Quick answer
If your roller shutter fails, immediately isolate the power supply and avoid forcing the unit, as this can lead to costly motor burnout.
Contact a 24/7 specialist like Redwood Shopfront for a rapid emergency call-out. Most London shutter issues are resolved within 60 minutes, ensuring your premises remain secure and compliant with BS EN 12453 safety standards.
From Central London’s busy streets and storefronts to East End factories, roller shutters keep London businesses safe, but if they malfunction, the situation becomes stressful. A broken shutter puts your security and business operations at risk.
Redwood Shopfront specializes in emergency repairs across all London boroughs, providing transparent, fixed-rate solutions when every minute counts.
What counts as an emergency roller shutter failure?
An emergency roller shutter failure can lead to security issues and potential business losses. Here is a checklist:
- The shutter will not open or close fully or become jammed.
- The shutter is stuck halfway. It will not go up or down.
- The premises are not safe after hours. The premises have to be protected when nobody is around to keep an eye on the premises.
- Visible damage from impact, vandalism, or break-in attempts
- The shutter has come off its tracks, or it is not lined up right.
- Electrical faults, such as a motor not responding or overheating
- The shutter should not be blocking a fire exit or safe access route.
- Sudden failure during operation
Common causes of emergency roller shutter breakdowns
Sometimes we ignore when we face small issues, but after some time these small issues need emergency repairs. Common causes include:
1. Loose or broken springs: Springs hold the weight of the shutter, and when they snap, it can become unsafe to operate.
2. Motor burnout: If you are using an electric shutter, then the motor can overheat due to excessive cycling (opening and closing it many times in a short period).
3. Lack of lubrication and maintenance: There are many metal parts in the shutter that will move many times. Without regular greasing, friction builds up.
4. Remote faults: Electrical faults like a blown fuse, circuit breaker, or loose wiring can cut the power to the unit.
5. Accidental impact damage: It’s common for the delivery van to damage the shutter, as there are tight streets and busy loading bays in London.
Note: These issues require urgent professional repair for safety and security.
Immediate steps to take when your shutter fails
Below are the immediate steps to be taken when the shutter malfunctions:
- Stop using the shutter. Forcing a jammed shutter can burn out the motor.
- Isolate the power if you are using electric shutters. Locate your home fuse box and turn off the power to the shutter.
- Secure the area-when your shutter is stuck open, place one person at the entrance until help arrives.
- Check for safety issues. Firstly, confirm whether a local power cut has occurred or if your fuse box has tripped. If a remote is involved, change the batteries. These basic checks solve nearly 20% of emergency call-outs.
Emergency Repair Costs: 2025 London Pricing
To help you budget accurately, here are the current average rates for emergency attendance in London:
Service Type |
Estimated Cost (Excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
Standard Day Call-out
|
£120 – £150
|
After-Hours/Weekend
|
£180 – £250
|
New Motor Installation
|
£250 – £600
|
Lock/Receiver Swap
|
£40 – £150
|
Pro Tip: Redwood Shopfront offers transparent quotes with no hidden “congestion zone” or “parking fees” added after the work is done.
Temporary fix vs permanent repair
Feature |
Temporary Fix |
Permanent Repair |
|---|---|---|
Primary Goal
|
Secure the premises fast.
|
Resolve the root cause.
|
Durability
|
High risk of repeat failure.
|
Includes a parts warranty.
|
Insurance
|
Often insufficient for claims.
|
Fully compliant with BS EN 12453.
|
Preventing future roller shutter emergencies
Planned maintenance is the key to avoiding expensive emergency call-outs. Redwood Shopfront recommends:
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and component strain.
- Checking motors, switches, and control systems for reliable performance.
- Keeping guide rails clean and aligned to prevent jamming.
- Repairing small faults promptly to avoid sudden breakdowns.
- Ensuring shutters are used correctly and not forced during operation.
FAQ
Can I manually close an electric roller shutter if the power is out?
Many systems have an override. If you force a jammed shutter, it can cause even more problems. If unsure, do not attempt any DIY fixes. If your shutter does not move smoothly, secure the area and call an emergency engineer.
How fast can an engineer reach me in London?
Reliable services like Redwood Shopfront provide 24/7 call-outs and aim to reach your doorstep within 60–120 minutes, depending on traffic and location.
Why is my roller shutter stuck halfway open?
Common causes include obstructions, misaligned tracks, faulty limit switches, broken springs, or motor limit issues. Stop running it and arrange a repair to avoid motor burnout and security risk.
Do emergency repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Reputable London companies provide a warranty, typically 12 months on parts like motors and 3–6 months on labor. Always request a written receipt for your insurance records.
What is BS EN 12453?
This is the UK safety standard for power-operated doors. All professional repairs should ensure the shutter meets this standard to protect your business from liability in the event of an accident.
Should I repair or replace my roller shutter after a major failure?
Repair is often best if there is minor slat damage; on the other hand, replacement may be more cost-effective long-term. A site inspection confirms the best option. It depends on:
- Age of the shutter
- Extent of damage
- Cost of repairs vs. replacement
- Frequency of breakdowns
Many issues can be fixed quickly with quality repairs.
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.
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