Managing an industrial building in Florida has many challenges. You need to secure your facility against intruders and protect it against hurricanes and the harsh Florida elements. You also need to keep costs down and prevent damage to your facility and everything inside. Industrial roller shutters are one way to protect your industrial property against a wide range of risks. These roll down shutters offer more benefits vs roller doors and are suitable for use in many industrial settings. They are extremely tough and durable. So they can stand up to both intruders and severe weather as well as heavy everyday use. But at the same time they are quick and easy to use so they won’t slow your operation down.
Below we discuss what industrial roller shutters are, where they can be used, and their pros and cons.
What are industrial roller shutters?
Industrial roller shutters can be used instead of or in addition to traditional roller doors. Unlike traditional roller doors they can be installed on the exterior of your industrial property’s doors and windows. These versatile shutters act as both hurricane shutters and security shutters.
They are made up of a series of horizontal slats that open by rolling up and rolling down along industrial grade tracks.
How they work
Unlike a garage door the roller shutters use slats vs panels. When you close the shutter the slats unwind, the shutter rolls down along the tracks, and it closes securely in place. And when you open the shutter, the slats roll up and wind into a housing box above your door or window. This minimizes the amount of room needed for each industrial roller shutter. It also creates a very clean system with a sleek design.
Functions
Unlike metal roller doors industrial roller shutter systems can serve many functions for your industrial property.
- Hurricane protection: our roller shutters are made from high impact-resistant materials, such as high-grade aluminum and are designed and approved to be hurricane-rated. So unlike a lot of roller doors, our commercial roll down shutter systems can serve as both hurricane shutters and security shutters for your facility.
- Security protection: these shutters are impact resistant and block access to your facility’s entry points from the exterior, such as windows and doors. In turn, they are very effective for security protection. In other words, they deter and keep intruders out. They are easy to use and can be opened and closed frequently to meet your use requirements.
- Energy efficiency: industrial rolling shutters can provide more insulation for your facility. They help to keep cool air in during the summer and warm air in during the winter. This helps to make your facility more energy efficient, which means lower energy costs.
Options
You can find industrial roller shutters with aluminum or impact resistant polycarbonate slats.
And you have multiple options when it comes to controlling the shutters. You can pick between electric or manual roller shutters. The electric versions are driven by electric motors and can be operated with a switch system. Manual versions are operated with a crank or strap system. Both are very easy to use, but the electric shutters offer unbeatable convenience.
Where industrial roller shutters can be used
Industrial roller shutters can be used in a wide range of applications due to their small footprint, ease of use, and multi-functionality. It is worth noting that the shutters have many of the same uses regardless of the facility type. But some have unique uses that we try to call out.
Below we discuss some of the industrial facilities they are typically used in.
Warehouses
Industrial roller shutters can be used to secure your warehouse windows and doors against intruders, protect goods and equipment against hurricanes and the elements, and make your warehouse more energy efficient.
Factories and manufacturing plants
Industrial roller shutters can provide security protection for your factory and equipment and can also protect your factor from severe weather, such as hurricanes. In addition, they can be used to secure interior rooms and areas, including equipment. They are also helpful in making your manufacturing facility more energy efficient while being fast and easy to use.
Distribution centers
Industrial roller shutters can be used to protect distribution center goods from the elements and theft as well as provide hurricane protection.
Other industrial settings
Industrial shutters can also provide similar uses in other industrial settings, such as:
- shipyards
- construction sites
Industrial shutters pros and cons
Pros
Roll down shutters provide several benefits in industrial settings. Some of their key benefits are discussed below.
PRO: High Level of Security Protection
Industrial roller shutters are an alternative to traditional metal rolling doors, which are used solely for security protection. Industrial roll down shutters provide a high level of security for your property. But they can protect more than just your facility’s doors. They can be installed over your windows or any other area where a housing box and tracks can be installed.
Rolling shutters are made from impact resistant materials and designed to withstand significant damage without breaking. They are also rated as hurricane shutters so they undergo a lot of testing to ensure they can stand up to significant impacts. They are subjected to and pass tests such as large and small missile tests. In other words, they are extremely difficult to break into if anyone tries. But they are also effective at deterring theft, which prevents attempts in the first place.
All of this will make your industrial facility more secure and reduce your potential losses.
PRO: Hurricane protection:
As we mentioned above our roll down shutters are hurricane rated. This means they undergo extreme testing to earn their FL hurricane rated status. These shutters can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane’s winds and flying debris.
They will effectively protect your facility’s windows and doors from breaking. This helps to reduce damage suffered from natural disasters, especially hurricanes.
PRO: Durability
Industrial roller shutters are made from high-quality, impact resistant materials. In other words, they are built to last. So they can not only withstand everyday heavy use, but they can also stand up to severe weather and other impacts.
PRO: Energy efficiency
Industrial roller shutters can help you to improve the energy efficiency of your building. They add a layer of insulation over your facility’s openings that helps to keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. This helps to reduce your energy costs and make your employees more comfortable.
PRO: Versatility
Industrial roller shutters can be used in a variety of buildings and for many uses. They are a versatile solution for a variety of industrial needs. And they eliminate the need to buy multiple products for your building, such as security shutters and hurricane shutters.
Considerations
Like with most products, there are also a few considerations with industrial roller shutters.
Cost
Industrial roller shutters can be more expensive vs some other options. However, they are a worthwhile investment for businesses that need to protect their property from hurricanes as well as improve their security and increase their efficiency.
You will need to weigh the benefits of a rolling shutter system vs the cost of such a system. Many times, the cost difference can be minimal, especially when compared relative to the larger number of benefits and uses.
Installation by a professional
Industrial roller shutters are usually installed by professionals experienced in their installation. Such a company has experts in the products and how the system should be installed. In turn, it is usually best to work with a shutter company to install your industrial roller shutters.
However, if your in-house team is capable of installing the system then you may choose to install them yourself.
Maintenance
Like any product with moving parts industrial roller shutters do require regular maintenance. This includes things like using the shutters regularly, cleaning them, and more. You can do the maintenance yourself or hire a service to do it on a regular basis.
Conclusion: Roller Shutters For Your Industrial Facility
Overall, industrial roller shutters are a great solution for businesses if you need to protect your property from hurricanes and intruders while increasing it’s energy efficiency. They are a durable, versatile, and energy-efficient solution for a variety of industrial needs. Roll down shutters offer more benefits vs roller doors and are suitable for use in many industrial settings.
If you are interested in industrial rolling shutters make sure you work with an expert. Eurex Shutters has been installing roll down shutter systems in Southwest Florida for 35+ years. Contact us today to learn more about our industrial roller shutters and how they can protect your business. Use the form below to request a free consultation.
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