You’re probably familiar with that frustrating situation: you want to open or close your roller shutters, and they remain hopelessly blocked, no longer reacting to electric control or manual operation. It’s impossible to move them even a centimetre!
Before you panic, rest assured, this problem of blocked roller shutters happens frequently and solutions exist. In this article, we explain step by step how to find the origin of the blockage and how to fix it.
Why does my roller shutter go down or not go up?
There are several factors that can be at the root of your roller shutter problem. Before calling a Doors Center repairman in an emergency, it is important to understand the possible causes of this type of malfunction. In the majority of cases, it is simply the normal wear and tear of the mechanism over time that worsens and eventually causes the flap to become completely blocked. The metal parts and internal gears, which are heavily mechanically stressed with each use, wear out little by little. A grain of sand or dirt can then be enough to seize and jam the mechanism.
Another common phenomenon is the gradual accumulation of various debris and impurities inside the trunk and shutter apron. Dead leaves, twigs, dust, cobwebs, etc. All of this residue can obstruct the proper functioning of moving parts. In the same vein, if your house is close to a tree, small seeds or nuts can get lodged in the gaps in the shutter and block it. Finally, after many years of use, it is possible that the cables and straps used to raise the shutter curtain may become distended or broken.
The weight of the flap then becomes too great for the mechanism, which prevents any movement. For an electric roller shutter, the problem can also come from the failure of the motor itself, which is no longer powerful enough to operate the shutter or the remote control. In all cases, a thorough visual inspection of the damper will often determine the root cause of the blockage and remedy it.
My roller shutter won’t go up or down: what should I do first?
Before considering a professional repair, a few simple checks and repairs can be attempted yourself. Start by manually testing the operation of the roller shutter by trying to lower and raise it by hand, without the motor. Often, a slight blockage or some residue jams the mechanism, but it becomes functional again after moderate forcing or light cleaning. Feel free to open the trunk of your shutter and inspect the internal mechanism as much as possible. The accumulation of dirt and debris can be clearly spotted visually, so all you have to do is clean everything with a vacuum cleaner and cloths.
If your shutter is motorized or electric, check that it is still properly supplied with electricity and that the motor is properly connected. If not, try connecting another motor to test and determine if the problem is with the original engine or another part. For temporary repairs, it is also possible to secure the shutter leaf using a cord or tensioner. This at least allows it to be locked in a fixed high or low position while waiting for a complete repair.
This homemade inspection may be enough to fix some simple blockages. On the other hand, the problem can sometimes come from an internal mechanical problem of a defective gearbox, distorted metal parts or distended cables. In these cases, the ideal is not to insist and to call in a specialist.
My roller shutter does not go down or up: when should I call a professional?
When your roller shutter has an internal technical failure, only the expertise of a Doors Center professional will make it possible to find a long-term solution. The repairer will start with a thorough diagnosis of your roller shutter. With the help of measurement tools and functional tests, he will precisely determine the origin of the malfunction. Is it an electrical problem? Mechanics? Which part or component in particular?
Once the diagnosis has been made, the professional will explain the possible repairs. In some cases, a simple cleaning, unblocking or adjustment of the parts will restore normal operation. If some parts are too damaged (split gears, worn cables, burnt out motor, etc.), they will need to be replaced with suitable spare parts. Depending on the extent of the repairs, the costs can vary from a few tens of euros to several hundred. Count on average €150 for a light repair and up to €350 for a replacement of a motor or internal mechanism. Some professionals offer all-inclusive packages with parts and labor.
Intervention and repair times depend on the availability of the repairer, but an intermediate blockage solution can be put in place quickly. Don’t hesitate to ask for detailed quotes from several specialists before hiring. This will allow you to have a clearer view of the problem and choose the best offer.
