HVP Security Shutters Ltd

In the UK, especially in exposed coastal areas or flat, open landscapes, wind loading is a critical factor often overlooked when selecting roller shutters and security shutters. This article will explain what wind loading means for your commercial, industrial, or domestic roller shutters, why it's so important, and how choosing the right shutter design ensures durability and safety against the strongest gusts. We'll delve into the standards, the risks of inadequate wind resistance, and what you need to consider for robust weather protection.What is Wind Loading and Why Does It Matter for Shutters?Wind loading refers to the pressure exerted by wind on a structure. For roller shutters, this means the force applied across the entire surface of the shutter curtain when wind blows against it. The stronger the wind, the greater the pressure, and thus, the higher the wind load.Why is this crucial for your shutters?Structural Integrity: If a shutter isn't designed to withstand the local wind loads, its slats can bend or buckle, the guides can distort, or the fixing points can fail, leading to significant damage.Security Compromise: A damaged shutter is a compromised security barrier. It can leave your property vulnerable to forced entry or further weather damage.Safety Risk: A failing shutter can become a dangerous hazard, with parts detaching or the entire unit collapsing, posing a risk to people and property.Longevity & Cost: Investing in a shutter with appropriate wind resistance means a longer lifespan, fewer repairs, and better value for money in the long run.In the UK, buildings and their components, including security shutters, must comply with Building Regulations which consider wind loads derived from BS EN 1991-1-4 (Eurocode 1: Actions on structures – General actions – Wind actions). Reputable roller shutter manufacturers like HVP Security Shutters design and test their products to meet these stringent requirements.Factors Influencing Wind Loading & Shutter PerformanceSeveral elements dictate the wind load a shutter will experience and its ability to withstand it:Location:Coastal Areas: High wind speeds are common.Open Terrain: Less obstruction means higher wind forces.Building Height: Wind speeds generally increase with height.Building Shape & Surroundings: Corners of buildings or areas between structures can create wind funnelling effects, significantly increasing localized pressure.Shutter Size: Larger shutters have a greater surface area, meaning they are exposed to higher overall wind forces.Slat Profile & Material: Steel Shutters: Generally stronger and heavier, offering excellent wind resistance.Aluminium Shutters: Lighter, but robust profiles with increased thickness or double-skinned, insulated designs can also provide high wind resistance.Slat Curvature & Interlocking: Specific slat designs can improve their ability to resist deflection under pressure.Guide Rails & Fixings: The strength and depth of the shutter guides, along with the quality and number of fixings into the building structure, are paramount. Even the strongest curtain will fail if its anchoring points are weak.How Shutters are Tested and Classified for Wind ResistanceRoller shutters and security grilles undergo rigorous testing to determine their wind resistance. This often involves subjecting them to differential air pressures in a test chamber. The results classify shutters into different wind resistance classes, typically ranging from Class 0 to Class 5 according to BS EN 12424 (Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates - Resistance to wind load).Ensuring Your Shutters Withstand the ElementsWhen procuring roller shutters or security shutters for your property in the Southwest UK, always discuss wind loading requirements with your supplier. A reputable UK roller shutter manufacturer and installer will:Conduct a thorough site survey: This assesses the specific wind exposure of your building's location.Recommend appropriate shutter specifications: Based on the survey, they will advise on the correct slat profile, material, guide depth, and fixing methods to meet or exceed local building regulations and expected wind loads.Provide relevant documentation: Ensure your chosen shutter is tested and certified to the relevant EN standards for wind resistance.Don't compromise on durability when it comes to external security shutters. Understanding and specifying for wind loading is vital for the long-term safety, security, and performance of your investment.Have a Question? Talk to Our Shutter Specialists

The Glasgow and Clyde NHS Trust has recently undergone a significant refurbishment of all its hospitals and GP surgeries. As part of this project, the Trust required new security shutters for its reception areas.FlexiGlide were asked to supply and fit the shutters, and we had just the product for the job: the Flexiglide classic chainlink folding shutter. Our crisp white, chain-link sliding shutters are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, making them the perfect choice for this project.Flexiglide sliding shutters: an excellent solution for security of reception areas.Our Flexiglide Sliding Shutters are an ideal solution for reception areas. In this project they provide cost-effective protection to the Trust's desk areas while blending seamlessly with the surroundings. We were able to fit both dual-height and curved desktop shutters, ensuring that the shutters met the NHS' specific needs.Practicality and aestheticsWe understand the importance of both practicality and aesthetics in architecture and interior design. We believe our sliding shutters fulfill both of these needs.FlexiGlide sliding shutters are practical, as they provide quick and easy access to the desk area while also ensuring security. Additionally, the chain-link design allows for ample airflow and light, creating a welcoming and comfortable reception area for staff and visitors alike.Why reception desk security is importantA reception desk is often the first point of contact for visitors to a building, and it's important to ensure the safety and security of the staff working there as well as any sensitive information or valuables stored in the area. One way to improve reception desk security is by installing a sliding security shutter.A sliding security shutter can be quickly and easily closed to provide a physical barrier between the reception desk and the public areas of the building. This can prevent unauthorized access, protect valuable items such as computers or cash registers, and provide an added layer of security for staff members working at the reception desk.In addition to providing physical security, a sliding security shutter can also be designed to match the aesthetic of the reception area. This means that the shutter can blend seamlessly into the overall design of the space, without detracting from its appearance.Overall, a sliding security shutter can be an effective way to improve reception desk security without sacrificing aesthetics.

As part of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Camden Art Centre and gallery, a notable addition was the installation of Flexiglide's Vision Air perforated security shutters.These shutters, finished in white, were selected to address the unique spatial constraints present within the facility.About Camden Art Centre Renovation and ExpansionThe Camden Art Centre, located in London, is well-known for its innovative contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. The building housing the centre has a rich history. It was originally built in the late 19th century as a public library and later served as a school before being converted into an arts center in the late 1960s.Modernising the facilitiesIn recent years, the Camden Art Centre underwent a significant renovation and expansion project. The renovation aimed to modernise the facilities, enhance the visitor experience, and provide more space for exhibitions and educational activities.The project involved architectural updates and improvements to the building's infrastructure while preserving its historic character.New gallery spacesAn important part of the renovation was the addition of new gallery spaces, allowing Camden Art Centre to accommodate larger exhibitions and a greater variety of artistic works.The renovation also included upgrades to the center's amenities, such as improved accessibility features, expanded cafe and retail areas, and upgraded facilities for workshops and events.Sliding Security Shutters to address the building's unique spatial constraintsAs part of the art centre refurbishment we installed a set of FlexiGlide Vision Air perforated security shutters. These shutters, finished in white, were selected to address the unique spatial constraints present within the facility.Limited headspaceThe decision to use Flexiglide's Vision Air shutters was driven by the need for a security solution that could operate effectively within limited headspace.Unlike traditional roller shutters, the Flexiglide system can function optimally in spaces where overhead clearance is restricted. This was particularly pertinent in the case of Camden Arts Centre, where conventional roller shutters were not feasible due to the absence of sufficient overhead space.An ideal fitThe Vision Air Sliding Shutter, characterized by its 50mm top track, proved to be an ideal fit for the limitations encountered at Camden Art Centre. This design feature enabled the shutters to operate smoothly and efficiently within the confined space available, ensuring seamless functionality without compromising on security.