Over the last year, nearly half of Canadian small businesses have been affected by crime and safety issues, according to a report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Theft, vandalism, and litter are the most common types of crime experienced by these businesses. 

If you’re in the same boat as these small businesses, you’re likely looking for solutions that can help protect your retail space after hours. Security grilles and shutters are a great solution that can greatly boost your security. This article will explore their benefits and provide advice on how you can get the most from your security features. 

Advantages of Security Shutters and Grilles

Security shutters and grilles are durable and versatile barriers that offer protection for businesses. They’re made from interlocking slats constructed from strong materials such as steel or aluminum. These slats are hinged together so the door can easily roll up and down as needed. 

These barriers provide several advantages, such as:

• Provide Security — Security shutters are a great way to add another layer of security to your space. High-quality shutters or grilles create a physical barrier against break-ins.
• Deter Thieves — For the most part, thieves are opportunists. They’ll go for the easiest target. Adding security shutters and grilles to your store makes it a much more difficult target. That will cause potential burglars to look elsewhere.
• Protection Against the Elements — Thieves and vandals aren’t the only problems you need to protect against. Security shutters provide protection against weather damage, such as rain, wind, or hail, giving you peace of mind even during stormy weather.
• Make a Good Impression — Making a good first impression is extremely important when it comes to attracting customers from the street. If you have robust security features in place, such as shutters, it gives the impression that you have high-quality products that are worth protecting. It also lets them know that you prioritize safety, which means they may be more comfortable shopping there.
• Reduce Insurance Premiums — Installing high-quality shutters and grilles and improving the security of your business can also show your insurance company that you’re willing to spend more effort protecting your assets. They may lower your premium, as you’ll be less likely to file an insurance claim from break-ins or damage.

Customize Your Security Shutters to Your Needs

Retail spaces have diverse security needs and may need different sizes and shapes of shutters to properly protect the business. Security grilles are extremely versatile and can be customized to fit your specific business needs. 

You can choose to tailor the size, shape, finish, colour, and even rod design to ensure it matches your décor and aesthetic while still providing a high level of security. No matter what you need, we have a solution! 

Choosing the Right Security Shutters

How do you select the right security shutters and grilles for your needs? There are a few different factors you should consider:

• First, determine the level of security you need. Different types of slats offer different degrees of strength and durability. If you need maximum protection, look for something with a reinforced end retention or double-wall profile.
• Second, you should think about aesthetic appeal. Shutters come in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your current aesthetic.
• You’ll also need to consider the maintenance needs. Some materials may require more maintenance than others to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term operation.     

Security shutters can also be equipped with a variety of additional safety and protection features, such as:

• Guide-mounted interlocks
• Sensing edges
• Light curtains
• Entrapment protection devices
• Lock options

Understanding Roll-up vs. Side-folding Shutters and Grilles

Security shutters and grilles are available in both roll-up and side-folding options:

• Roll-up Security Grilles — Roll-up security grilles operate by rolling up and down vertically. These grilles and shutters can fit openings up to 40’ high and 20’ wide but can also be customized for larger openings. They are ideal for retail spaces with limited space on the sides. You can also use them to protect countertops, windows, and even control access to certain hallways.
• Side-folding Grilles — Side-folding, or sliding, grilles are connected panels that fold to the side and stack neatly at the ends of the opening. They’re typically installed at storefront entrances but can also be tailored for specific displays of merchandise, cashier stations, or inventory storage areas. 

Your best option is to consult security shutter experts. They’ll be able to help you find what works best for your business.

Keep Your Business Safe & Secure With Regular Preventative Maintenance and Inspections 

Keeping your retail space secure means more than just buying security shutters and lowering them every night. If you don’t keep up with their regular maintenance, your shutters can wear down and lose their effectiveness.

A professional technician from Creative Door Services can conduct thorough inspections of your security shutters and grilles. They can conduct the following maintenance tasks:

• Inspect, lubricate, and adjust all shutter components (guides, curtain, bottom bar, gusset plates, hood, chain hoist, etc.).
• Inspect any small components as appropriate
• Inspect weatherstripping for wear, shrinkage, and damage
• Test and adjust the balance of the shutters in the manual position
• Offer annual drop test for fire doors based on local municipal Fire Code regulations

If any issues are found, you can count on our trained team to repair them quickly and efficiently. 

Call Creative Door Services and Boost Your After-Hours Security

Creative Door Services is the premier source in Western Canada for all your maintenance and repair needs on security shutters and grilles. With the help of our highly experienced technicians, you can ensure your store is as secure as possible after hours. 

Contact us today to request a quote. Find a location nearest you: Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.