There is no single figure, because motor life depends far more on how hard it works than on how old it is. A well matched motor on a shop shutter that runs a few times a day, with regular servicing, can often last for many years. Motors that are undersized for the curtain, run many times an hour or drive a stiff, poorly maintained shutter wear out much sooner.
The motor is the heart of an electric roller shutter, and it is usually one of the more expensive parts to replace. So it is natural to want to know how long it should last. The honest answer is that it depends on a handful of factors you can influence, and looking after them is the best way to get the most from your motor.
Types of roller shutter motor
- Tubular motors sit inside the barrel the curtain rolls around. They are common on shop, garage and domestic shutters.
- External or side mounted motors sit at the end of the barrel and are used on larger and heavier commercial and industrial doors.
- Industrial drive units are designed for heavy doors and frequent use, such as loading bays and warehouses.
Each type is designed for a certain weight of curtain and a certain amount of use. Manufacturers rate motors by the load they can lift and by how often they can run without overheating.
What affects how long a motor lasts
How often it runs
Every open and close is one cycle. A shop shutter might do two or four cycles a day. A busy loading bay door might do dozens. A motor designed for light use will wear out quickly if it is asked to do industrial levels of work.
Whether it is the right size
An undersized motor strains to lift the curtain, runs hot and trips its thermal cut-out. This is common when a heavier insulated curtain is fitted to an existing motor, or a shutter is made taller without upgrading the drive.
The condition of the shutter
Bent laths, dirty or damaged guide rails, a worn bottom rubber or a twisted curtain all add friction. The motor has to work harder every cycle, which shortens its life.
Weather and environment
Damp, salt, dust and freezing temperatures all take their toll. Shutters exposed to wind-driven rain need good sealing around the motor and controls.
Servicing
Regular servicing keeps the curtain running freely, checks the limits and catches small problems before they overload the motor.
Warning signs your motor is struggling
- the shutter is slower than it used to be;
- it stops part way and needs a rest before it will move again;
- you hear humming, grinding or clicking from the box;
- it overshoots or stops short of the fully open or closed position;
- it works in one direction but not the other;
- you notice a burning smell after use.
Some of these are caused by the shutter rather than the motor, which is why it is worth having it inspected before replacing anything.
Repair or replace?
Faults with limits, capacitors, control panels and wiring can often be repaired without replacing the motor. If the motor itself has failed, a like for like replacement is usually straightforward. If it has failed because it was undersized or the shutter is in poor condition, fitting the same motor again will only lead to another failure, so we will recommend the right size of motor and any repairs the curtain needs.
How to get the longest life from your motor
- Have the shutter serviced at least once a year, more often if it is heavily used.
- Do not run it repeatedly up and down in quick succession.
- Keep the guide rails clean and free from debris.
- Get dents and damage to the curtain fixed promptly.
- Make sure any new or heavier curtain is matched with the right motor.
Motor problems? We can help
We diagnose, repair and replace motors on all makes of electric roller shutter, and we also convert manual shutters to electric with correctly sized motors. Book a service or an emergency repair across Glasgow, Hillington, Paisley and Renfrew.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a roller shutter motor last?
It varies with use, sizing and maintenance. A correctly sized motor on a shutter that is used a few times a day and serviced regularly can last many years, while overworked or undersized motors fail much sooner.
Why does my shutter motor stop after a few goes?
Most motors have a thermal cut-out that stops them when they overheat. Repeated use in quick succession, a stiff curtain or an undersized motor can all trigger it.
Can a roller shutter motor be repaired?
Often the fault is in the limits, capacitor, control panel or wiring, which can be repaired. If the motor itself has failed, it is usually replaced.
