Rolling shutters are not only a security upgrade — they’re also a smart investment for comfort, insulation, and protection against unpredictable Canadian weather and intuders. Whether you installed rolling shutters for your home, storefront, or warehouse, one thing remains true: their performance depends on basic upkeep.
The good news? Proper shutter maintenance is not complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. With a few small habits, you can reduce noise, prevent jamming, and extend the life of tracks, slats, and motors for many years.
This guide breaks down practical, real-world maintenance tips that property owners in Ontario and across Canada can follow easily.
Quick Summary (What You’ll Learn)
What damages shutters over time (and how to prevent it)
How to spot early warning signs before breakdowns
Extra care rules for motorized shutters
Seasonal shutter protection tips for Canadian winters
1) What Causes Roller Shutters to Fail Over Time?
Most shutter problems don’t happen suddenly — they build up slowly. The most common causes are:
✅ Dirt + Sand in Tracks
Even a small amount of debris in the guides can create friction, leading to:
scratches on slats
stiff opening/closing
noisy rolling
✅ Misalignment
If shutters roll unevenly, the system starts stressing the rollers, side guides, and motor.
Think of shutters like a sliding system: they need a clean path to move smoothly.
2) The Best Cleaning Routine (Safe for Coatings & Finish)
Shutters don’t require heavy cleaning — gentle cleaning is the best cleaning.
Clean the tracks too
Tracks collect the most dirt. Use:
soft brush
vacuum (soft nozzle)
🚫 Avoid:
strong chemicals (bleach / thinner / degreaser)
hard brushes or steel scrubbers
pressure washers (risk of water entering motor/housing)
3) 60-Second Shutter Check (Do This Monthly)
If you do just one maintenance step regularly, do this.
Watch out for:
Shutter stops halfway (track obstruction)
Slats rub on one side (alignment issue)
Strange sounds like grinding/clicking
Visible scratches (sand inside shutter box)
Delayed movement in electric shutters
These signs usually appear before a costly breakdown.
4) Electric Rolling Shutters: Extra Maintenance Rules
Motorized shutters need a little additional care because the motor system is sensitive.
What you should do:
✅ Keep motor area clean and dry
✅ Test remote + wall switch response
✅ Listen for motor strain (humming / struggling sound)
Important warning:
If a shutter feels stuck, do not force it.
Forcing shutters can damage:
motor gears
drive belt
shutter curtain alignment
For electric shutter issues, professional checking is always safer and cheaper than replacing an entire motor later.
5) Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Ontario Winters
Ontario winters are tough on exterior systems. Snow and freezing temperatures can cause:
shutter freezing at the bottom
track ice buildup
stiff movement
Winter checklist:
Remove snow/ice from the shutter base before closing
Keep side guides dry and clean
Don’t operate shutters if frozen
Summer checklist:
Ensure air circulation near the shutter housing
Avoid heat buildup around motor area
6) When Repairs Are Needed (Don’t Ignore These Signs)
Even with good care, some parts wear out naturally.
Call a professional when you notice:
shutters moving unevenly
loud vibration / metal sound
repeated jamming
motor stops randomly
shutter curtain feels loose
Sometimes repair is simple (track cleaning or alignment). Other times, upgrading components gives better long-term results.
7) Upgrade Benefits: Why New Models Perform Better
Older rolling shutters can still work, but upgrading can give major improvements like:
smoother silent operation
stronger security locking system
improved insulation performance
better motor efficiency
modern remote/control features
New Star Doors can assess whether a repair is enough or if upgrading will be a more cost-effective choice.
8) Mistakes People Commonly Make
Let’s highlight the mistakes that create 80% of shutter issues:
❌ Never cleaning tracks
❌ Using pressure washers
❌ Ignoring minor scraping sounds
❌ Operating shutters during ice freeze
❌ Using harsh chemicals that damage coating
Fixing these habits alone can make shutters last significantly longer.
Keep Your Rolling Shutters Smooth, Secure & Reliable
Roller shutters are built to protect your property — but to stay reliable, they need simple routine care. Just a few minutes every couple of months can prevent expensive damage and ensure your shutters work perfectly when you need them most.
If you want a professional inspection, service, repair, or upgrade, New Star Doors is here to help.
📧 Email: info@newstardoors.ca