How to Choose Roller Shutters for Windows and Doors?

Security is of course the main purpose for buying roller steel doors and shutters, but there are reasons for having them too.  Choosing your shutters carefully is the key to being satisfied with its performance and quality.  Well-selected shutters give you value for money, and the protection you need against the elements, whether it is weather, noise, or crime.

 

What do you need the shutters for?

Roller shutter is available for all types of applications, and no longer exclusive to industrial and commercial establishments.  It’s important to determine the purpose or reason for having shutters.  Do you need them for your home or for your store?  Alternately, understand what you need the most from the shutters – is it to reduce noise, to improve insulation, or to fortify your building against fire or burglary?  Make a checklist of what you expect from your shutters before shopping.

Do they offer good fit and smooth operation?

Your shutters won’t look good and perform well without having the right fit.  Operation is also obstructed when your roller doors and shutters don’t have the exact dimensions.  It’s a must to get accurate dimensions of the openings you want protected with the shutters.  Also, choose between automatic and manual operation.  If you want, you could integrate your shutters with your general security and alarm system.

Is there guarantees or warranties?

Guarantees and warranties are crucial because they provide you with protection in case of faulty or damaged products.  The dealer or manufacturer should offer you guarantees on parts and materials, as well as service and repair for a certain period.  For the most part, guarantees offer better coverage than warranties.  The longer and more comprehensive the guarantee or warranty is, the better.  You’ll be paying more for security door and shutter products with guarantee or warranty, so weigh your options.

Are there extra features?

Aside from basic features which should match your reason for buying, you might want to consider shutters with varying colours or patterns, or those with sophisticated control systems, backup power, remote controls and manual override systems.  Extra features may mean extra cost, so make sure the shutters are reasonably priced for what they’re truly worth.

Who is the maker of the shutters?

Check out the manufacturer.  Make sure that the company shows good service and professionalism, and offers products of quality craftsmanship and materials.  The performance and quality of your roller shutter greatly depend on the processes and materials used to design them.  In another note, your shutters are going to need repairs and maintenance checks, so it’s great that you’re provided with prompt and satisfactory after-sales service.

What Are the Insulation Options for Your Steel Doors

Steel doors provide maximum security to buildings and homes.  The strength, beauty and durability of steel make it a fine alternative to securing entrances.  However, besides providing protection against burglary and fire, doors likewise need to provide protection against extreme cold or hot weather.  Insulation in doors is the key for making interiors concealed, thus making the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter.  This also helps reduce energy consumption by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and homes and at the same time make the doors sound-proof.

Regular steel doors are made of thick metal construction, usually at 2 inches, and can handle winds of up to 85 miles per hour.  These are already very powerful gateways; however, more improvements can be done to make these doors more practical to use.  By adding a layer of polystyrene or polyurethane insulation, the doors significantly reduce noise and heat loss and at the same time become more resistant to strong winds.  Alternately, the doors become a lot stronger and more energy efficient when the insulation layer is sandwiched between heavy gauge steel panels.

Doors made of steel come in three variants: un-insulated, insulated and double skin.  Un-insulated steel doors have one layer of steel panel.  Insulated ones have two layers, one layer of steel panel at the front and then one layer of insulation material at the back.  Meanwhile, double skin doors have three layers: steel panel on the front, insulation panel in between and steel panel on the back.  In locations where weather changes do not reach extreme levels, doors with two layers will do.  However, places frequented by storms or have long, extreme winters or summers need three-layer doors.

For aesthetic purposes, some steel doors are fitted with composite or vinyl on the exteriors to make them appear like wood.  This faux-wood layer however isn’t as resistant to strong winds and is prone to damage.  It’s usually standard for steel entrances to be painted to prevent corrosion and rust.  Paint also enhances the look of the doors, adding colour, shine and uniqueness.  The doors may likewise be painted with varying patterns and designs, even mural to depict a message, warning or sign.  It’s not new for doors to be used for advertising or for giving directions.

Noise and extreme temperature make interiors uncomfortable.  Entrances need to be protected with doors made of hard-wearing construction.  Steel of course is one of the most practical materials for  security doors because it doesn’t dent, rot or break easily, not to mention it’s cost-effective.  Other than that, steel doors can be insulated to make them energy efficient.

How Resistant are Security Doors and Steel Doors?!

Have a look at this video, it shows how security doors and steel doors can protect your business! It shows the methods and tools that burglars may use to break in, and demonstrates how resistant these security doors can be! Have a look and let me know what you think!

