Short answer: Seven main factors determine the price of a galvanized steel roller shutter: opening size, slat face and wall thickness, series type (standard, polyurethane-filled, perforated), motor type and torque, controls and automation, safety equipment, and colour and installation conditions. Because each shutter is made to measure, the price is calculated per project.
"How much does a roller shutter cost per square metre?" is a frequently asked question, but quoting a single price per square metre for a galvanized steel roller shutter is misleading. If two shutters of the same size are produced, one with 0.75 mm slats and a tubular motor and the other with 1.20 mm slats, a high-cycle central motor and a safety brake, there is a marked difference in their cost. In this article we explain the items that make up the price one by one and what to look for when comparing quotes.
Which 7 factors determine the price of a galvanized steel roller shutter?
1. Opening size
Width and height determine the quantity of slats, the barrel diameter and the box size. As the size increases, the shutter becomes heavier, which in turn requires a stronger barrel and motor. Very wide openings may require an intermediate post. For this reason, the price rises in steps rather than linearly with size. When measuring, in addition to the width and height of the opening, the headroom, the guide rail mounting area on both side walls and the floor level are recorded, because these values determine the box type and rail fixing detail and are reflected in the cost.
2. Slat face and wall thickness
Pack Door's galvanized series is produced with 77, 97 and 115 mm slat faces in a wall thickness range of 0.75–1.20 mm. A thicker slat means more steel; it increases both the material cost and the total weight of the shutter. While 0.75–0.90 mm is sufficient for shops, 1.00–1.20 mm is preferred for warehouses and industry.
3. Series type
The single-skin standard KM Steel series, the double-skin polyurethane foam-filled KM Polyurethane series and the perforated or polycarbonate vision-slat KM Perforated series have different production processes. Polyurethane filling and vision slats involve additional materials and labour compared with standard slats.
4. Motor type and torque
Tubular motors, central motors and side motors are at different cost levels. Motor torque is selected according to the weight of the shutter; high-cycle central motors are required for doors with intensive use. A motor that is not suited to the shutter's load may look cheap in the short term, but it increases the risk of early failure.
5. Control and automation level
Remote control, key switch and smartphone control are different control options. The number of remotes, smartphone integration and a battery unit that keeps the shutter working during a power cut are items that add to the price.
6. Safety equipment
A photocell, bottom safety edge, limit switch, safety brake and emergency manual release are critical equipment for safe use. On tubular-motor shutters, a key-operated emergency release box is added for access from outside. Check whether these items are clearly included in the quote.
7. Colour, box and installation conditions
Electrostatic powder coating from the RAL chart, the choice of a galvanized or aluminium shutter box and the characteristics of the installation site are the final factor. Sites that require working at height, need scaffolding or a platform, where the box has to be mounted externally on the facade due to insufficient headroom, or where the power supply needs to be rerouted all affect installation cost.
How can the effect of each factor on price be summarised?
| Factor | Options | What increases the price |
|---|---|---|
| Opening size | Project-specific | Wide and tall openings, need for an intermediate post |
| Slat and wall thickness | 77 / 97 / 115 mm; 0.75–1.20 mm | Wide-face and thick-walled slats |
| Series | KM Steel, KM Polyurethane, KM Perforated | Polyurethane filling, vision slats |
| Motor | Tubular, central, side motor; manual option | High torque, high-cycle industrial motor |
| Controls | Remote control, key switch, smartphone | Smartphone integration, battery unit |
| Safety | Photocell, bottom safety edge, safety brake | Safety brake and additional sensors |
| Colour and installation | RAL powder coating, galvanized/aluminium box | Custom colour, hard-to-access site, external box mounting |
What should you look for when comparing quotes?
Comparing quotes from different companies based only on the total figure often means comparing apples with oranges. For a sound comparison, make sure the following information appears in the same level of detail in each quote:
- Are the slat face and wall thickness clearly stated?
- Are the type of galvanized coating and the painting method specified?
- What is the guide rail thickness, and are brush seals included?
- Are the motor type, make/model and torque value stated?
- Are the photocell, bottom safety edge, safety brake and manual release included?
- Are installation, removal (of any old shutter), electrical connection and testing included in the quote?
- Are the warranty scope and periodic maintenance terms defined?
In addition to the initial cost of the quote, you need to consider the total cost of ownership: the suitability of the motor for the shutter, maintenance needs and access to spare parts can affect the total amount paid over the years more than the initial price. To determine which shutter configuration suits your needs, see our galvanized steel roller shutter selection guide.
Note from the field: The surprises that change the price most during a site survey usually come from the site itself: insufficient headroom, side walls that are not suitable for mounting guide rails, or a sloping floor. That is why, when giving a preliminary quote from photos, we ask for separate photos showing the top of the opening, both side walls and the floor. The clearer the information, the smaller the difference between the preliminary quote and the final quote.
Common mistakes
- Deciding on price per square metre: It hides differences in slats, motor and accessories.
- Accepting a quote without motor information: The motor is the most critical and most failure-prone component of the shutter; always ask for the make and torque.
- Saving on safety equipment: A system without a photocell and bottom safety edge increases the risk of accidents and therefore the total cost.
- Choosing thin slats regardless of use: The saving made with thin slats in a warehouse comes back as slat replacement after deformation.
- Not budgeting for maintenance: In a neglected system, repair costs easily exceed the cost of regular maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roller shutter price be given from a photo?
Yes, once the opening size and photos are sent, a preliminary quote is prepared within an average of 1 hour. If site conditions are not clear, a detailed itemised quote is provided after the site survey.
Why is a polyurethane-filled roller shutter priced differently from a standard galvanized roller shutter?
Polyurethane-filled slats are double-skinned and injected with high-density foam. This additional material and production step is reflected in the price, along with the benefits of thermal and acoustic insulation and quiet operation.
Which is more economical: a galvanized or an aluminium roller shutter?
For wide openings, galvanized steel is generally the more economical and durable solution. Aluminium stands out for its corrosion resistance, light weight and aesthetics. For a comparison, see our article on the advantages of aluminium roller shutters.
Conclusion and next step
The price of a galvanized steel roller shutter is made up of a combination of size, slats, series, motor, controls, safety equipment and installation conditions. Comparing quotes at the same level of technical detail and considering the total cost of ownership leads to a sounder investment decision in the long run. You can review the product features on the galvanized steel roller shutter page and submit a free site survey and quote request with the dimensions and photos of your opening.
