Shutter will not open: what to do
Stop, keep people clear, do not force it and never touch springs or tensioned parts. You can check the power and the controls and use a manual override as the maker's instructions say, but call an engineer if the curtain is crooked, dropped or noisy.
5 minute read. Last updated November 2026.
What should I do first if my shutter will not open?
Stop pressing the button and keep everyone clear of the curtain, because repeated attempts can burn out a motor or make a jam worse. Then work through these steps in order:
- Look at the curtain. If it is crooked, dropped, slack or hanging out of a guide, stop here and call an engineer.
- Keep people away from under the curtain. Move stock and A-boards if you need to.
- Check for anything blocking the guides or bottom rail: litter, ice, a padlock, a bike lock.
- Check the power, then the controls, as set out in the table below.
- If nothing has changed, stop. Do not improvise.
If a person is trapped or hurt, call 999. If a shutter is blocking the only way out of the building while people are inside, treat it as an emergency.
What must I never touch on a roller shutter?
Never touch springs or any other tensioned part, because they store enough energy to cause serious injury when they let go. DHF warns that failures of parts such as springs and brakes have caused deaths and injuries. These rules apply to everyone who is not a trained door engineer:
- Do not remove the box cover to look at the spring or barrel.
- Do not loosen, adjust or release anything on the barrel or end plates.
- Do not stand under a curtain that is partly open and not moving.
- Do not prop a curtain up with a pole, a ladder or a block.
- Do not cut, grind or lever the curtain.
- Do not jump the controls, bridge wires or open a control box.
- Do not use a vehicle to pull it.
A curtain can weigh far more than it looks, and a spring-balanced one can shoot upwards or drop if something gives way. Cutting one in place can release a load nobody can see. If you are tempted, step back and call.
Why will my electric shutter not open?
Most faults come down to power, controls, an obstruction or a mechanical failure, and only the first two are for you to check. This table separates them.
| What you notice | Likely cause | What you can do | Call an engineer if |
|---|---|---|---|
| No response at all | Power off, tripped breaker, isolator off | Check the isolator and reset the breaker once | The breaker trips again |
| Remote does nothing, key switch works | Remote battery or pairing | Replace the battery | It still fails |
| Both remote and switch fail | Control fault or power | Check for a local power cut | Power is on |
| Motor hums, curtain still | Motor, brake or jam | Stop at once | Always |
| Moves a short way, then stops | Obstruction, limits or thermal cut-out | Clear any visible litter, let the motor cool | It happens again |
| Curtain runs crooked | Lath or guide damage | Stop at once | Always |
| Loud bang, then no lift | Possible spring or drive failure | Keep clear | Always, and do not use it |
| Curtain drops fast or will not hold | Brake or spring failure | Keep clear | Always, and do not use it |
Motors overheat after repeated use and can rest for a while before running again. That is the reason for waiting after several attempts. If your shutter is often stopped by faults, read our maintenance guide.
How do I open an electric shutter in a power cut?
Use the manual override, if one is fitted, and only as the maker's instructions say. HSE's Approved Code of Practice, L24, says it should be possible to open a power-operated door if the supply fails, unless it opens automatically or there is another way through, and that any tools needed must be readily available.
Overrides differ from one maker to the next. Some use a crank handle or an eye and pole, and others use a chain. Before you start, read the maker's instructions, then follow these general rules:
- Use only the tool supplied for that shutter.
- Follow any instruction to isolate the power first.
- Keep the area under the curtain clear.
- Stop if the effort rises sharply or something moves that should not.
- Do not use a drill or a power tool on the override unless the instructions allow it.
- When the power returns, follow the maker's steps to re-engage the motor.
If you have no instructions and no tool, leave the override alone and call an engineer.
Why will my manual shutter not open?
A manual shutter usually sticks because of a lock, a bent lath or a tired spring. Check that the bottom locks are fully released and that the key has turned both sides. Look along the guides for grit, ice or a dented section. On a cold morning, a frozen seal or bottom rail may free itself as the temperature rises.
Do not force it. If two people cannot raise it with normal effort, something is wrong. A sudden increase in weight can mean a spring has failed, and lifting it could put a heavy curtain in your hands without warning. Leave it down and call an engineer.
What should I do if the shop cannot be secured?
If the shutter is stuck open or partly open, secure the shop another way and tell your insurer. Someone should stay on site if there is no other way to lock the premises, and move high-value stock if you can do so safely.
If it is stuck closed with staff outside, tell the staff who need to know, and put a notice on the door. If it blocks a fire exit, the building should not be occupied until it is cleared. Note the time and take photographs, because your insurer may ask.
Then contact us by phone or form. Give us the address, the shutter type and what you saw. Repairs are often done within the week. A standard tubular motor up to 100 Nm has a fixed price of £395 plus VAT, supplied and fitted, and a service and safety check has a fixed price of £145 plus VAT per shutter. The free survey applies to new work and not to repairs.
Common questions
Can I force a stuck shutter open?
No. Forcing it can damage the motor, or release stored energy in the spring. Stop and call an engineer.
Is it safe to spray lubricant on a stuck shutter?
Only in places the maker's instructions allow, and it will not fix a mechanical failure. Do not spray electrical parts or the motor.
How much does a shutter repair cost?
It depends on the fault. A standard tubular motor up to 100 Nm has a fixed price of £395 plus VAT, supplied and fitted. Other repairs are quoted once we know the fault.
Can I use the shutter again after it has dropped?
No. Keep it out of use until an engineer has inspected it. A drop can mean a brake or spring has failed.
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