Shop front shutters protect your stock, windows and doors when the premises are closed, but the right type depends on your business. A takeaway, a jewellers and a high-street clothes shop all need something slightly different.
Here is how the three main types of shop front shutters compare, and how to choose between them.
Solid shutters
Solid steel shutters give the highest level of physical security. Nothing can be seen or reached through the curtain, which makes them a good choice for premises with high-value stock, units in quieter areas, and lock-ups. Our galvanised steel shutters come in 22 gauge and 20 gauge, so the strength can be matched to the opening.
Perforated shutters
Perforated shutters have small holes punched through the laths. They let light and visibility through while keeping the premises secure, so passers-by can still see your window display at night. Many retailers choose them to keep a professional, welcoming look after hours.
Vision-grille shutters
Vision-grille shutters give the most visibility of all, letting window displays stay on show after closing. They are popular with high-street retailers and shopping parades, and suit businesses that want their windows to keep selling while the shop is shut.
Which is right for your business?
As a rough guide, choose solid shop front shutters for maximum protection and high-value stock, perforated shutters if you want light and a glimpse of the shop after hours, and vision-grille shutters if your window display does the selling. Many businesses mix types, for example a solid shutter on the door and a perforated shutter over the window. We will survey your premises and recommend the best combination.
Finishes and colours
Shop front shutters are available galvanised or powder-coated in a range of RAL colours, so the shutter can match your branding or shop front. We provide physical colour samples before your shutter is made.
Manual or electric?
For a shop that opens early and closes late, an electric shutter saves time and effort every single day. Remote, keypad and timer control are all available, with safety edges as standard. If you already have a manual shutter, we can often convert it to electric without replacing the curtain.
Installing without disrupting trade
We schedule installations around your trading hours, including evenings and weekends where needed, and follow any site rules. Every shutter is made to the measured size of your opening and fitted by our own team. If you are planning a new shop front or a major change to its appearance, check with your local council, as Planning Portal explains when permission may be needed.
Keeping your shutters working
A shutter that fails to open costs you trade, and one that will not close leaves you exposed. Our maintenance contracts include scheduled servicing and priority emergency cover, and we offer same-day callouts for urgent faults. See shutter repairs for more.
Browse our roller shutters and commercial services to see the full range.
Need shop front shutters?
We fit shop front shutters across Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, Durham and the wider North East.
Frequently asked questions
Which shop front shutters are the most secure?
Solid steel shutters give the highest level of physical security. Perforated and vision-grille shop front shutters trade a little security for visibility.
Can shop front shutters be electric?
Yes, with remote, keypad or timer control. Existing manual shop front shutters can often be converted without replacing the curtain.
How long does installation take?
Most shop front shutters are fitted in a single visit, scheduled around your trading hours.
Book a free survey
Call Elite Security Shutters on 0191 354 5800 or request a free quote online. We cover Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the wider North East, and every job is carried out by our own fully insured team.