Yes, a bent bottom bar can usually be repaired or replaced without replacing the whole shutter. Minor bends can sometimes be straightened, but a badly bent, cracked or twisted bottom bar is normally replaced along with any damaged laths and the bottom rubber. Stop using the shutter if it is catching in the guide rails, because forcing it can damage the curtain, the motor and the rails.
The bottom bar, sometimes called the bottom rail or base slat, is the heavy section at the foot of the shutter curtain. It is the part that takes most of the abuse: delivery vans reversing into it, pallets and trolleys knocking it, and people trying to lever it up during an attempted break-in. Because it is so important to how the shutter closes, locks and seals, a bent bottom bar should not be ignored.
Why the bottom bar matters
- It keeps the curtain straight. A rigid bottom bar holds the laths level as the shutter opens and closes.
- It carries the locks. On manual shutters, the locks are often fitted in the bottom bar.
- It seals the gap. The rubber in the bottom bar keeps out wind, rain and debris.
- It carries safety devices. Many electric shutters have a safety edge in the bottom bar that stops the shutter if it touches an obstruction.
Signs your bottom bar is damaged
- the shutter no longer closes flat to the ground, leaving a gap at one side;
- the curtain jams or scrapes in the guide rails;
- the lock will not engage;
- the shutter reverses or stops when closing, because the safety edge is being triggered;
- visible dents, kinks or a twist along the length of the bar.
Repair or replace?
Minor bends
A small, gentle bend in a steel bottom bar can sometimes be straightened by an engineer, as long as the metal is not cracked and the laths above are undamaged.
Major damage
If the bar is sharply kinked, cracked or twisted, it is usually replaced. The impact that bent the bottom bar often damages the bottom laths too, and sometimes knocks the guide rails out of line. A proper repair checks all of these.
Electric shutters
On electric shutters, the safety edge and its cable are checked or replaced, and the limits are reset once the new bottom bar is fitted.
What not to do
- Do not keep running an electric shutter that is catching. The motor will strain and can overheat or fail.
- Do not hammer the bar straight while it is fitted. You can crack the metal or damage the guide rails.
- Do not leave the premises insecure. If the shutter will not close or lock after a break-in attempt, call for an emergency repair.
Preventing it happening again
- Fit bollards or guide rail protectors at loading bays where vehicles reverse close to the shutter.
- Mark the floor and add signage so drivers know where the shutter is.
- Make sure the shutter is fully open before vehicles pass under it. On busy doors, photocells and traffic lights can help.
- On high risk shops, consider a heavier gauge bottom bar and improved locking.
What a bottom bar repair usually involves
Every job is different, but a typical repair follows the same steps. The engineer makes the shutter safe and isolates the power on electric models. The damaged bottom bar is removed, along with any bent laths above it, and the guide rails are checked for distortion. A new bottom bar is fitted with a new rubber and, where needed, a new safety edge. The locks are refitted or replaced, the limits are reset and the shutter is tested through several full cycles to make sure it runs straight and closes flat. On many shutters this can be done in a single visit, especially when we can make the parts to measure in our own Glasgow workshop.
Damaged shutter? We can help today
We repair vehicle and break-in damage to roller shutters across Glasgow, Paisley and Renfrew, replacing bottom bars, laths, rubbers and safety edges on all makes. If your premises cannot be secured, our 24/7 emergency service can make the shutter safe and secure quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use my shutter with a bent bottom bar?
If it opens and closes smoothly and locks properly, it may be safe for a short time, but get it checked. If it catches in the guide rails or will not lock, stop using it and arrange a repair.
Will insurance cover a bent bottom bar?
Damage from a vehicle or attempted break-in may be covered by your buildings or business insurance. Check your policy and keep photos and the repair invoice.
Do I need a new shutter if the bottom bar is bent?
Usually not. The bottom bar and any damaged laths can normally be replaced without replacing the whole shutter.
