Security is usually the main benefit highlighted as a reason for using roller shutters at a commercial or industrial property and, while it is a fairly large one, it’s far from the only one!
Roller shutters can also help you to save energy – we won’t pretend that they’ll make a massive difference to your company’s carbon footprint on their own, but if included as part of a wider range of energy saving initiatives, they play a key role.
How roller shutters help save energy
Roller shutters make the biggest difference in regard to energy efficiency in large industrial units – typically big, open spaces with large doors to allow vehicles to come in and out. They can be hard to heat because of their size, and because it can be difficult to retain heat.
Roller shutters help save energy by providing insulation at access and egress points, and by preventing heat loss from leaving large doors open for too long – they’re quick and easy to open and close, and sturdy enough to handle being in use all day.
Roller shutter doors
There are many kinds of roller shutter door available, often designed with different needs in mind. There are some, for example, that are highly fire-resistant, or designed for commercial properties with visibility panels.
However, for reducing heat loss, an insulated roller shutter is the way to go. Designed specifically for temperature-controlled units, they feature weather seals as well as internal insulation to retain heat.
They are also useful for units that are occupied by people all day – particularly in winter. Retaining heat means less energy is needed to keep a unit warm enough for people to work in.
Roller shutters for windows
Smaller roller shutters can also be used for windows – while keeping them closed all day is fairly gloomy for anyone inside, they improve insulation after dark in winter, or on night shifts. Shutters also provide far better security than a window grate, too.
The most energy efficient mechanism
Roller shutters can be built with a range of different mechanisms. Pneumatic systems are often used in harsh environments, while hydraulic motors are ideal for large doors that are regularly opened and closed.
While manufacturers are working to reduce the amount of energy these mechanisms use, electric motors still tend to be the most efficient, using the least energy. However, many of the roller shutter doors we manufacture also feature manual methods of opening.
Other options for saving energy
Roller shutters aren’t the only option if you’re looking to reduce your energy usage – a high-speed door is designed to open and close at a speed of one metre per second, and are commonly used in units where keeping heat loss and draughts to an absolute minimum is key.
While the doors themselves offer less insulation than a roller shutter, double-skinned and insulated curtains can be supplied to ensure as much insulation as possible – this is a useful compromise when the biggest cause of heat loss is constant opening and closing.
Any questions?
If you’d like to know more about insulated options, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we manufacture a wide range of bespoke shutters and doors, and will be happy to help.
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