When it comes to efficient and effective protection against vandalism and burglary, roller shutters are the number one solution for many businesses. Whether it’s a retail store or any other type of commercial premises, the entrance is likely to have either manual or electric roller shutter doors.
If you’re thinking about buying roller shutters for your building, of course you’ll want to know how much it costs. This blog explains what’s involved in roller shutter installation costs and everything you’ll need to consider – as well as how to find a reliable roller shutter company in your region.
What affects the cost of roller shutters?
There are many different factors that can affect the price of roller shutters. The main consideration is the type of roller shutter and how it operates. For example, manual roller shutters are cheaper than electric roller shutters, because they don’t require the extra installation of electrical wiring.
Even amongst electric roller shutters, the type of motorized operating system used will affect the cost. Not only do they involve more components than a hand-operated shutter, but they also have advanced bonus features like remote controls and obstruction sensors, as well as manual overrides.
Secondly, the material of the door and its intended function are also important factors. Stronger security shutters tend to be made from steel or aluminium, which is more expensive than the shock-resistant PVC used for basic weather-proofing or aesthetics. Aluminium roller shutters are usually the most cost-effective option, offering more durability, insulation, and protection than PVC.
Most roller shutters have customizable finishes, which also adds to the total price. It’s cheaper to opt for the standard finish, but many businesses like to choose a powder-coated paint color that matches their branding. The more customization you require, the more the final product will cost.
Another price-determining factor is location. Not only whether you want to install roller shutters outside or inside, but the actual area the building is in. For example, roller shutters in Manchester are likely to cost less than roller shutters in London – but how far the fitters have to travel to install your shutters can also bump up the installation costs that come on top of the shutters themselves.
How much do roller shutters cost?
Without knowing your exact specifications, it’s unfortunately not possible to say exactly how much a roller shutter door would cost for you. As a general guide, the simplest manual roller shutters start at about £300, with motorized roller shutters starting from around £1000. The price for aluminum electric roller shutters may be closer to £1500, as aluminum can cost more than galvanized steel.
These prices don’t include customization or installation fees, which can add at least 30% onto your final invoice. This amount depends on the extent of the work you request. The amount of doors and their sizes will obviously influence the number of installers and hours of labor required to fit them.
That’s actually a major price factor we didn’t mention above, perhaps because it’s quite obvious – the size of the roller shutter. The larger the shutter, the more it will cost in terms of materials. So, while a 2m2 manual steel shutter might come to £500, a 4m2 industrial roller shutter would double in price – and if you want an electric roller shutter, it could cost double for the same size of 2m2.
Roller shutter installation prices usually range from around £200-£400, again depending on the amount of work required. If the roller shutter supplier doesn’t offer an inclusive or additional installation service with your order, you’ll have to hire an electrician or engineer separately.
The best way to calculate how much the roller shutters you want would cost is to get a quote from a few suppliers. If you provide the type, material, finish, measurements, and installation requirements to a company, they should offer a no-obligation quote breaking down the cost of exactly what you’re asking for. You can shop around with different suppliers or amend your specifications if you need to.
Where to find a roller shutter installer?
When choosing a roller shutter provider, it’s not always about who offers the lowest price. You get what you pay for, after all, and if you want a high-quality product with proper installation, you must make a bigger investment. It will surely pay off when your building benefits from enhanced security.
Whenever you contact a roller shutters company to request a quote, do a bit of research on them first. Make a checklist of the following questions to confirm whether they’re trustworthy or not:
- Are they an established company with proof of experience?
- Do they have a trade association membership verifying the quality of their work?
- Is there a portfolio of photos or honest customer testimonials?
- Do they offer a full breakdown of all the costs making up your quote?
- Can they install the roller shutters for you as part of the service?
- Do they also offer as-and-when or contract roller shutter maintenance?
Not only is initial design and installation important, but you need to consider how you’ll maintain your investment in the long-term. When you search for roller shutter suppliers in your region, you should check whether they also offer roller shutter servicing for their customers – for example, roller shutter repairs in Lancashire. The best companies should provide 24/7 call-out services.
