Roller Shutter Grilles – Open Lattice Security for Vision & Ventilation
Roller shutter grilles (often called roller grilles or open lattice shutters) are a popular choice in the UK commercial market where you need dependable security without “closing off” the space visually. The open construction allows high levels of visibility and airflow, making these grilles ideal for shopfronts, shopping centres, serving hatches and car parks where sightlines, ventilation and a professional appearance all matter. Many grille curtains are designed specifically to provide strong security while still maintaining a high open area for day-to-day ventilation and clear CCTV coverage.
Unlike solid roller shutters, a roller shutter grille lets customers and passers-by see displays, signage and interiors when you are closed, which helps keep premises looking active and well-presented. This is particularly useful in managed retail environments, public buildings and transport hubs where landlords and specifiers often prefer a consistent, “open” look across the frontage, rather than a blank metal screen.
Retail & Shopping Centre Grilles
For retail shopfronts and shopping centre units, roller grilles are widely specified because they protect the opening while preserving visibility for merchandising and brand presentation. Many systems are marketed around high vision/open area performance (for example, grille curtains advertised at around 69% vision/open area), helping products remain visible outside trading hours whilst maintaining airflow and security. Grilles can be supplied in a range of finishes (including powder coating to standard RAL/BS colours) to suit shopfront designs, corporate branding and landlord requirements.
Car Park & Ventilated Openings
Ventilated roller grilles are also common for multi-storey and underground car parks, undercroft parking and other areas where controlling access and maintaining airflow are both essential. Car parks need ventilation to help manage the build-up of vehicle exhaust fumes, and open grille or ventilated shutter designs are often chosen specifically to support airflow while still providing a robust physical barrier when the entrance is secured. Automated operation can be integrated with access systems such as fobs, key switches, ANPR/controls, induction loops and timers to keep traffic moving smoothly.
Serving Hatches, Bars & Counter Grilles
For internal applications such as serving hatches, bar counters, kiosks, receptions and trade counters, compact roller shutter grilles offer a smart way to secure an opening without making the area feel “shut down”. The see-through grille design helps staff maintain safe sightlines, keeps the space ventilated and looks more discreet than a solid shutter. Options are available for manual or electric operation depending on size and frequency of use, with common controls including push buttons and key switches.
Curtain Types, Operation & Specification
Roller shutter grilles are available in different curtain styles (such as tube-and-link, brickbond and lattice patterns) to balance security, vision and airflow. Depending on the opening size and duty level, grilles can be supplied with manual spring-assisted operation or electric motors (single-phase for lighter applications, or three-phase/direct drive options for larger or higher-usage openings). Safety features and correct specification are particularly important on commercial sites, so professional survey, installation and commissioning are recommended to ensure reliable operation and compliance with the relevant standards for powered industrial doors.
Samson Doors supplies and installs made-to-measure roller shutter grilles across the UK, with options tailored to retail, public access and industrial environments. If you can tell us the opening size, location (internal/external) and the level of vision/ventilation you need, we can recommend the most suitable grille specification and control setup for your site.
