Released On 13th Jan 2025

How to Protect Roller-Shutters from Floodwater

Flood prevention management strategies for roller-shutters, and steps to take if your shutter doors are affected by flooding.

Our climate is getting wetter, and roller-shutters in commercial and industrial buildings are increasingly likely to be exposed to unexpected flooding events, especially on low-lying or poorly drained ground. 

Why flood protection matters

Floodwater can cause significant damage to roller-shutters and their infrastructure, which can disrupt your business and lead to expensive repairs. Proper planning and post-exposure actions help to ensure everyone’s safety and extend your shutters’ working life.

Our guide will help you recognise the hazards of floodwater, providing a detailed breakdown of the risks, management strategies, and actions you should take if your shutters are exposed to water for a prolong period. 

Potential hazards presented by floodwater

Structural damage: 

• Water pressure can deform the shutter's slats, guide tracks, or motor housing
• Sediment and debris carried by floodwater can jam moving parts.

Corrosion: 

• Prolonged exposure to water, especially if contaminated or saline, can lead to rust and degradation of metal components. Aluminium and galvanised steel shutters are corrosion resistant, but as galvanised steel really only protexcts the surface of the metal, cuts or damage can lead to rust beneath the surface when in contact with water.

Electrical system failures: 

• Floodwater can short-circuit electrical motors and control systems.

Contamination: 

• Floodwater often contains contaminants like sewage or chemicals, which can stick to the shutters, posing health hazards.

Operational malfunction: 

• Sediment, debris, or water can prevent smooth operation or damage key mechanisms.

Managing risks effectively

Prevention is definitely better than cure! Your time and investment in managing flood risks should be balanced against the impact of inoperable shutters, potential downtime to your business and the cost of repairs.

a. Prevention and preparation before flooding

• Install flood-resistant shutters: Use roller-shutters designed to resist water entry and increased pressure, such as water-resistant seals and corrosion-resistant materials.
  • As mentioned above, galvanised steel provides a corrosion-resistant protective surface (as long as the galvanised layer is undamaged). Powder-coated steel doors are also galvanised, offering an extra layer of protection. Aluminium garage doors (for the domestic market) are resistant to corrosion, too.
  • All our roller shutter doors come with bottom rubber weather seals as standard, and industrial sectional doors have top, bottom and side rubber seals for additional protection.
• Floor ridges or rubber thresholds: If the area is prone to driving wind and rain hitting your shutter, a very good forward-thinking solution is to create a ridge in the floor (ideally during the construction stage of the building itself) so that the floor level where the door sits is slightly lower than the internal floor level. If this wasn't a consideration during the building stage, rubber thresholds can be installed just behind where the shutter sits on the floor, preventing water ingress. These come in many sizes and specs (i.e domestic stick-down thresholds, or heavy-duty bolt-down thresholds for high/heavy traffic entrances).
• Aco drains: Aco drains are a good choice, and easily added during hte construction phase of your building. Aco drains run right along the front of where the shutter sits, meaning any water that hits the shutter and runs down it will be carried away.
• Battery back-ups: A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can be installed as a failsafe in the event of a power cut caused by flooding or other disrupting events. UPS back-ups come in different sizes depending on the size/power draw of your shutter's motor. Batteries on these generally need changing every 3-5 years.
• Inspect and maintain regularly: Carry out routine inspections for weak points, such as corrosion or worn seals.
• Flood barriers: Install temporary or permanent barriers to minimise direct exposure to floodwater.
• Waterproofing electrical components: Move electrical controls and motors above expected flood levels and encase them in waterproof housings. Most electrical components are positioned at least a metre above the floor. However, safety devices such as safety edge transmitters or photocells are typically installed lower down. In the past, we've used waterproof enclosures to protect the safety edge transmitters in a factory environment where daily washdowns are conducted. Additionally, for externally mounted photocells, we installed a steel flashing to shield the beam from rain.
• Develop a flood response plan: Include protocols for shutting down shutters, securing premises, and managing post-flood inspections.
• Flood kit essentials: Suggested items to have on hand, such as waterproof grease, cleaning agents, sandbags, or temporary barriers.
• Emergency contacts: Include details for local flood response teams, emergency roller-shutter repair services, and electricians.

b. During flooding

Even with the right mitigation measures in place, you may not be able to prevent floodwater reaching your shutters. Follow your Flood Response Plan to minimise danger and damage.  

