How Weather Conditions Affect Roller Shutter Performance
Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your roller shutters. Your roller shutters serve an important protection from outdoor elements such as sun, wind, and rain.
However, they often have to withstand a lot to provide that much-needed protection. Fluctuating weather conditions can impact the overall durability and functionality.
In this latest blog, we'll delve into the various ways weather conditions influence roller shutter performance including:
- Temperature fluctuations
- Heavy rain
- Windows and storms
- UV exposure
We'll also cover the various ways you can be proactive and reactive to these issues to ensure your roller shutters remain in pristine condition all-year-round regardless of the fluctuating weather conditions in the UK!
Looking to get in touch for roller shutter installation? Call us at 01204 918 991 or use our contact form.
Let's get into the different weather conditions after your roller shutter performance...
Temperature Fluctuations
Especially in the UK, we are exposed to varying degrees of temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations can have a significant impact and cause roller shutters to bend, misalign, or warp. For example, in areas where high temperatures soar in the warmer months, metal shutters may become hot to the touch, potentially affecting their operation and even causing discomfort if located near living spaces. On the other hand, during the colder months, this can cause shutters to jam and not work to full operation.
Heavy Rain
We're going to state the obvious: it rains a lot in the UK! But, how does it affect the performance and longevity of roller shutters? Well, it affects the structural integrity and smooth movement of how your shutters would normally operate. When heavy rain pours down onto your shutters, this can also cause water ingress through gaps or cracks in the shutter assembly that can damage internal mechanisms and electrical components, such as motors and controls. Fortunately, there are things to combat this, which we'll cover towards the end of this blog, giving you the required solutions.
Wind and Storms
As well as heavy rain impacting the performance of your shutters, winds and storms can also have a detrimental impact too. If your roller shutter(s) haven't been adequately secured and / or installed, this may cause your shutters to rattle or become dislodged from their tracks. The result of this? Well, they essentially stop working how they should! Furthermore, strong winds and storms can also cause cosmetic damage, as well as visible scratches and dents.
UV Exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause gradual degradation of materials used in roller shutters, particularly plastics and painted surfaces. Over time, prolonged UV exposure can lead to fading, discoloration, and deterioration of finishes, reducing the aesthetic appeal and protective properties of the shutters. In addition to cosmetic concerns, UV radiation can weaken the structural integrity of certain materials, making them more prone to cracking, brittleness, or embrittlement.
Mitigating the Effects of Weather on Roller Shutter Performance
We can't change the fluctuating weather conditions in the UK, but we do have control of mitigating the effects of weather on your roller shutter performance.
Regular Maintenance
For example, implementing a roller shutter maintenance schedule is one of the best things you can do to ensure longevity of performance. UK Doors & Shutters provide an on-going maintenance package which includes: lubricating moving parts, addressing minor issues, and tightening loose fasteners.
Weatherproofing
You may also want to consider weatherproofing. Here, you can implement additional measures that help to protect your shutters from outdoor elements including heavy rain and storms. For example, you'll be able to apply sealants or coatings to prevent water infiltration, install weather strips or gaskets to minimise air leakage, and add insulation to improve thermal efficiency and temperature regulation.
Proper Installation
As a proactive approach, it's paramount to ensure that your roller shutter(s) are correctly installed. Of course, when you choose UK Doors & Shutters, professional installation is guaranteed. However, if your shutters have been installed by another company and you need us to check if they have been accurately installed, get in touch with us right away.
Material Selection
Selecting a suitable material is also paramount for mitigating the effects of weather on your roller shutter(s) performance. Options for you to consider include: aluminium, steel, composite materials, and more. This is a hugely important step in regards to being proactive.
Get Your Quotation For Roller Shutter Repair Or Installation!
So, it's clear that a wide range of adverse weather conditions can impact the performance of your roller shutter doors. Hopefully you have learned more about how you can react or be proactive towards these conditions that we experience regularly in the UK.
Whether you require roller shutter installation, repairs, or servicing, we are here to help as your 5-star-rated roller shutter door company. Call us today at 01204 918 991 or use the contact form and we'll get back to you promptly.