Benefits of Roller Doors
Installing roller doors at your commercial property has many benefits. Their durability and robust aesthetic secure your property and provide peace of mind that your business or commercial property is well protected. But it’s not just about security, as they are many other advantages of roller shutter doors. In this post, we will take a look at some of the advantages of roller shutter doors to help you decide whether or not they are the right fit for your property.
Improved security
Perhaps the most obvious benefit to installing high-speed roller doors at your property is the added layer of security offered by their presence. Regardless of whether you own an industrial warehouse or operate your business from a high street retail shop, securing your business from vandals and thieves is likely to be high on your list of priorities. High-speed doors and roller shutters provide an extra boundary and prevent unscrupulous criminals from entering your property easily. While opportunistic thieves can easily pry open a locked front door or window, the same can’t be said for roller shutters, meaning they are an excellent addition to your property and help to prevent crime from happening.
Weather protection
Depending upon where in the country you live, roller shutter doors can offer essential protection against inclement weather and storms. If your area is prone to bad weather and high winds, high-speed roller doors protect your property’s exterior frontage from damage and long-term decay due to the weather. Moreover, roller shutters possess excellent insulation qualities and prevent heat from escaping from gaps in your doors and windows. If you decide to install roller shutter doors, you will soon notice that your building is much warmer, and you will also see a reduction in your expensive heating bills! So, as well as protecting your property from the weather, roller shutters help make your business more environmentally friendly.
Added privacy
Another significant advantage of installing roller shutter doors at your property is the added layer of privacy they offer. Although it’s undoubtedly a good idea to lower your shutters and secure your property at night, many people elect to drop their shutters during the day as well. In specific industries, perhaps most noticeably in warehouses, companies want to conduct their production activities behind closed doors, so they install roller shutters to stop people from looking in and seeing what they’re doing. Roller shutters also offer excellent soundproofing, helping you maintain good relationships with your neighbours if production within your property is loud.
Easy to operate
The fact that high-speed roller doors are so easy to use is perhaps one of their most significant advantages. The majority of shutter doors are operated remotely via a hand-held transmitter, meaning the simple press of a button opens and closes the shutters. Moreover, shutters roll up and down quickly, and you don’t have to wait around for a long time when entering or leaving your property.
Convenient for deliveries
Continuing from the last point, roller shutter doors are an excellent solution for businesses that receive regular deliveries or deal with haulage. Many large warehouses utilise roller doors to facilitate the steady flow of traffic in and out of their sites. It’s disruptive to businesses to require delivery drivers to continually get in and out of their vehicles to enter the property. Manually opening and closing entry doors and ports is time-consuming and costly. Also, if you have to rely on the manual operation to open and close doors, they can be left open for long periods of time. This allows a significant amount of heat to escape from the property and can also jeopardise your building’s security, as thieves can strike when doors are open. Overall, installing high-speed roller doors will actually save your business time and money in the long run.
Contamination control
In addition to keeping out un-wanted humans, high-speed roller doors also prevent vermin, birds, and insects from entering your property. Although not totally foolproof, installing roller doors helps keep pests out, reduces the risk of an infestation breaking out in your property, and stops your produce from becoming contaminated by outside actors. Infestations are incredibly costly to businesses, as they often halt production and require certified professionals to clean up afterwards. Preventing such outbreaks from happening is another significant advantage of roller shutter doors.
General Professionalism
When approaching your property for the first time, your high-speed roller doors are the first thing that your potential customers are likely to see. If your doors are glossy, clean, and well maintained, it sends out the right message to your clients that you operate a professional business and care about the safety and security of your produce, as well as the staff that work for you. Due to their sleek look and easy-to-clean surface, roller doors can add an extra layer of professionalism to the exterior of your property and give your potential clients confidence that you are a reputable company to work with and buy from.
Conclusion
It’s evident that there are many advantages of roller shutter doors, and they can significantly enhance your business operations. They are an excellent preventative measure and help protect your property and business from crime, the weather, and unwanted pests and rodents that otherwise may be able to enter. High-speed doors and roller shutters are exceedingly straightforward to operate and require very little maintenance after being installed. They offer an additional level of convenience for your business, mainly if you deal with deliveries, as having roller doors allows for easier access to your property. Although you need to invest and pay for the installation of the doors, they will likely help you save money in the long run, taking into account their durability, their heat-retaining qualities, and the protection offered to your business from the elements. All in all, there are many advantages to roller shutter doors, and they will be a great asset for your business or property if you decide to install them.
