature range (between 0°C to 40°C) for industrial doors is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable performance and prevent issues occurring. Extreme cold can cause stiffness, while excessive heat may impact electronic components. 

There are various companies in the UK which specialise in energy-efficient heating systems for industrial and commercial environments. They include options such as gas-fired heating solutions and ceiling-mounted radiant heaters that can be configured to different zones in your facility to keep costs down. This may seem like an added expense; however, it’s mitigated by fewer repairs and the prolonged life of your roller-shutters.  

Easy-Roll can also recommend roller-shutters for environments that are exposed to extreme temperature challenges. 

Adjustable spring tension

Temperature changes can also affect the flexibility of materials in your shutters, including springs. Adjustable spring tension allows for fine-tuning the springs to accommodate for variations in temperature, to balance the weight of the door.

Achieving the right balance ensures that the door can be easily opened and closed manually or with a motorised system. Roller-shutter doors come in various sizes and weights so adjustable spring tension allows for customisation based on the door's specific dimensions and weight. This flexibility ensures the appropriate calibration for optimal performance in any climate environment.

Signs that your springs may need adjusting:

• Difficulty opening and/or closing the door
• Uneven movement
• Excessive noise
• Irregular rolling or stopping
• Visible gaps or misalignment

Professional inspection

Most of these maintenance tips can be done as and when needed by the business owner or their internal maintenance team. This shouldn’t be a substitute for periodic inspections and maintenance by professional roller-shutter experts, though. 

Be proactive to identify and address potential issues whenever they are spotted; small problems can escalate into much bigger and more expensive ones if left! A professional service offers peace of mind as you head into the cold and wet seasons.

Common Winter Faults: Addressing Components and Mechanisms

Stiff mechanisms

Cold temperatures can cause lubricants to thicken, affecting the smooth operation of your roller-shutter door. If this happens you should consult a qualified professional, who can clean the area thoroughly, removing and replacing the ineffective lubricant safely.

Frozen springs

Extreme cold can make metal springs more rigid, impacting their flexibility. This will make it harder to operate your roller-door efficiently. Ensure the springs are inspected and replaced if necessary.

Motor issues

Electric motors may struggle in very cold conditions, potentially leading to operational issues. Regular servicing ensures optimal motor performance and may avoid problems when the temperature really drops. 

Material contraction

Cold temperatures can cause metal components to contract, affecting the alignment of slats in your roller shutter. Appropriate lubricants designed for colder temperatures, which we discussed above, plus insulation, will reduce the risk of this happening. 

The choice of insulation material depends on your thermal requirements, budget and space constraints. Additionally, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper insulation coverage and effectiveness.

Easy-roll's insulated doors guard against material shrinkage by reducing temperature fluctuations, preventing condensation, and preserving structural integrity by limiting metal expansion and contraction. These doors also enhance energy efficiency by lessening the load on temperature control systems due to external conditions.

Wind-force resistance

Strong winds can cause intense vibrations, stressing door components and leading to structural damage or misalignment of roller shutters. Slats may loosen or break, and in severe cases, the entire shutter could detach from its guides. 

When buying a roller shutter, it's important to consider wind resistance. Conduct wind-load calculations following local codes to assess reinforcement needs for your area's wind conditions. Choose durable materials like reinforced steel or aluminium. 

Easy-Roll offers wind-lock systems for extra wind resistance, featuring interlocking slats to prevent forced openings. Their doors use strong, securely anchored guides and tracks to reduce dislodgement risks in high winds.

Book your service today

To ensure you navigate winter challenges seamlessly, book your roller-shutter service with Easy-Roll today. Call us on 01823 451631 or drop an email to info@easy-roll.com.