Roll-up security grilles are among the most effective forms of physical protection against break-ins. What are the advantages of these grilles? Are they suitable for private homes? What is the installation cost?
We see roll-up security grilles every day. These grilles are often placed in front of store windows when the shops are closed. They provide a highly effective form of mechanical protection against burglary. Many business owners choose them because, unlike roll-up doors, they allow an unobstructed view, letting passersby window shop even after hours while keeping the store secure.
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For this reason, many homeowners also opt to install roll-up security grilles on their homes. They provide protection when the house is unoccupied and can be easily raised when needed. These grilles can be installed on doors and windows. Windows are thus protected when no one is home, but the house doesn’t feel like a cage when occupied, unlike traditional fixed window bars.
Although the installation cost per square foot is higher than standard bars, it is not excessively high. Especially for windows, the cost is more reasonable due to their smaller surface area compared to large storefronts.
Standard roll-up security grilles, which are commonly seen on storefronts in cities and shopping malls, are made from steel wire that is either 0.31 inches (8mm) or 0.39 inches (10mm) thick. The wires are galvanized, providing high resistance to corrosion—particularly important for areas exposed to the elements. Additionally, the grilles can be coated with plastic for extra corrosion protection, and this allows for a variety of color options to better match the aesthetic of the building.
Since the primary purpose of roll-up grilles is security rather than aesthetics, they can be locked with a padlock or a central locking system, which is simple and practical. These features offer a high level of mechanical protection against break-ins. Depending on the specific situation, the installation company will assess on-site how to best perform the installation.
Sometimes additional steel substructures are necessary to ensure a quality installation, which can affect the final cost. Generally, the cost starts at around $10-15 per square foot and can go higher depending on the materials and additional features.
For example, the cost may increase if you choose automated roll-up grilles with an electric motor for operation. In this case, opening and closing the grille is done with a remote control. Measures are taken to ensure that the grille can still be manually operated in the event of a power outage. The procedure for disengaging the motor to manually raise or lower the grille is straightforward.
It is also common to install roll-up grilles without an electric motor, meaning they are operated manually. In this case, special steel springs are placed in the box where the grille rolls up. These springs are designed according to the length and weight of the grille, helping to counterbalance the weight of the steel grille, making it easier to lift and safer to lower, preventing the grille from dropping under its own weight.
Info: Cornell Iron Works, Lawrence Roll-Up Doors