Roller shutters are most commonly used for commercial purposes because they’re secure, cost-effective, and durable, among other benefits. However, many business owners will ask themselves: ‘How do roller shutter doors actually work, and should I choose a manual or electric?’.

In this blog, our experts will explain how manual and electric roller shutter doors work, as well as key considerations for business owners when choosing between them.

How Manual Roller Shutters Work

Manual roller shutter doors require physical operation to open and close them, such as a crank handle, a chain, or a push-pull handle. They’re made up of interlocking slats, which allow the door to slide on a vertical or horizontal track.

Manual roller shutters will often include fail-safe mechanisms to help prevent the door from unexpectedly falling. For security, these types of roller shutters utilise either bottom-bar key locks, padlocks, or a ratchet system.

As a result, these types of doors are best suited for low-traffic areas, as opening and closing the door multiple times a day wouldn’t be very productive. However, manual roller shutter doors are generally good, budget-friendly options for businesses with a constrained budget, plus they only need simple upkeep.

How Electric Roller Shutters Work

Electric roller shutter doors are built and operate very similarly to manual doors. The key difference is that an electric door utilises a motor and controls to open and close, without the physical effort.

These doors can be fitted with keypads or remote control fobs to effortlessly integrate with existing control systems. And without the need for handles, and thanks to their enhanced reinforcement, electric roller shutter doors offer maximum security. Plus, electric shutters offer safety features such as sensors and an auto stop to prevent injuries or accidents.

Electric roller shutter doors are the best option for businesses with a sizeable budget, a high volume of footfall, and who need additional security measures. But take into consideration that regular servicing and maintenance will be needed to keep the door running smoothly.

Key Differences Between Manual & Electric

Below is a straightforward comparison of the differences between manual and electric roller shutter doors:

A table showing the differences between manual and elctric roller shutter doors, focusing on operation, speed, safety features, cost, maintenance, and who they are ideal for.

4 Key Business Considerations

1. Usage Frequency

Think about where your roller shutter door is being installed. Is it going to be in a warehouse with busy loading bays, or used as a back door? Depending on your building’s daily traffic, it will help you determine if manual or electric is better suited.

2. Cost

Consider both the cost of the installation of each type of roller shutter, as well as the investment potential. An electric roller shutter door may have a higher upfront cost, but with regular servicing, it can last for many years.

3. Safety & Compliance

As a business owner, it’s essential to ensure your workplace complies with health and safety regulations; this includes both manual and electric roller shutter doors. So, remember to factor in the cost of maintenance and servicing in order to stay compliant.

When Manual Makes Sense for Businesses

Here are some clear-cut situations where a manual roller shutter door would be the best solution for a business:

A secondary access door

Sites with limited power access
Cost-focused decisions with light usage

When Electric Is Worth the Investment

Similarly, here are some examples where electric roller shutter doors would benefit a business:

Frequent access points (especially for logistics or manufacturing)
Needs integration into access control or security
High-risk sites where remote operation reduces hazards

Depending on your building’s daily traffic, it will help you determine if manual or electric is better suited.

How NOVA Door Systems Can Help

To summarise, businesses with low traffic, tight budgets, and minimal security risks could use manual roller shutter doors. But businesses with lots of footfall and high security risks, with the budget to invest, will benefit from electric roller shutter doors.

At NOVA Door Systems, we specialise in the supply, installation, and maintenance of electric roller shutters for commercial and industrial properties. If you’d like to find out more about the uses and benefits of an electric roller shutter, get in touch or call 02921 690433 to chat with a member of our team to find out more about our services and how we can assist.

Manual vs Electric Roller Shutters: How They Work & Which Is Right for Your Business