3 Common Causes of Abnormal Noise Levels on Roller Shutters
Posted on: 12 February 2018
Roller shutters have become a mainstay among homeowners due to their ease of operation, durability and security. Additionally, roller shutters provide much-needed privacy without necessarily compromising aesthetics. All these advantages have seen roller shutters outperform traditional shutters. Since roller shutters are metallic, it is difficult to entirely avoid some level of noise during their operation. However, there are instances where noise coming from roller shutters becomes a nuisance. In most cases, such noise arises from poor maintenance or damage to shutter features. This article discusses some of the causes of abnormal noise on roller shutters.
Bent Slats -- A roller shutter mainly consists of horizontal slats hinged together to form the shutter. When hit with enough force, the slats will bend; therefore, professional help is needed to straighten the bend. However, if you decide to handle the repairs by yourself, chances are that you will not completely straighten out the damage. As you pull or push the shutter, the bump on the slat will produce abnormal noise as the bent part meets the rollers. The problem is made even worse if the bend is located on the edges of the slat because a hidden bow makes it even more difficult to determine the source of the noise. If your roller shutter makes noise during operation, check for any hidden bumps or curves on each slat.
Loose Spring -- One of the functions of a spring in a roller shutter is to keep the shutter balanced and firmly in place. For a roller shutter to function as intended, the spring should have enough tension to keep the shutter in place during operation. However, with time, the stress on the spring reduces, and the shutter appears to develop slack. If all springs lose their tension relatively equally, the shutter will tend to bulge on the outside consequently causing noise when pulled or pushed. If you have an under-tensioned spring only on one side, then you have an unbalanced shutter. The slats will not be entirely aligned horizontally, thereby causing noise. Have the springs checked the moment you notice a sagging or uneven shutter.
Broken Slat Clips -- As mentioned in the introductory section, once you install a roller shutter, you should expect some level of noise—acceptable levels. To avoid excess noise, manufacturers fit nylon slat clips to keep the slats away from contact with the guide. However, with time the nylon clips wear out, and the metal slats grind, producing excess noise. Make sure that you make regular checks on the clips for signs of wear.
Share