How to Stop Roller Shutters From Rattling

One of the most aggravating sounds for a homeowner or renter is having roller shutters rattling. These noises can be caused by various things ranging from external vibrations from traffic or even the weather. While roller shutters are a great addition to a home, they can require the right amount of upkeep and periodic maintenance to keep them silent. Keep reading for some roller shutter advice to prevent them from making a rattling noise and learn what causes these noises.

Causes of Roller Shutters Rattling

Roller shutters should be silent and not produce a rattling noise when in or not in use. There are specific reasons why a person’s roller shutters make noise. Consider the following most common causes and discover what you can do to remedy the issue.

Old Age

In most cases, older roller shutters are usually the culprits when there is a rattling issue. However, that’s not always the case. These shutters sustain normal wear and tear from use and the elements as time goes on. When this happens, parts become worn and loose. Additionally, some parts need care to ensure they work properly.

The first thing you want to consider is if the roller shutters are over ten years of age. If this is the case, the best course of action might be to replace them for better security and performance. If your shutters are old, you’ll continue to have issues with them, and you’ll eventually need to replace them anyway. Sometimes the most effective solution is to replace them rather than repair them multiple times, only to still have the same issues after a short time. If they are under ten years old, or you want to fix the issue temporarily, you can look for loose parts and replace or tighten them.

Dirt and Debris

If there is a buildup of dust and dirt inside the components of the roller shutters, it can cause them to rattle. The best solution for this issue is to inspect for dirt and debris and then take the time to gently clean around and in the mechanisms. If you notice damage to the parts or stubborn substances are blocking them, you might need to call in a professional to come to fix them or replace some parts.

You should make a point to regularly clean the roller shutters to ensure they perform as they should and don’t get buildup from being in the elements year-round. If you can’t do it yourself, calling a professional to periodically come and service the shutters is the next best option.

Lack of Lubrication

There are parts on the roller shutters that require frequent lubrication. If you fail to have routine maintenance, including lubricating the meta gears, the roller shutters will rattle. While you can lubricate the gears yourself, you can also get assistance if you aren’t sure what to do. Contact the manufacturers or companies that sold the shutters to determine how often they need attention.

Areas to Inspect

There are a few areas to pay special attention to when searching for the source of the rattling noise. They are usually the culprits when you can’t identify the source of the issue by focusing attention on the areas already discussed. They can include the following.

• Guides
• Slats
• Spring Tension

The noise might come from the guides catching in certain spots. If they catch, then they tend to create a noise. They should move fluidly when the roller shutters are in motion. The slats will rattle, too, if they are broken or damaged. If there is damage, you need to replace those parts to remedy the problem. Roller shutters use springs to keep them blanched. If the spring has additional tension, it can rattle and cause a noise issue.

Summary

Roller shutters are a great addition to any home or rental space; however, they require frequent maintenance and occasional repairs to ensure they don’t rattle and provide adequate function. If you currently have a problem with a rattling sound, you can check the components to find the source. You might try to fix them yourself, but a certain solution is to call a professional to come to service them.