Quick answer:
Based on our recent installations and repairs from Oct 2025 to Jan 2026, the average roller shutter repair cost is between £120 and £250 for minor issues and £400 and £1,200 for major structural issues. Emergency and after-hours call-outs increase the final price.
As a leading shopfront fitter in London, Redwood Shopfront prioritizes long-term safety, ensuring brakes and sensors meet BS EN 12453 standards.
This easy-to-follow guide covers the most important factors that determine roller shutter repair costs and provides clear insights to plan repairs and control costs.
Average Cost to Repair a Roller Shutter: Breakdown
Usually, roller shutter repair costs vary depending on several factors, including the type of fault, the timing of the repair, and the shutter material.
Service Type |
Estimated Cost |
Common Reason |
|---|---|---|
Standard Call-out
|
£120 to £150
|
General inspection or alignment
|
Emergency/After-Hours
|
£180 to £250
|
Security breach or total jam
|
New Motor Installation
|
£250 to £600
|
Electrical failure or age
|
Lock/Receiver Swap
|
£40 to £150
|
Lost keys or vandalism
|
Slat/Lath Replacement
|
£100 to £200
|
Impact or denting
|
What’s Changed in 2026?
- Shortage of skilled engineers: High demand for skilled engineers has increased hourly rates.
- Smart Technology: Integration of Wi-Fi controls and automated sensors adds complexity to repairs.
- Strict Compliance: All repairs must now strictly adhere to PUWER (1998) and BS EN 12453 regulations to ensure insurance validity.
- Material Volatility: Prices for galvanized steel and premium aluminium have risen, impacting part replacement costs.
As a result, preventative maintenance and early fault detection are more important than ever.
Parts Cost Comparison Table
Component |
Impact on Price |
Repair/Replacement Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
Tubular Motor
|
High (Electrical complexity)
|
£250 to £600
|
Laths/Slats
|
Medium (Depends on material)
|
£100 to £250
|
Safety Sensors
|
Low (Quick diagnostic)
|
£80 to £150
|
Springs/Cables
|
Medium (Labour intensive)
|
£150 to £300
|
1. Type of Roller Shutters
The system’s complexity is the primary cost driver.
- Manual Shutters: Affordable to fix as they rely on simple springs, cables, and lock mechanisms.
- Electric Shutters: Involve motors, control panels, wiring, and safety sensors. If the motor has burnt out or there is a fault in the control panel or sensors, the cost of parts increases significantly.
Redwood Shopfront provides roller shutter repair solutions for all shutter types, from small shopfronts to large industrial units.
Key takeaway
The more complex the shutter system (automation/industrial grade), the higher the repair cost.
2. Nature of the Damage: Minor vs Major Repairs
The repair work is generally categorised into two types: minor and major.
Minor Repairs resolves within 2 hours, including:
- Track Cleaning & Lubrication to stop screeching or stiffness.
- Slat Realignment so it opens evenly without jamming.
- Sensor/Remote Fixes
Major Repairs involve structural failures or system burnouts:
- Motor Replacement cost between £150 to £450 plus specialized labour.
- Full Curtain Replacement: More cost-effective than fixing individual bent slats after a vehicle impact.
- Spring & Axle Repair: Replacing high-tension springs requires heavy-duty tools.
3. Type of Shutter Material and Design
Not all shutters are created equal. The material used directly impacts the cost of replacement slats or panels:
- Single-Skin Steel: Common and relatively affordable to repair.
- Insulated Aluminium: Higher material costs due to the thermal foam core and lightweight aluminium finish.
- Perforated or Punched Lathe: These specialized designs are more expensive to source and match during a repair.
Feature |
Low Quality |
High Quality |
|---|---|---|
Material
|
Thin aluminium or PVC
|
Steel or extruded aluminium
|
Build
|
Single-wall
|
Double-wall, high-density foam
|
Repair Frequency
|
High
|
Low
|
Part Availability
|
Generic
|
OEM parts
|
Tip
Regular servicing prolongs life and reduces unexpected repair costs.
4. Emergency Repairs & After-Hours Call-Outs
Urgent repairs cost more due to limited availability and slower response times.
- After-hours call-outs: Expect to pay £150+ for calls after 6 PM, on weekends, or during bank holidays.
- Urgent response visits: £120–£250 for diagnosis
- Temporary security fixes: Often prioritised overnight
When security is at risk, Redwood Shopfront provides rapid emergency repair services to secure your premises.
5. Location & Accessibility Factors
Location-Based Costs
- London & South East: 20–30% higher labour rates
- Travel charges may apply beyond 30 miles
Accessibility Challenges
- Working at height (ladders, scaffolding, scissor lifts): £150–£450 extra
- Blocked access due to shelving or ceilings
- Parking permits, congestion charges, and ULEZ fees in city centres
Factor |
Low-Cost Scenario |
High-Cost Scenario |
|---|---|---|
Size
|
Small door
|
Large commercial bay
|
Material
|
Aluminium
|
Heavy-duty steel
|
Urgency
|
Standard booking
|
Emergency call-out
|
Timing
|
Business hours
|
Nights & weekends
|
Accessibility
|
Ground-level
|
Requires lifts/scaffolding
|
Location
|
Outside London
|
London / South East
|
How to Minimize Your Shutter Repair Cost?
- Regular maintenance checks prevent the “cascade failure” of motors and tracks.
- Address small issues early before they fully seize
- Use quality parts for replacements. Cheap plastic bushings wear out faster than steel bearings, leading to motor strain.
- Choose experienced professionals and avoid DIY repairs, safety first!
Need a Reliable Quote in London?
If your shutter is acting up, don’t wait for it to fail completely. Redwood Shopfront provides 24/7 emergency roller shutter repairs and transparent, written quotes for businesses across London and Barking.
Contact Redwood Shopfront Today 07380 111166.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most common roller shutter repair?
The most frequent issues are motor failure in electric systems, and track blockages/misalignments are the most frequent issues we encounter.
Are manual roller shutters cheaper to fix?
Yes. Manual systems lack expensive electrical components and motors, making them significantly cheaper to maintain and repair.
When should I replace my shutter instead of repairing it?
If your shutter is over 12 years old, requires frequent repairs, or the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new installation, replacement is the better long-term investment.
How long does a standard repair take?
Minor adjustments take 1–2 hours. Major failures, such as a full motor or curtain replacement, typically take 4–6 hours, depending on parts availability.
Does insurance cover roller shutter repairs?
Most commercial policies cover repairs caused by vandalism, vehicle impact, or attempted break-ins, provided the repair meets BS EN 12453 safety standards.
As the lead technical writer for Redwood Shopfront, Tom has over 7+ years of hands-on experience in the London commercial property sector, establishing himself as a leading authority on shopfront design and high-security structural glazing. Helping business owners in high-traffic areas like Soho and Walthamstow navigate complex security requirements, including LPS 1175 and PAS 24 compliance. His work ensures that every storefront is not just visually striking, but fully secured against modern threats.
Comments are closed