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Why won't the external roller blind lower? The most common causes
Since you are reading this article, you are probably in that uncomfortable situation where your external roller blind has refused to cooperate. Rest assured that you are not the only one suffering from this. Before you start pulling it out of the wall in anger or calling a professional, it is worthwhile to first determine what could have gone wrong. Maybe it was just a matter of dirty runners, or maybe a motor failure after all? Read the article and find out the most common reasons why your external roller blind does not lower.
External roller blinds - the most common problems
On a day-to-day basis, external roller blinds make life easier for their owners, but the moment they stop working, the situation becomes much less comfortable. Often, the first thought that comes to mind is the fear that a faulty roller shutter mechanism will require costly repairs. And while this is indeed sometimes an option to consider, it is not worth panicking straight away. There are many other reasons why an external roller blind won't lower. These are a few of them:
- Locking mechanism: If your roller blind refuses to lower or raise, the culprit may be the locking mechanism itself. It may be blocked or worn and, depending on its condition, require repair or even replacement.
- Dirt and debris: Dirt can block the guides, preventing the smooth operation of the roller blinds. Regular cleaning will help prevent these problems.
- Damaged belts or rollers: If the roller blind operates unevenly or with a delay, this may be due to damaged belts or rollers. These components may require either repair or replacement.
- Incorrect installation: Installation errors, such as crookedly installed guides, can affect the functioning of the entire system. Re-alignment or installation from scratch is often required.
- Damaged runners: Runners can become deformed over time due to a strong impact, but sometimes the same process occurs after a long period of use. Damaged guides make it difficult to lower and raise the roller blind smoothly, so it is worth keeping an eye on them.
- Broken roller shutter retractor: If the roller blind does not respond to attempts to lower or raise it, it is possible that the retractor is damaged or worn out. You can find everything about how to repair a roller blind retractor in the article: How to repair an external roller blind retractor.
Why don't automatic external roller blinds work?
The following problems may additionally arise with external automatic roller blinds:
- Power problems: If your electric roller blind is not working, it is worth checking that this is not the result of a power cut or disconnection of the control unit from the mains. A power failure can temporarily immobilise the system, but the problem usually resolves itself.
- Motor failure: In electric roller blinds, motor failure is a common cause of unresponsiveness from the roller blind. This can be due to overheating of the motor or mechanical damage. In the first case, a bit of patience is usually sufficient to repair the roller blind, but mechanical damage is better left to the service technicians, who will determine the cause of the problem and propose the best solution.
- Software errors: For electronically controlled external roller blinds, software errors can also be a common problem. It is highly likely that a software update or system reset will solve the problem, but it is advisable to consult a specialist just in case.
If you are inexperienced with repairing electrical appliances, we advise you against attempting to repair this type of external roller blind yourself and encourage you to seek professional help. If part of the mechanism is damaged as a result of your actions, the product warranty will no longer apply. Remember that using a professional, although it costs money, is certainly a smaller expense than a new external roller blind. Can you recognise when your roller blinds need to be replaced? If not, please read this article.
Can you repair an external roller blind yourself?
If you want to repair an external roller blind, you need to be sure that you know exactly what is broken. This is an absolute must, otherwise you run the risk of wasting time and even the possibility of accidentally damaging another previously working component. Is it a question of dirty guides, a faulty retractor or perhaps a motor failure? For each answer, the procedure will be different. So, to repair a roller blind, you need a diagnosis. And then what?
Repairing a jammed or faulty external roller blind is a task that may seem daunting, but it doesn't always require the intervention of a specialist. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
Assessing the failure and deciding - self repair or professional help?
Decide if you can fix the problem yourself. Sometimes, to unblock an external roller blind, all you need to do is remove dirt from the guides or oil the mechanism, and this is certainly something you can do yourself. However, if the problem seems more serious, as in the case of a motor failure, it is best to consult an expert. It is also worth leaving the replacement of major components to a specialist, especially if you would find it challenging to dismantle the roller blind.
External roller blind repair - summary
As you can see, many problems with the operation of an external roller blind can be solved on your own, but there are also situations where professional help is not only recommended, but essential. The final decision depends on your skills, the tools available and your willingness to experiment. Whichever decision you make, it is important to approach the repair with caution and always keep safety considerations in mind.
Remember that prevention is just as important as the repair process itself, so regular inspection and maintenance can save you from further problems and unplanned expenses in the future. And above all, once you've bought your roller blinds, don't get rid of the installation manual, where you'll probably find lots of useful information.
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