What is a roller shutter door? The complete guide on selecting the perfect roller shutter door for your property
There are many ways to secure a property, and the most obvious one is a door with a lock and key. But what is a roller shutter door and is it suited for your property? Let’s put the shutters up and find out!
A roller shutter door is a vertical rolling door usually constructed from aluminium or steel slats. The horizontal slats, which function as a steel curtain, form the main body of the door whilst the side guides assist in rolling the slats around a barrel for easy winding up and down.
Operating a roller shutter door
If you select a more advanced door (albeit a bit pricy), it can be operated by remote control – making the process of opening up and shutting down fully automatic! The most common type of roller shutters works with an electric key, making the entire process super-easy and secure. Of course, opening and closing manually are possible in case there is a power failure.
To understand whether a roller shutter door is the right type of door for your property, it is worth looking at why roller doors stand out from conventional doors.
What are the advantages of a roller shutter door?
Due to how roller shutters are constructed and operate, they are far more secure and have multiple benefits when compared with conventional doors in many aspects. To name a few:
- Security: roller shutters have earned a reputation for providing stringent safety and protection from vandalism and theft. The fully sealed doors also act as a deterrent as potential intruders cannot see what’s inside. Therefore, it minimises the risk of a break-in to your property. Also, roller shutters enhance the privacy of the occupants and contents, making it ideal for commercial and residential properties.
- Longevity: compared to most conventional doors, roller shutters are far more durable, which makes it a worthwhile investment to any property. The galvanised steel construction makes these doors capable of giving protection against even the most serve forced entries. Generally, the robust built provides unparalleled protection from the elements like hail, sleet, wind and rain.
- Modern look: Having a roller shutter door enhances the property value and appearance without disturbing the existing outer décor. If you are installing as part of a shop front, the horizontal slats of the door can be punched or perforated so that your customers can see the products inside whilst at the same time making everything completely secure. You may have different door types available if your property has curtain walling as part of its external structure.
- Manufacturers construct roller shutter doors to custom sizes giving you ample flexibility to plan the property space and appearance. More importantly, you can select any colour of your choice to match with your existing branding and decoration theme.
- Protection from fire: Most commonly manufactured roller shutter doors are certified to protect from the fire up to four hours. This feature makes making fire safety plans a whole lot easier and provides better protection from the spread of fire.
Would a roller shutter door be suitable for my property?
A relatively straightforward question, yet sadly has no simple answer. In short –it depends. Let’s break it down and see what property types can benefit from roller doors so that you can make the right decision.
A roller shutter door can provide enhanced protection for three main property types, namely –domestic, commercial, and industrial.
Domestic use of roller shutter doors
In a domestic setting, a roller door functions as an insulator and noise-cancelling unit in addition to its primary purpose of securing the property. During the summer, the insulated door helps keep the heat at bay whilst in winter the insulation works in reverse by stopping the interior heat from escaping. Depending on the model of the door, you can reduce your home’s CO2 emissions by significantly reducing the which heat escape. In return, you could benefit from reduced energy bills, too!
With its thermal and noise-cancelling options, homes can benefit from roller doors by having them installed as:
- Garage doors
- Window shutters and
- Exterior doors
Commercial application
You may have seen many high street shops with a steel roller door at their entrance. The reason is simple: enhanced security.
Most commercial properties choose a quality roller door to keep unwelcomed intruders at bay. At the same time, it gives the shop front (or back) a nice, neat finish without disturbing the existing décor. Also, if using as a heightened security measure, it is reassuring to know that the installation of roller doors is possible even after the construction of the property. Of course, they can be installed during the construction, too. These doors are attractive for commercial properties given the increased protection from fire, which is a bonus considering the initial investment.
The most common type of commercial properties with roller doors are:
- High street shops
- Offices
- Cafes and restaurants
- Banks
- Schools
- Receptions
- Bars and clubs
Roller doors in industrial settings
Installation can vary depending on the type of industrial setting you have. Therefore, it is highly recommended you consult a professional before purchasing a new door for your site.
