Roller Shutters

Roller shutters are one of the most practical and cost-effective security solutions available to commercial and industrial property owners. When correctly specified for the application, a roller shutter provides reliable overnight security, weather protection, and where required, fire containment — all within a compact, retractable assembly that does not impede the operation of the premises during trading hours.

Sigma Shop Fronts designs, supplies, and installs roller shutters across a wide range of commercial applications, from small retail units requiring a face-fit manual curtain to large industrial loading bays needing a high-speed, motor-driven door with full automation and safety edge protection.

Curtain Construction and Security Ratings

Roller shutter curtains are available in perforated, solid, and vision-strip configurations. Perforated laths allow some visibility and airflow when the shutter is closed and can reduce the visual impact of a shuttered frontage. Solid lath curtains provide maximum weather exclusion and privacy.

For security-critical applications, we specify curtains tested to LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Standard 1175), the industry benchmark for physical attack resistance. LPS 1175 is graded from A (basic deterrence) through to H (resistance to prolonged attack with specialist tools), and the appropriate grade is selected in consultation with the client's insurer and in accordance with the risk profile of the premises. Many commercial insurers now require a minimum of LPS 1175 SR1 or SR2 for unattended retail premises.

Curtain laths are roll-formed from galvanised mild steel or aluminium alloy. Aluminium is specified where weight, corrosion resistance, or annual maintenance burden is a primary concern; steel is typically preferred where higher security ratings or impact resistance is paramount.

Operating Systems

Manual shutters are operated via a spring-balanced mechanism — the spring stores energy as the shutter closes and releases it to assist opening. Manual operation is appropriate for smaller openings up to approximately 3.5 m in width and where operating frequency is modest.

Electric shutters use a tubular or side-mounted motor connected to a gear reducer and drive shaft. They are operated by a key switch, push-button panel, or remote control, and can be integrated with a building management system or external timer for automated opening and closing. All our electric shutter installations include a manual override mechanism to allow operation during a power failure.

Safety edges, photocells, and pressure-sensitive bottom rails are fitted as standard on all motorised installations, in line with the Machinery Directive (now retained in UK law as the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008) and the guidance issued by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).

Fire-Rated Roller Shutters

Fire-rated roller shutters provide compartmentalisation in commercial and industrial premises, containing the spread of fire between zones in accordance with the passive fire protection strategy for the building. Our fire shutters are designed and tested in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 (fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies) and carry the appropriate fire performance classification — typically EI 60 or EI 90, denoting integrity and insulation for 60 or 90 minutes respectively.

Fire shutters are controlled by a fusible link or, in more sophisticated installations, by a signal from the building's fire detection and alarm system. Gravity-fail-safe release is standard, ensuring the shutter closes automatically on detection of a fire even if power is lost.

Installation of fire shutters must be completed and certified by a company with appropriate third-party accreditation. Sigma Shop Fronts holds the relevant certification and provides a fire shutter completion certificate that forms part of the building's fire safety record.

Structural Considerations

Roller shutters impose both dead loads (the weight of the curtain and housing box) and dynamic loads (wind, impact, and operation forces) on the surrounding structure. Before installation, we assess the condition and load-bearing capacity of the lintel or structural member above the opening. Where the existing structure is inadequate, we work with a structural engineer to design a suitable bearing arrangement.

All shutters are installed with a weather seal along both side guides and at the bottom rail, preventing draught and water ingress when closed. For installations in exposed coastal locations, we specify enhanced corrosion protection, including marine-grade aluminium sections and stainless-steel fixings.