 

How Can Fire Shutters Enhance Establishments’ Fire Resistance

If you’re looking for a roller shutter or door, consider fire shutter that is designed to provide fire protection.  Fire shutter is becoming a popular option for enhancing fire resistance of an establishment or structure.  When compared with standard fire rated door and shutter, fire shutter is designed with a mechanism to detect fire and to activate itself automatically.  In most cases, the fire shutter is connected to a fire alarm system to produce an overall alert, sending out warning to those who are within and at close proximity to the location of the fire.

Security door with fire resistance facilitates the safe exit in case of fire.  The door is made of steel with enhanced resistance against fire, so it can be used to control or manage the damage by closing in various sections of the building or floor.  Sectional shutter makes it easy to allow exit of people and property, whilst keeping fire damage at minimum.  Horizontal fire shutters are especially great at providing protection between floors.

Shutters and doors that offer fire protection are made according to specific industry standards.  They pass through rigid tests in order to ensure they meet stringent requirements of insurance providers, as well as those end-users who are very particular about safety.  Moreover, these fire-resistant steel doors and shutters are customizable to fit different dimensions of openings.  Also, you have an option whether to have them in galvanised steel or powder-coated steel.

Fire shutters are basically run with simple controls and don’t require manual intervention.  The shutters automatically activates upon detection of fire whether it is part of an overall fire alarm system or an automated standalone system.  This means that the steel doors are easy to integrate into the architecture and mechanism of the building.  The doors come in very attractive designs and colours, making them suitable for all types of applications.

Aside from providing fire protection, which usually lasts up to four hours or so, the doors are sustainable to use.  These doors normally have unbeatable eco-efficiency rating, providing high levels of insulation.  Furthermore, steel is nearly 100 percent recyclable, further reducing environmental pollution.   The use of fire shutters greatly improves the environmental efficiency of your building or structure without undermining its look and utility.

Lastly, fire resistant roller doors that don’t just minimise damage to property and people due to fire accidents, but also protect against intrusion and burglary.  Some criminals cover up their crime by setting the structure on fire.  The installation of fire doors and shutters integrated into the overall fire and burglar prevention system of a building helps to manage all forms of damage and loss.

Why Use a Multipurpose Door that’s Made of Steel

It’s awfully necessary to install reliable steel doors and other security features at the entrances of your home or building to discourage, or at least delay, intrusion.   Doors and main entrances must be secured to prevent burglaries.  Aside from break-ins, there are issues of bad weather and poor ventilation concerning a structure.  In both residential and commercial settings, securing entrances is a priority in order to maintain safety of life and property.  This gives everyone peace of mind, especially during times of great uncertainties.  You can’t afford to be complacent and careless.

Burglars are prepared to vandalise and ransack a property they target, but a good security door can make all the difference between a successful burglary and a failed attempt.  Steel is one of the sturdiest and most dependable materials for securing entrances.  It is fire retardant, versatile and affordable, not to mention visually appealing.  The right gauge of steel gives the door the required strength and durability needed to secure door entrances.  The application of protective coating makes the door resistant to corrosion and rust, making it longer-lasting and aesthetically pleasing.

Steel security door is not only great for retail store application.  It is likewise suitable as communal door, fire exit door, acoustic door, sports hall door, and even residential door.  The door can be customised according to individual requirements.  It may be fitted with special locks, ventilation windows, glass windows, door viewers, screen panels, and acoustic layers to meet specific purposes.  For areas where the steel door may be prone to corrosion and rust, stainless steel material or anti-rust coating may be used.

Steel is naturally fire retardant, but special layer of flame-control or fire-free chemical renders steel doors extra resistant to fire.  Since steel conducts heat, it serves as a good indicator when fire breaks out in a certain room, preventing from accidentally entering a room where there’s fire, spreading the fire and worsening the matter.  Meanwhile, peep holes and door viewers allow for enhanced security against intrusion.  Special viewers can be installed to give a better, clearer view of what’s outside without opening the door.

Security doors need not be all-steel that’s thick and solid, as this doesn’t promote good ventilation.  To keep proper air circulation, the security door may be fitted with screen panels to prevent insects from entering but facilitate air passage.  Screen panels likewise allow daylight to brighten the interior without totally compromising security as in the case of leaving doors open.  Of course, to make the doors stylish, they may be embossed or fabricated to display patterns and textures, aside from coating them with paint.

