Roller Shutters for Shop Security: The Best Options for Your Business

Solid roller shutters

One of the most popular types of roller shutters on the market is the solid shutter. Solid shutters are made from a single piece of material, typically aluminium or steel. This can be powder-coated in a colour to match your brand, chosen from the RAL colour chart.

They are very strong and durable, and they provide a high level of security for your business. The fact that they are one solid sheet of metal means they are very difficult for intruders to break through, and they completely block visibility into your premises so potential thieves are unable to assess whether your inventory is worth the effort of breaking through.

Solid roller shutters can provide good security for a shop, but they have some drawbacks. They can be expensive, and they can be difficult to install unless you’re working with a professional.

They also block out light and can make a shop feel claustrophobic.

Local councils often discourage shops and neighbourhood premises from having solid roller shutters because it can have a negative impact on the perceived safety of an area – having roller shutters that allow walkers to see into the shop during evening hours improves the economic potential of an area.

If you are looking for a high-security option in an industrial area, solid shutters are a good choice. If your shop is in a local shopping district or neighbourhood, then you may want to explore perforated shutters or punched hole shutters.

Perforated roller shutters

Perforated roller shutters are made of aluminium or steel, and have small holes punched into the metal. This allows light and air to pass through while still deterring would-be thieves.

Perforated roller shutters are a popular choice for businesses that want to keep their premises secure but don’t want to sacrifice natural light or ventilation. You will often find them in parking garages, as well as on shop fronts on the high street.

When choosing perforated roller shutters, it is important to consider the size of the holes, as this will determine how much light and air can pass through. Local councils may have regulations around the amount of visibility your shutters should allow – for instance, in certain neighbourhoods, councils require at least 75% visibility through the shutters.

One drawback of perforated roller shutters is that they can let in dust and other small particles. This can be a problem for businesses that are located in dusty or dirty environments.

Perforated shutters offer a high level of security and are easy to operate, making them a popular choice for businesses.

Punched hole shutters

Punched hole shutters are similar to perforated roller shutters, but with larger holes punched into the metal. This makes them more breathable and allows more light to pass through, making them a good choice for businesses that want to keep their premises well-lit.

Punched hole shutters are less expensive than solid roller shutters, and they are easier to install. Because of how much natural light they allow into the premises, which can make a shop feel more welcoming and open.

The main drawback of punched hole shutters is that they do not provide the same level of security as solid roller shutters. The holes in the metal can be large enough for a potential thief to see what is inside the premises, and the holes can also be used to gain leverage when trying to break through the shutter.

Punched hole shutters are a good choice for shops that are looking for a balance between security and visibility.

Rolling grille shutters

Rolling grille shutters are a type of security shutter that is made up of interlocking slats. The slats can be made from different materials, such as steel, aluminium, or polycarbonate.

One advantage of rolling grille shutters is that they can be easily retracted when not in use, which allows businesses to keep their premises well-lit. They are usually lighter than solid roller shutters and take up less space, so they are also a good solution for businesses who want a manual motor on their shutters.

The main disadvantage of rolling grille shutters is that they can be noisy when opening and closing. This can be a problem for businesses that are located in busy areas.

Local councils are often more likely to approve planning permission for rolling grille shutters over solid roller shutters because they are visually less obtrusive and create a more open shopping environment outside of business hours.

Polycarbonate shutters

Polycarbonate shutters are made from a clear plastic material that is incredibly hard to break through. They are very popular in shopping centres or open plan premises like doctors’ surgeries and hospitals, where one part of the building may be closed to the public while the rest remains open.

You will often see these shutters used in lieu of doors for flagship stores in big shopping areas because they allow a large amount of light and visibility into the premises even when the store is no longer open for shoppers.

Polycarbonate shutters are virtually indestructible. They are also shatter-resistant, making them a good choice for businesses that are located in busy areas.

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate shutters is that they can be scratched or damaged easily if you use poor quality manufacturers. Polycarbonate shutters are also designed to let light into an area, so if you’re looking for shutters that will block out light, you may want to consider solid roller shutters.

What kind of roller shutters do you need?

There are a variety of roller shutters available that offer different levels of security and visibility. The best option for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Solid roller shutters are the most secure option, but they can be expensive and block out light. Punched hole shutters are less expensive and allow natural light into the premises, but they do not provide the same level of security. Rolling grille shutters are a good compromise between security and visibility, but they can be noisy. Polycarbonate shutters are virtually indestructible, but they can be easily scratched or damaged.

When choosing roller shutters for your business, the location and type of premises will be big factors to consider.

London Shop Fronts have been providing exceptional roller shutters for businesses on the British high street and beyond for decades.

For a free consultation to discuss your roller shutter needs, get in touch with us today.