• Ensure proper shutdown: 
  • Lower and secure shutters fully to reduce the risk of water pressure causing structural failure.
  • Secure the area to prevent unauthorised access.
• Avoid electrical operation: 
  • Disconnect electrical systems before floodwaters reach the building to prevent short-circuits.
  • Turn off power supply to the shutters to prevent electrical hazards.

c. After flood exposure

• Do not operate your shutters immediately: 
  • Assess the water level and visible damage.
  • Floodwater exposure can compromise operational safety; do not use the shutter until thoroughly inspected.
• Remove debris: Clear all sediment, silt, and debris from the tracks and surrounding areas.
• Thorough cleaning: Use clean water and suitable detergents to remove contaminants.
• Dry and lubricate: Dry all components to prevent rust and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect electrical systems: Engage a professional to inspect and repair motors, wiring, and control systems.
• Inspect for structural integrity: 
  • Check for bends, cracks, or other signs of deformation in the slats, tracks, and overall frame. Listen out for noisy operation, or uneven rolling.
  • Engage a professional roller-shutter technician to inspect and assess the condition of the door.
  • Request structural and operational tests to determine usability.
  • Only resume operation after a thorough inspection and testing to ensure everything is safe and working properly.
• Repairs and reconditioning:
  • Replace any damaged or corroded components, including slats, seals, or tracks.
  • Repair or replace motors and electrical systems if needed.
  • Apply anti-corrosion treatments to metal parts.
• Documentation:
  • Document damage with photos and reports for insurance purposes.
  • Keep records of inspections, repairs, and replacements. 

Understanding Flood Zones

With millions of properties across the UK deemed to be at risk of flooding from rivers, surface water or sea-water, being aware of your level of risk can incentivise you to take the necessary preventive action. Access the Environment Agency’s post-code-by-postcode risk assessment and flood maps. 

Roller-Shutter Warranty and Insurance Information

If the worst happens, check whether a claim for flood damage to your roller-shutters might be covered under your buildings insurance.  

• Understanding Manufacturer Warranties:
  • Read your shutter's manufacturer's warranty carefully so you understand how your shutter is designed to perfom in adverse weather conditions, and what is and isn’t covered in case of flood damage.
  • You should understand your own obligations to maintain warranty validity, such as regular servicing of the shutter by authorised professionals.
• Insurance Tips:
  • Make sure your commercial building insurance covers flood damage to roller-shutters.
  • In the event of any claim for damage to your shutters, your insurer may ask for information regarding its service and maintenance history, so keep all documentation well organised and on hand. 

Roller-shutters are not designed to be a flood barrier, so any damage to your building's contents would not be claimable under your shutter warranty. Make sure you have separate insurance cover relevant to your building's contents.

FAQs

Can I repair flood-damaged shutters myself?

It depends. Some minor cleaning and maintenance tasks, such as taking away debris and drying components, can be done yourself. Repairing flood-damaged shutters, however, often requires specialised skills, as water exposure can cause hidden structural damage or electrical issues. Attempting DIY repairs without proper expertise might lead to further damage or safety risks. 

You could also invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty if your repairs don’t meet certain criteria. In most cases it’s best to have experienced professionals carry out the work. Read about Easy-Roll's repairs and maintenance services.

How do I know if my shutters are flood-resistant?

Flood-resistant shutters are typically designed with specific features such as water-resistant seals, corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., galvanised steel or aluminium), and waterproof motor housings. Check your product documentation or specifications from the manufacturer to confirm these features.

What happens if I use my shutter immediately after a flood?

That could be hazardous and may cause further damage. Water, debris, or sediment trapped in the tracks or mechanisms can lead to jamming or misalignment, while electrical components exposed to water may short-circuit, posing a fire or electrocution risk. 

Operating your shutters without drying or cleaning them properly can also exacerbate corrosion or mechanical wear. 

How often should I inspect my shutters for flood readiness?

We recommend you inspect your shutters at least twice a year, especially before and after the rainy or flood season. If your property is in a flood-prone area, more frequent inspections are a good idea. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, damaged seals, or debris in the tracks. make sure that motors and electrical components are properly sealed and elevated if possible. 

Your own inspections should be in addition to regular professional maintenance, which is essential to keep your shutters in optimal condition.

Next steps

Easy-Roll’s technicians have a wealth of expertise on roller-shutters in any commercial or industrial setting. Talk to our team if you need pre-emptive advice regarding flood-risk measures or retro-fitting your shutters. 

If you’ve been affected by floods, please contact us on 01823 451631 for emergency callouts, or chat to us about scheduled regular shutter maintenance and repairs.