In practice, factories and warehouses use hand chain operated roller doors. Where there are heavier uses, three-phase electric roller doors will apply. For example, loading bays and distribution centres can benefit from fully electric roller shutter doors as the usage is relatively high.
Some industrial sites that can benefit from roller doors include:
- Factories
- Car parks
- Aircraft hangers
- Warehouses
- Agricultural processing plants
- Distribution centres
- Loading bays
Always remember to prioritise the needs of your property and the measurements when selecting a roller shutter door. The cost largely depends on the type of application and the size of the unit, so you must get this right at the very beginning. No one wants to have a door where it is not suited for the intended purpose or type of property. There are expert suppliers and skilful installers across the UK who can guide you in selecting the perfect roller door for your specific needs. Just reach out to them!
Reference video: Sophia Taylor
Advantages and functions of curtain walls in buildings
Improve Your Facades With A Curtain Walling System
Replacing standard walls? our curtain walling is a fantastic way to transform the appearance of your building almost effortlessly! Perfect for forming a sleek, modernized aesthetic, the smooth transition between the interior and exterior of a building created by a curtain walling system allows for significant amounts of natural light and wide vistas in any building.
How Curtain Walls Improve Your Building
As one of the leading curtain walling contractors in the UK, we are well experienced in the many benefits and advantages that the architectural system can add to a building. While the most apparent benefit is an impressive visual upgrade, there are also many technical improvements that come with a fresh curtain wall installation:
Stunning Modern Design
Of course, it is hard to deny the visual impact that curtain walls add to a building. Whatever the industry, a sleek and contemporary exterior can entice clients, impress investors and add an unparalleled sense of professionalism.
The glass-focused design creates a beautiful and open atmosphere on both the interior and exterior of the building. From the outside, a curtain wall facade invokes sophistication and reflects the surrounding skyline.
From the inside, the viewing options are greatly increased compared to standard architectural designs. Ideal for a luxurious office feel, the abundance of natural light and windows allows for a comfortable and spacious atmosphere.
Efficient Central Heating
Curtain walls can stabilize a building’s temperature when treated for maximum efficiency. With an extra exterior layer, the protective nature of curtain walls results in easier control of a building’s heating system and reduces bills overall.
Sealed Tight From Water & Pollutants
Buildings that find themselves at the mercy of the elements can improve their impenetrability to rain and air polluted with carbon dioxide. Not only do curtain walls prevent elements from entering a building, but they also help insulate the interior, keeping the building warm and dry no matter the weather.
Increased Fire Safety
By creating a buffer between sections of the building, curtain walls also help to greatly improve the safety of your building. Reducing the spread of fire is incredibly important, especially in taller highrises. Luckily, curtain walls help to prevent fire movement in buildings that would otherwise see speedy fire spread.
Greater Wind Resistance
While curtain walls are not purpose-built to reduce building sway, they do offer the added benefit of greater structural protection from wind, which is ideal for taller constructions. With a wide surface area, a curtain wall system can more equally distribute stress and force across the building’s structure. This means that the building sees greater resistance against wind overall.
Flexibility for Different Building Types
One of the greatest aspects of choosing a curtain wall for your building is the flexibility in design and construction. This allows for truly bespoke wall solutions that are totally personalized to each building’s exact dimensions.
As curtain walls are built from highly durable and highly flexible materials such as aluminium, designers can incorporate a facade that reflects the building’s pre-existing architecture and even highlight the company’s personality and branding.
If you are looking for curtain walls in the UK, then enquire today for expert advice and totally personalised building solutions.
Read more here: The Evolution of Curtain Walling Systems: Then and Now
Curtain Walling VS Cladding: Which is better?
Welcome, if you’re here to enquire further about what the difference between the cladding and curtain walling actually is, look no further.
So which is better? It’s a question that dates back to before the 19th century, yet it often seems to be one that is difficult to get a straight answer to. Here, we are going to give you a clear, concise, easy to understand the answer as we explain the pros and cons to each, so you can be more informed on exactly which is best.
We will be covering pros and cons as well as any other considerations, with a view to helping you make an informed decision.
