Manual or Electric Operation for Roller Shutters from Rollashield

Question:
I'm not sure if I should have manual or electric operation for my roller shutter?

Answer:
Both can be quite effective in the correct situation.

If the roller shutter is for residential use consider:

The size of the roller shutter
Obviously the larger roller shutters are, the more they weigh. Manual operation is perfectly fine up to a certain point, then it is definitely more user friendly to have electric operation. The weight of large roller shutters becomes too much to comfortably wind manually. If you are having manual operation, the steel cable winch operation is the best because the winch comes in three sizes which are geared according to the weight of the roller shutter and the steel cable is more durable for the long term.

Price and budget
Electric operation for roller shutters is usually more expensive than manual operation. In recent years however, tubular roller shutter motors have become much more affordable and the price difference is not as great now. For convenience and ease of operation more people are going electric these days. Note: there are differences in the quality of some imported motors (and hence they are cheaper) so check carefully and use a roller shutter company with years of experience.

If the roller shutter is for shop front or commercial use consider both of the above points as well as:

The staff who will use it
In commercial situations, manual roller shutters are usually spring operation with key locking. The spring is tensioned to make the roller shutter easier to lift but not too hard to push back down to close. Some staff may not have the physical strength to operate a large manual commercial roller shutter. You do not want any OHS issues from strained backs so electric may be better.

Is it the only entry or exit from the shop?
If it is the only exit from the shop or commercial premises, then an electric roller shutter will have to comply with emergency exit regulations in case of a power failure to prevent staff being locked inside. In this instance, manual operation may be better if the roller shutter is not too large.

Power failures that may prevent trading
Unless you have battery backup power or a manual override motor fitted to the roller shutter you could arrive at the shop, find the power in the area is out and you are not able to raise the electric roller shutter and open the shop for trading. Loss of trading could be costly. Battery backup and manual override options are both readily available for shop front roller shutters and are best installed when the roller shutter is purchased.

Rollashield Shutters www.rollashieldshutters.com.au