Electric vs Manual Roller Shutters

Roller shutters can be incorporated in all types of properties, spanning the full range of use cases – everything from keeping a domestic garage safe, to protecting the entry point of an industrial warehouse. 

Roller shutters are prized for their security, ease of use, durability and speedy installation. 

The two most common types of roller shutter doors are electric and manual. Each of these types has their own specific benefits, capabilities and price point.

If you need advice about the big ‘electric VS manual roller shutters debate’, then keep reading. To help make your decision easier, we’ve outlined the differences between these two types of roller shutters, and listed the pros and cons of each. 

What’s the difference between electrical and manual roller shutters? 

Although they both operate in the same way – tracks rolling or sliding the door panels upwards, into the top of the unit – electric roller shutters do so using electricity. 

Electric roller shutters enable you to open the doors by pushing a button. Then, an electric motor will drive the mechanism.

Whereas for manual roller shutters, you need to open the door by manually turning a door crank. While this isn’t super strenuous, it is a lot easier to just push a button and let the door do the hard work for you.

The pros and cons of electric roller shutters

Pros: 

  • Easy to use – the door can be conveniently operated through the push of a button.
  • Speed – the electric motor will open the door a lot quicker than you could do manually.
  • Can work with shutters of all weights – if your chosen shutters exceed certain size and weight restrictions, then the door will have to be electrically operated.
  • Available in mains, battery and solar-powered models
  • Wireless remote control – you can choose to operate your shutters using a wireless remote control.
  • Extremely durable – hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and have a long lifespan.
  • Quick and easy to install – electric roller shutters are much simpler to install.
  • Accessible – these doors are extremely accessible, and can easily be operated by elderly users, or users with a disability.
  • High security – thanks to the motor’s in-built locking system.
  • High safety – the door comes with extensive in-built safety features, designed to protect users against malfunctions, power outages, and any other potential usage hazard.

Cons:

  • Cost – electric roller shutters are more expensive than manual alternatives. But, the price difference isn’t huge, so you wouldn’t be saving a fortune.
  • Safety needs to be considered – working with your installer, you may also wish to add an emergency battery system. This comes at an extra cost, but it will ensure your roller door continues to work in a power outage.

The pros and cons of manual roller shutters

Pros:

  • Cheaper units – manual roller shutters are cheaper than electric roller shutters. They are a very affordable and cost-effective option. 
  • Cheaper to run – because they don’t use electricity, these doors have a cheaper day-to-day running cost.
  • No electricity – so, in the event of a power cut, your door will continue to operate as normal.
  • Extremely durable – these units are weather-resistant, hard-wearing and boast a long lifespan.
  • High security – as with the electric alternatives, manual roller shutters are extremely secure.
  • Can be made electric at a later date – if you change your mind, you can convert your manual roller shutters to electric roller shutters. More on this later.

Cons:

  • Slower – because you have to open the door manually, it’s considerably slower to open than an electric alternative.
  • Inconvenience – while it isn’t physically challenging to open the door, it is a bit of an inconvenience.
  • Can only be used with smaller shutters – if shutters exceed the recommended size and weight restrictions, then the door must be electrically operated.
  • Longer installation – to fit the tracks and ensure smooth manual operation, manual roller shutters require a longer and messier installation, which involves drilling into the wall.
  • Servicing will be required – manual roller shutters require a more regular servicing schedule, in order to check on the wear of the parts.

Which type of roller shutter should I choose?

This will depend on how often you’re going to use the door, your budget, the type of property and your accessibility requirements.

But, generally speaking, we would recommend investing in electrical roller shutters.

Electric roller shutters are usually the best option. They keep the premises secure, they are remarkably easy to use, and are generally a much better fit for industrial shutters or warehouse shutters.

Or, if you were to choose manual roller shutters, but changed your mind at a later date, you can always convert your manual roller shutters to electric. The conversion is quick, easy and far cheaper than replacing your manual roller shutters outright.  

To find out more – either about the pros and cons of electric and manual roller shutters, or the benefits of upgrading your manual model to electric roller shutters – contact our team for a quote.

The specialist Safe & Secure Roller Shutters team are on hand to answer any queries that you may have.

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