Security shutters
Heavier-duty roller shutters for shopfronts, units, garages and anywhere that needs to be closed up properly at night.
What are security shutters?
Security shutters are heavy-duty roller shutters designed to protect shopfronts, commercial units, garages and vulnerable openings when a building is closed. Compared with domestic roller shutters, they use stronger slats, deeper guides and a reinforced bottom rail that locks into place. They come solid, for maximum protection, or perforated or punched, so the window display can still be seen and lit at night.
Security shutters at a glance
- Slats: Extruded aluminium or galvanised steel
- Styles: Solid, perforated or punched for visibility
- Guides: Heavy-duty side guides with anti-lift features
- Operation: Motorised, with safety edge and manual override
- Locking: Reinforced bottom rail, with locks where required
- Finish: Powder coat in your shopfront colour
Solid or perforated?
Solid shutters give the most protection and block the view entirely. They suit rear doors, loading bays and garages.
Perforated and punched shutters let light and a view of the display through while still keeping people out. They make the street feel less shut down at night, which is why many councils prefer them on shopfronts.
Insurance and specification
If your insurer asks for a particular level of security, tell us at the quote stage and we’ll specify the shutter to meet it. It’s far easier to get that right at the start than to upgrade later.
How we survey, supply and fit security shutters
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the structure above and either side, and agree whether the shutter fits outside or behind the shopfront.
- Specification. We agree the slat type, finish, locking, motor and override.
- Made to measure. The shutter is built to the opening.
- Installation. We fix the box, guides and curtain, set the motor, and a registered electrician connects the power.
- Handover. We show your staff how to operate it, use the override and keep it maintained.
Planning and shopfront shutters
External security shutters on shopfronts often need planning permission, and many councils’ shopfront guidelines discourage solid external shutters. Perforated shutters, or shutters fitted behind the glass, are usually viewed more favourably. If you’re in a town centre or an Architectural Conservation Area, check with the council before ordering. We can help with the technical details for your application.
Security shutter ideas
These are illustrations of design ideas, not photos of specific Brega Glazing jobs. See more in our ideas gallery.
Typical uses for security shutters
- Shopfronts and retail units
- Industrial units and loading bays
- Pharmacies, off-licences and other high-risk premises
- Domestic garages and outbuildings
More shutters
Security shutter FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a shopfront shutter?
Often, yes, especially for external shutters. Many councils prefer perforated shutters or shutters fitted inside the shopfront glass. Check with your local planning office before ordering.
Can a security shutter be opened in a power cut?
Yes. Motorised security shutters have a manual override, such as a crank or a battery backup, so they can be opened without power.
Should I choose aluminium or steel security shutters?
Steel is heavier and suits the highest-security openings and wide industrial doors. Aluminium is lighter, doesn’t rust, and suits most shopfronts and garages. We’ll recommend the right one for the opening and the risk.
How often do security shutters need servicing?
Shutters used every day benefit from a service at least once a year: checking the motor limits, safety edge, guides and locks. Heavy daily use may need more frequent checks.