Roller shutters boast an exceptionally long lifespan and, when maintained with care, offer an extremely durable and dependable solution.
But, if you neglect their maintenance, issues can develop which, over time, significantly decrease their lifespan.
One of the most common causes of malfunctioning roller shutters is the build up of rust. But, this is actually an extremely preventable issue – all it takes is a bit of regular maintenance.
So, to help you minimise the risk of rust affecting your roller shutters, the Safe & Secure Shutters team have shared their expert tips.
Can roller shutters rust?
Yes, roller shutters can develop rust.
This can occur in roller shutters that are made from materials that are prone to rusting. Common examples include iron or steel roller shutters.
Rust can develop in the shutters themselves, or in any metal working parts within the system.
Not only can rust compromise the shutters’ structural integrity, but it can also hinder their functionality, and ruin their modern appearance.
Some roller shutters are resistant to rust and corrosion. Some modern roller shutters are made with naturally rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminium or galvanised steel.
But, in the majority of cases, regular maintenance will be required, to prevent rust from developing and extend the life of your roller shutters.
What causes a roller shutter to rust?
Rust is the result of a reaction between certain types of metals and oxygen and moisture in the air. The product of the reaction is iron oxide, which has the more common name ‘rust’.
Rusting is a process which occurs over an extended period of time, and it requires moisture, oxygen and reactive metals to take place.
Beyond that, there are a number of other factors that can increase the likelihood of rust developing.
The main causes of rusting roller shutters are:
- Moist environments – if your roller shutter is exposed to water, extensive rain, or is kept in an environment with high humidity, then this increases the likelihood of rusting.
- Extreme weather conditions – similarly, if your roller shutters are consistently exposed to extreme weather, then they are more likely to rust.
- Corrosive environments – these are environments with high levels of chemicals, salts or pollutants. A common example of this is coastal areas, where there is a high volume of saltwater in the air. The presence of these can also increase the likelihood of rusting.
- Scratches, dents or other surface damage – if the shutters’ surface or protective coating is damaged, then the underlying metal will be exposed. This means moisture and oxygen can reach the metal, and cause it to rust.
- Insufficient maintenance – roller shutters that are not maintained and cleaned regularly are far more likely to experience rust. The risk of rust can be minimised with regular cleaning and by applying protective coatings.
What’s the difference between rust and corrosion?
Although rust and corrosion are often used interchangeably, the two terms mean slightly different things.
The differences between corrosion and rust are as follows:
Corrosion
- Corrosion is the deterioration of metals, as a result of them undergoing a chemical reaction with their environment. Common causes of this include moisture, chemicals and gases present in the metal’s surrounding environment.
- This reaction involves a gradual breakdown of the metal, over time.
Rust
- Rust is a specific type of corrosion.
- Rust is the process of iron or steel reacting with oxygen and moisture, to form iron oxide.
- Rust can be easily identified by its flaky texture, and red-brown colour.
How to avoid corrosion on your roller shutter
Thankfully, rust in roller shutters is easily preventable.
To minimise the risk of rust developing in your roller shutter, we recommend the following preventive measures:
- Clean your roller shutters regularly
- Implement a regular maintenance schedule. To learn more about roller shutter maintenance schedules and what they should include, check out our blog post covering how to maintain your roller shutter.
- Apply protective coatings. These help to shield your metal from oxygen and moisture. Common examples of effective coatings include specialist powder coatings, galvanization or even paint.
- Apply specialist anti-corrosion sprays
- Inspect your roller shutters regularly. Check for scratches, chipped paint or other damage regularly. Then, if you do identify any damage, ensure the shutters are repaired promptly.
- Keep your shutters as dry as possible
- Secure and fully close your roller shutters when not in use.
- If your budget allows, look for roller shutters that are made from corrosion-resistant materials. This includes aluminium, stainless steel, and galvanised steel.
Do you need a new roller shutter if it is rusted/corroded?
Rusting is an irreversible process. So, whether or not your roller shutters will need to be replaced depends on the extent of the rust.
If the rust is only minor, you can usually address the issue and prevent it from escalating further.
However, if the rust is extensive, then it may compromise the safety and performance of your roller shutter. If this is the case, then you will need to replace it.
If you spot rust developing in your roller shutters, then we recommend consulting with your roller shutter supplier, or a roller shutter specialist. They will be able to advise you about whether or not a replacement is needed, and recommend some effective rust-prevention measures.
If you have any questions about roller shutter rust, or if you would like to arrange a maintenance schedule for your roller shutters, the Safe & Secure Roller Shutters team is on hand to help.