How Do You Stop a Roller Shutter from Squeaking and Making Noise?

How Do You Stop a Roller Shutter from Squeaking and Making Noise?

By SERV Contracts – The Experts in Industrial Roller Shutter and Door Solutions

At SERV Contracts, we often get asked one surprisingly common question: “How do I stop my roller shutter from squeaking and making noise?” Whether it’s the early morning grind of opening shop or the late-night clatter as a warehouse closes, noisy roller shutters can be more than just an annoyance—they can be a sign of wear, damage, or lack of maintenance.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes of squeaky roller shutters and offer practical steps to fix and prevent the issue. Let’s silence that shutter once and for all.

Why Is Your Roller Shutter Making Noise?

Roller shutters are built to be durable and long-lasting. However, they’re also mechanical systems with moving parts that need attention. A noisy shutter could be due to a few things:

1.Lack of lubrication

This is by far the most common cause. Metal components rubbing together without proper lubrication will create friction, and friction creates noise.

2.Loose or worn components

Bolts, hinges, slats, and springs can come loose or degrade over time, creating rattling, squeaks, or grinding sounds.

3.Misalignment or imbalance

If your shutter has become misaligned or is no longer balanced properly, it can make unpleasant sounds during movement.

4.Rust or dirt build-up

Especially on exterior shutters exposed to the elements, rust and grime can clog the tracks or affect the movement of components.

5.Motor or mechanism issues

In electric shutters, the motor or gearbox can sometimes be the culprit if it’s malfunctioning or needs servicing.

Step-by-Step: How to Stop a Noisy Roller Shutter

Now that you know what might be causing the noise, let’s go over how you can address it. Some of these steps you can do yourself, while others are best left to professionals—like us at SERV Contracts.

Step 1: Inspect the Shutter Mechanism

Start with a visual and manual inspection. Open and close the shutter slowly and listen for where the noise is coming from. Is it the track? The motor? The slats themselves? Try to narrow it down.

Pro Tip: If your shutter is electric, make sure to disconnect the power before doing any manual inspections.

Step 2: Clean the Tracks

Dust, dirt, leaves, and debris can accumulate in the tracks and cause unwanted friction.

•Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris.

•For more stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth with mild detergent and water.

•Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip protective coatings or cause corrosion.

Step 3: Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubrication is key to smooth and quiet operation. Focus on:

•Tracks

•Hinges

•Springs

•Bearings

•Chain drives (if present)

What to use: Use a silicone-based lubricant or a spray lubricant specifically designed for roller shutters. Avoid WD-40 for long-term lubrication—it’s more of a solvent and can evaporate quickly.

Apply the lubricant evenly and open and close the shutter a few times to work it in. You’ll likely notice a big difference immediately.

Step 4: Tighten Loose Components

Use a wrench or screwdriver to check for any loose bolts, brackets, or fittings. These can cause vibration and rattling noises.

•Check the guide rails and side channels.

•Examine the bottom rail for any movement.

•Make sure the end locks are tight and secure.

If you find any broken parts or serious wear, it’s time to call in a professional for replacement.

Step 5: Check for Alignment and Balance

If your shutter doesn’t open or close smoothly, or you notice one side dragging, it may be out of alignment. This is usually due to wear on the bearings or shaft and should be corrected to avoid further damage.

Caution: Rebalancing a roller shutter involves handling tension springs and heavy parts. This is not a DIY job. Contact a technician from SERV Contracts to inspect and realign your shutter safely.

Step 6: Inspect and Service the Motor (Electric Shutters)

If you hear grinding, buzzing, or excessive strain from the motor, it could be a sign of mechanical wear or lack of lubrication in the motor gears.

While basic maintenance like cleaning and light oiling can be done, internal repairs should be handled by a trained engineer. SERV Contracts provides full motor inspections and replacements where needed.

Preventing Noise: Regular Maintenance is Key

A noisy roller shutter is often the result of neglect. But with a proper maintenance schedule, you can keep things running quietly and smoothly.

Here’s what we recommend:

•Monthly: Light cleaning of tracks, check for debris.

•Quarterly: Lubrication of all moving parts.

•Annually: Full inspection by a professional technician.

At SERV Contracts, we offer preventative maintenance contracts that include everything from lubrication and safety checks to parts replacement and performance tuning. This not only eliminates noise issues but also extends the life of your roller shutters.

Why Choose SERV Contracts?

We’re more than just a repair team—we’re your long-term partner in industrial and commercial door solutions. With years of experience across Kent, Essex, and the surrounding areas, we’ve seen every type of roller shutter problem under the sun (and rain, and wind… we’re in the UK, after all).

Whether you have a squeaky shutter, a jammed motor, or need a brand-new installation, SERV Contracts is ready to help.

Get in Touch

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