Why Steel Doors and Steel Frames Make a Great Combo

When a passageway requires utmost security, there’s no doubt for having a combination of steel doors and steel frames.  The steel combo provides maximum strength and durability, not to mention resistance against the elements.  Aside from strength, steel features incredible visual qualities, which further enhances the appeal of a structure or building.  Whilst there are other alternatives for securing openings and passages, steel is something that can’t be beat in a number of aspects.

Steel Gateways in Action

Both frames and doors form a complete passageway system – entrance, exit or both.  The system is designed to meet specific requirements as in the case of industrial, commercial or residential applications of steel shutters, steel doors, and the like.  It’s not new to see steel gates, shutters and doors securing many business and office establishments.  Even residential garages are almost always making use of steel for its doors.

Steel’s Great Advantages

Doors and frames may be made in variable materials, including wood, aluminium and glass for doors.  However, steel is particularly in demand due to its strength and durability.  Where safety of property and life are topmost priority, users need not be indecisive about steel for the doors and frames.   Steel’s high level of rigidity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness makes it a truly practical option for securing entrances, exits and other openings.

When compared with wood, steel doors are fire retardant and more cost-effective.  They don’t need to be as thick to be strong, whilst wood doors and frames have to be made of thick, hardwood to guarantee their strength and durability.  Steel is more hardwearing than wood, and it’s only enemy is rust, which can be prevented by the application of anti-rust coating.  Wood on the contrary, is vulnerable to many elements including moisture and termites.

When compared with aluminium, steel is heavier and sturdier, not easily bent and dented.   When light-duty doors and frames are required, users can always opt for higher gauges of steel, which are thinner and lighter.  When heavy-duty steel doors and frames are required, gauges 16, 14 and 12 may be used.

Steel’s Weaknesses Solved

Steel is prone to corrosion and rust.  But galvanised steel offers higher degree of resistance against corrosion and rust.  Steel may even be coated to prevent it from being exposed to air and moisture, which cause rust.  When corrosion is a major concern and can undermine sanitation, stainless may be used instead.  There are different steel alloys available for making steel doors and frames, and each has its own level of resistance against corrosion and rust, and each vary in strength, durability, and price.

How to Save Money on Roller Shutter and Steel Door Repairs

Roller doors and shutters ensure security against intruders and also provide a secure barrier against destructive weather elements. They are designed in such way to ensure great fit, smooth operation and highest security. Another great thing is that they don’t require high maintenance, which makes them a great economical choice. Even though they don’t require high maintenance, you still need to carry out periodical checks to ensure that they are in good working condition. Regular checks will also help to prevent more expensive repairs.

Checking for balance should be done each month by a skilled technician, preferably someone licensed and insured.  The doors should be balanced, being smooth to roll up and down the roller tracks and able to stay stationary at any point along the tracks.  Otherwise, the steel doors are out of balance and need to be adjusted.

Jammed and stiff doors should not be forcibly raised or lowered.  Check individual parts such as springs and rollers for damage and have them repaired immediately.  At times, all that is needed is some cleaning and removal of accumulated debris and dirt.

All moving components, save for the roller tracks, should be lubricated each month.  Lubricant facilitates smooth, safe and quite operation, but when placed in the tracks, it attracts more grime and dirt that disrupts operation.  Lubricant likewise increases the life of the moving parts, and the entire security shutter device.  Among the important parts that need lubrication are bearings, hinges, rollers, and springs.

To prolong the life of the roller tracks and to encourage smooth and quite operation, occasionally apply silicon spray.  The spray gives the tracks a slippery finish, enabling the doors slide properly.  If you want to lubricate the tracks, use petroleum lubricant, but brush away dirt and grime before application and wipe away excess lubricant after.

Automatic doors and shutters should be set in manual mode annually or semi-annually.  Manual operation should then be predetermined and done according to manufacturer instructions to prevent damage.  The support brackets should be checked if they need servicing.  If so, it’s always advisable to contact a qualified technician right away.

Springs should be re-tensioned periodically, and each time the roller shutter gets abnormally heavy or difficult to lift or roll.  Avoid operating doors with damaged tension springs because this causes damage to the motor and the opener.

Steel cables on the sides of the doors should be checked as well whether they are in ideal shape and position or not.  Replace protruding and broken cables right away to avoid accidents and worse damage to your doors.

All bolts and fixings should be tight in place.  Loose ones can easily snap out of their holes and make the doors unstable and dangerous to operate.  When there are loose bolts, do not operate the doors automatically rather, operate in manual mode in order to control the speed at which the roller doors are moving up or down.