Rolling shutters are all-stars when it comes to protecting your home and family in Southwest Florida. This is especially true from June to November (during hurricane season). Rolling shutters shield you from high winds and flying debris and keep curious neighbors (and potential burglars) out. But even the best MVPs, including roll downs need maintenance. But how do you know when roll down shutters need maintenance or repair?
Your shutters may show signs of problems. Sometimes those signs are more obvious than others. Other times, it is more difficult to tell. Either way, if not addressed promptly, your shutters may not work right. Or they may stop doing their job altogether. And this can happen at the worst possible moment (like right before a major hurricane). That’s why learning to spot the signs of trouble early is essential.
Think of your roller shutters like a car. You wouldn’t drive cross-country without checking the oil or brakes. The same goes for your roller hurricane shutters. Ignoring maintenance can shorten the shutters’ lifespan. Or it may cause them to not work correctly. Both cases may leave you and your home vulnerable when you need them most.
So how do you know when your roll-down shutters need help? Keep reading!
Why Regular Maintenance of Roll-Down Shutters is Crucial
Florida’s salty air, blazing heat, and tropical tantrums are no joke. While roll-down shutters are built to withstand brutal elements, they’re not invincible. Rust, debris, and wear and tear can take their toll, leading to sluggish operation or outright failure. Automatic versions also have additional components, which can fall victim to normal wear and tear as well.
Routine maintenance keeps your shutters in good shape. It ensures shutters roll smoothly, lock securely, and stand firm against strong winds, torrential rains, and flying debris. Catching minor issues before they snowball into more expensive repairs will save you time, stress, and money.
Simply put? Keeping an eye (and ear) our for issues is important. Also, a little TLC (maintenance) goes a long way.
5 Signs Your Roll Down Shutters Need Maintenance or Repair
Roll-down shutters can’t tell you when something is wrong. However, they may show signs that something is not right.
When using or testing your roller shutters, watch out for the following red flags. Call a hurricane shutter repair service if necessary to have them professionally looked at.
And remember, ignoring these signs could mean your shutters won’t be ready (or will not work) when the next hurricane hits.
1. Stubborn or Stuck, Not Operating Correctly
Are you struggling to open or close your shutters? If it is harder than normal to open or close them something may be off. It could be a number of things, such as misaligned tracks, dirt or grime buildup, or mechanical issues.
2. Rust or Corrosion
Florida’s salty air, humidity, and heat can wreak havoc on shutters. If you spot rust, or aluminum oxidation you should address it before it causes larger issues.
3. Strange Noises
Noises are usually a good indication that something is not right with your roll shutters and they need maintenance or repair. Squeaking, grinding, or clunking noises are shutter-speak for “I need attention!”
4. Visible Damage
Visual damage is a good indication that your roll down shutters need maintenance, repair, or even replacement. Visible damage, such as dents, cracks, or warped slats can compromise your roller shutters’ function and appearance. Damage can happen during a hurricane. But your shutters may become damaged during normal use as well. A visual inspection of your shutters should allow you to spot visible damage.
5. Motor Issues and Regular Maintenance (for Electric Shutters)
Electric rolling shutters have some unique things to look for. They also require some routine maintenance to keep them working as they should. This is no different that maintaining your AC or car, etc.
Some things to look out for are if your motorized shutters stutter, stall, get stuck during operation, or fail to open or close. Diagnosing electric and mechanical issues is typically a job for a professional hurricane shutter repair company. The cause of these issues may be a wiring issue, electrical malfunction or problem, or motor malfunction. It could also be a bad motor, or bad mechanicals.
When to Call a Professional for Roll Down Shutter Service in Your Florida Home
You can always DIY light maintenance, like cleaning shutter tracks and lubricating moving parts. However, some things really do require the professional attention, especially when it comes to electrical and mechanical issues as well as replacement.
Contact Eurex Shutters’ service professionals when:
- Your roll-down shutters will not budge, or will not work
- You see significant damage, like bent tracks or broken slats, especially when it is affecting the operation or movement of the shutters
- The motor is stalling, lagging, or refusing to work
- Anytime you are unsure what is causing the problem, or you do not feel comfortable trying to resolve an issue
Our professional, trained technicians can quickly, correctly diagnose, and fix issues. This will help to save you frustration (and more significant, more expensive problems later).
Routine maintenance will keep your roll-down shutters looking great and working in top-notch condition. And when your shutters are in tip-top condition you will be able to protect your home at a moment’s notice.
Contact Eurex Shutters now!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
