How To Open Frozen Roller Shutters And What To Do If The Lock Does Not Close

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Freezing problem
• Opening rules for frozen roller shutters
• Freezing prevention

Today, roller shutters or shutters are considered one of the most popular ways to protect window and door openings in non-residential premises. Most often they are installed in offices, shops, kiosks and shopping centers, in garages and on balconies. The affordable price of the system and its ease of use have led to a noticeable demand for roller shutters, however, in addition to advantages in use, they also have a small disadvantage. Especially in winter, when the roller shutters freeze due to severe frost, and you have to spend a certain amount of time to open them.

If roller shutters freeze in the room that you are protecting with roller shutters, you should not only take appropriate measures to return them to a working condition. It is advisable to make the design such that no frost is terrible for it.

Freezing problem

In the summer and in the off-season, the only problem with opening roller shutters can be their pollution. Whereas in winter, due to the large temperature difference between the room and the street, problems arise with roller shutters freezing from frost. Condensation forms on their surface, which, when cooled, turns into a layer of ice and does not allow the web to move. Roller shutters can also freeze after precipitation in the daytime and subsequent night frosts.

Unlike other options for protecting windows and doors, roller shutters require special attention to defrosting. And, if your roller shutter lock is frozen, pouring boiling water over it like ordinary keyholes and hinges is not recommended. Overcooling the shutter parts can easily damage them. If the water is not hot enough, it can cool quickly and further complicate the situation.

Opening rules for frozen roller shutters

There is one reliable technique for freeing roller shutters that do not open due to frost. By tapping lightly on the surface of the lamellas that make up the roller shutters, you can crush the ice and release the frozen structure. The system will open - neither the shutters themselves nor even their decorative coating will be damaged.

Situations are possible when the roller shutters are already open, and the frozen lock does not allow them to close. If ice has formed inside the keyhole, it is advisable to remove it using a defrosting agent with a specially shaped tip. For this purpose, for example, any car defroster for locks is suitable. In any case, it is better to call specialists who will promptly repair the roller shutters.

Freezing prevention

In order to defrost the roller shutters as rarely as possible, it is worth considering special options for their installation. So, large-sized roller shutters used for garage doors can be installed by installing the construction box inside the room. Thus, the guides are always in relatively warm conditions and do not freeze. In addition, for large structures that open automatically, canvases with foam filling up to 10 mm thick are used. This eliminates freezing and condensation.

Another answer to the question of what to do to prevent the roller shutters from freezing is to replace the structure (preferably at the design stage, when the roller shutters are not yet standing) with systems that are less prone to icing. For example, on sliding gates, if we are talking about a garage or other overall room. Or on ordinary window shutters. Such options are less convenient to operate, however, more favorable in price.

If possible, when installing roller shutters, it is worthwhile to provide for the installation of additional structures:

• installation of canopies or the construction of a covered entrance, which prevents precipitation from falling on the roller shutters and their locks;
• laying of a special heating cable at the location of the guide roller shutters.

In addition, the owner of the room protected by the roller shutters should take into account the weather conditions and, opening them manually, do not make serious efforts - trying to open the frozen roller shutters before removing the ice can damage the lamellas. And on the automatically opening doors and windows, it is advisable to put a special "smart" motor that controls the process of opening the roller shutter and stops it when problems with freezing or for other reasons, due to which the canvas remains motionless, This prevents damage to shutters and fasteners by the automatic lifting system …

Those who do not want to think about how to open frozen roller shutters every winter, beat off ice particles from their parts and pour a defroster into a frozen castle should turn to professionals. This will ensure both a long service life of the structure and its operation in any conditions, including rain and severe frosts. And, if the previously installed roller shutters are still out of order due to freezing, the same specialists will provide repair of roller shutters, including retrofitting, replacement of parts and adjustment of automation.