If you have electric roller shutters, you don't want to be without them. It is all the more annoying when the technology fails and the roller shutter no longer goes up. You don't always have to call experts. This article explains how you can fix errors yourself with a little skill.
Electric roller shutters offer convenience, but the built-in electromechanics also make them prone to failure. Here we explain in an easy-to-understand way how to get to the bottom of the causes of errors and how to carry out the repair.
Typical problems with electric roller shutters
During the course of their life, electric roller shutters develop defects that can have various causes. As you get older, problems naturally become more common. In order to narrow down the troubleshooting, it is helpful to know the frequently occurring, typical problems with electric roller shutters.
Mechanical problems
- the roller shutter is stuck in the guide rails
- the shaft in the roller shutter box is blocked
- the belt is torn (only for systems with belt)
- the belt is not rolled up correctly (only for systems with belt winders)
Electrical Problems
- The residual current circuit breaker in the fuse box has tripped
- Defect in the drive motor (depending on the type, this is located on the belt winder or directly on the shaft in the roller shutter box)
- defective or incorrectly adjusted limit switches
- Control unit is defective
Note:
In rare individual cases there are other causes of problems with electric roller shutters. The above list does not claim to be complete.
What to do if you have problems with electric shutters
All the work described below differs depending on the model. In any case, the manufacturer's relevant installation and maintenance instructions should be followed.
Safety note: If the roller shutters can only be reached from the outside using a ladder, be sure to have a second person secure them. In addition, fall protection adapted to the appropriate working height should be used.
It makes sense to first look at the possible mechanical causes.
The following tools and parts are required for the corresponding work:
- if applicable, ladder and fall protection
- Screwdriver (slotted, Phillips or Torx screwdriver in the appropriate sizes depending on the roller shutter model)
- a small hammer
- sharp scissors
Depending on the damage, you may also need
- new slats or
- two new shaft bearings or
- a replacement strap or
- a new spring for the belt winder
Roller shutter tilted
You can easily determine whether the roller shutter is stuck in the guide by trying to push it up manually. A closer look is often enough to see whether the slats are crooked in places. This is a clear sign of a tilted roller shutter, which is therefore blocked. In some cases it may be enough to carefully “set” the roller shutter again so that it runs in the side guides without tilting.
Carefully measured blows with a small hammer without damaging the slats can also solve the jamming. It may also be that one of the side guide rails has become loose in places and is responsible for the roller shutter jamming. In this case, return the rail to its original position and reattach it.
Broken slats
Individual slats can also be broken and tilted. In this case, the entire roller shutter does not have to be replaced straight away. You have the option of replacing individual slats. The procedure depends on the area in which the damaged slats are located.
Renew bottom slats
- Dismantle the end strip to be able to pull the slats downwards.
- Carefully guide the roller shutter out of the lower ends of the guide rails until the damaged slats can be removed.
- If necessary, secure the strap (if equipped) to prevent additional slats from falling out until the new slats are ready for installation.
- Insert and install the new slats as well as the undamaged removed slats.
- Install the end strip to secure the roller shutter and, if necessary, unlock the strap.
Tip:
It usually makes sense to have a second person help you when replacing the slats. Especially if it is a large roller shutter, safely removing the old slats and inserting the new slats is easier with two people and without jamming.
Renew top slats
- Open the cover of the roller shutter box.
- The first accessible slat must be removed.
- Remove the additional slats until the damaged slats are also removed.
- Insert the new slats and the removed, undamaged slats.
- Reinstall the roller shutter box cover.
Tip:
Secure the strap (if available) to prevent the roller shutter from falling while working, depending on the position.
Stuck shaft
To check whether a stuck shaft is the cause of the problem, open the cover of the roller shutter box. By manually turning the shaft you can determine whether it is moving or stuck. If the shaft is stuck, the shaft bearings are probably seized and need to be replaced. This work varies depending on the roller shutter model. Check with a specialist company whether the bearings of your roller shutter need to be replaced by a layperson.
Broken belt
If the roller shutter is prevented from raising due to a torn belt, it must be replaced. To do this, the roller shutter must be pushed up and secured manually. Then open the belt winder and the roller shutter box cover. Remove the torn belt and insert the new one in the reverse order. This must be shortened to the correct length and inserted into the belt winder and attached to the reel. Pull the strap up in the shutter box to attach it to the roller of the shaft. While the roller shutter is now slowly and carefully lowered, the belt winds itself onto the upper roller.
Defective belt winder
If the reason for the roller shutter malfunction is the belt winder, then it is worth checking the tension spring of the belt guide. This can lose tension or break over time. In these cases, replace the spring with a new one. If this measure is not possible or does not lead to the desired result, you can replace the entire belt winder with a new one.
Electrical Problems - Circuit Breaker
If all mechanical reasons why the electric roller shutter no longer opens are ruled out, then there is an electrical problem. If a tripped residual current circuit breaker is responsible, it can be reset so that the roller shutter works. If the switch trips again, the cause should be investigated.
Other electrical problems
If there are problems with the electrical system, it is not advisable to carry out repairs yourself for safety reasons. For electrical work, always contact a specialist company.
