Owner Maintenance of Storm Shutters    

Much is said about maintenance, however, not much is done about it!  There is a major difference between "High Maintenance", "Low Maintenance" and "No Maintenance". 

High Maintenance usually means regular, preplanned, often time consuming actions relating to serviceability. This level may require especially trained technicians and the frequent need of replacement parts or extensive labor. This level is not usually consumer friendly.

Low Maintenance is usually event orientated associated with consumer actions and is much less time consuming than high maintenance. 

No Maintenance is as far as the authors knowledge, non existent!

AluCraft Americas Hurricane/Storm/Security Systems are designed to be "Low Maintenance". We would make them "No Maintenance" if humanly possible! (We're workin' on it!) Warning signals should go up anytime someone says "No Maintenance!"

Low Maintenance for roller shutters means simply; keep them clean and operate them properly! This does not mean you need to get outside with a scrub brush and soap. It does mean however that the shutters need to be kept free of foreign material such as sand/salt buildup, squirrel nests, etc. This is accomplished by rinsing periodically with a water hose, under normal household pressure. This helps keep these buildups from effecting the operation and appearance of the shutters. Do not use a power washer or harsh chemicals! Failures in the system due to lack of owner maintenance does not constitute a warranty issue.

This periodic rinsing will  also help protect the painted surfaces (not warranted) from the ravages of our coastal environment. AluCraft Americas Shutters, unlike others on the market are designed for "Low Maintenance", not "High Maintenance."

When the roller shutters have been subjected to a storm, hurricane or other adverse weather, it's always a good idea to rinse them off under normal household pressure before raising them. It is also advisable to lower the shutter and rinse it off two or three time a year whether they have been used or not.  Care should always be taken not to spray water into any electrical connection! AluCraft America, Inc. does not warranty motors, switches or any electrical component. Warranties claims for all electrical components are to be addressed to the manufacturer of said components. Labor and material costs for repair or replacement of electrical components will be due when said repair or replacement is completed.

This is a common sense approach to maintenance. Just keep them clean! On occasion, outside light may appear between the slats on roller shutters when they are in the down position. This is not a defect or a warranty issue. Most often it is caused by foreign material being stuck between the slats. The best remedy for this situation is to wash the shutter down with clean water, under household pressure. Storm shutters are not designed to be water or light proof. Roller Shutters are designed to help protect your windows and doors from the negative effects of flying debris and wind driven rain water. Light or water infiltration around the edges or though the slats of the shutter does not constitute a warranty issue.

"My shutter will not roll down." Most often this is caused by the bottom slat sticking in the up position because it was wound up too tight or because foreign material is in the tracks. If this happens, STOP rolling and reach up, grasp the bottom slat and give it a good tug, straight down. If it is stuck, this will free it up so that it may be lowered.  A good practice in rolling up the shutter is to STOP rolling when the shutter stop or limit is reached! Then, take 1/2 turn off the shutter to relieve the pressure. The same is true when rolling the shutter down. STOP when the lower limit is reached. Over winding in either direction, or the consequences thereof, does not constitute a warranty issue.

"My shutter will not roll up." Usually, if it will roll down, it will roll up! If not, chances are the shutter was rolled down too far and the attachment to the axle is damaged or disconnected. If this has happened, the shutter was rolled down past the point necessary point needed for protection. On the way down, when the shutter reaches it lower limit, STOP. As mentioned in the paragraph above, over winding in either direction, or the consequences thereof, does not constitute a warranty issue.

Do not lubricate roller shutters!  Only outside, manual operators (if applicable) need to be lubricated and then only with a quality marine lubricant, or marine preservative.

On accordion shutters it is advisable to keep the lock/handle mechanism lubricated. The rollers at the top of accordion shutters may be kept in proper working order by rinsing and the application of a  light, lubricating oil to the axles for the wheels.

Again, maintenance is a "common sense" issue. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to call AluCraft America, Inc.