Cladding
Cladding is the application of a protective and/or decorative material to the side of a building to defend against the elements. Cladding is applied to the building itself and becomes part of the structure. Its primary functions are to protect the building against weather and moisture, but it can also serve as insulation for heath and sound. One of its most attractive features however, is the choice of materials that can be used in its construction, with the most popular being wood, metal and concrete. This allows for a wider variety of designs for the building’s façade, as well as an opportunity to modify a building’s aesthetic to blend in with older or traditional structures.
There are a few general advantages that make cladding a good option, especially in comparison to other exterior finishes such as siding. However, there are also quite a number of disadvantages and even potential dangers to cladding, explored below.
Pros
One of the best aspects of cladding is the many different materials one can use. This allows the architecture to project the right style and atmosphere that the designer wants.
Cladding can be quite eco friendly, as it can be made from recycled or recyclable materials.
Cladding can protect the building from the elements and withstand harsher weather conditions.
This method can be lower maintenance
Cons
Cladding can be very expensive depending on the materials used and concrete has been known to be one of the most expensive options
Cladding can take a very long time to install and if the building isn’t structurally sound, the installation process could be delayed even further the building may have trouble withstanding the weight addition.
Even though this method can be lower maintenance, it is fixed to the building itself. Due to structural or elemental complications or if the cladding has been poorly fitted, it may break or fall apart and can devastate the building.
This method may not be load-bearing but the building’s foundations do have to bear the cladding. This means greater considerations about the strength of the foundations and can add costs to other aspects of the building’s construction to accommodate the cladding.
What happens when cladding is poorly fitted?
As set out above, when cladding is poorly fitted or uses lower quality or cheaper materials, it has the potential to become a tremendous fire hazard. Generally, there is a small cavity between the cladding and the wall that allows rain to run down. In the event of a fire, hot air is drawn up this cavity like a chimney, intensifying the flames and spreading the fire to the upper levels. As a result, the fire may spread to inside the building through windows via drying linen or curtains.
In contrast to this, curtain walling employs a passive fire prevention method, by utilizing specialised foam in the gaps between the concrete floor slabs and the curtain wall. These areas can slow the passage of fire and combustion gases, and, in conjunction with sprinklers, they can help prevent flames from rising up the building.
Curtain Walling
Curtain walling works in a slightly different way to cladding but does serve an almost identical purpose. Essentially, it provides a smarter and, quite frankly, safer option. This method offers free-standing outer covering protection from the elements; it’s more akin to double glazing. One primary limitation, however, is that it can only be made from glass and metal, thus reducing the aesthetic variety that it can provide to a building. Due to its modernist feel, you will often see this style implemented on government buildings, office buildings, high rises and luxury apartments.
As with cladding, curtain walling installation has certain advantages and a few disadvantages which inform its suitability. That said, as you will see below, many features provided by curtain walling make it superior to cladding, especially when considering cost, durability and safety.
Pros
Aluminium curtain walling can provide lightweight and durable protection from the elements by absorbing sway caused by wind; it can divert water from rain and even seismic activity.
Curtain walls do not need to be installed on the building’s foundations, they are free-standing and support their own weight so if they suffer damage or any complications, they are far less likely to damage the building they’re protected.
This method offers far greater protection against water and moisture penetration.
This method also provides greater thermal efficiency by helping keep heat out. This can save a lot of money on air conditioning.
They provide additional sound insulation
They can be adjusted to keep light out or allow it to penetrate further into a building
Curtain Walling installers are skilled labourers whose expertise can provide a more uniform, modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
Cons
This method requires more general maintenance and periodic washing.
A curtain walling system cannot be installed or maintained by anyone, it requires professionals who specialise in the process.
Due to the lightweight and specialised materials, harsh weather can delay installation.
In Conclusion
When considering the kind of exterior finish you want, it is important to factor in all pros and cons as well as safety considerations and the ideal look of your building.
For us, however, the choice is clear. Curtain walling is the more reliable and well-designed option with efficiency, safety and practicality in mind. If you want to add some elegance to your building then curtain walling is the perfect opportunity to push it into the 21st century, for more information, contact Crucial Engineering today at 03451 930 420 or visit this page.
A shopfront designed just for you
Your shop window and storefront is the first opportunity your business has to market itself. To really show what you’re all about and visually give passers-by and potential customers an impression of your business.
This impression counts – it can be the deciding factor as to whether or not people step into your shop.
That’s why making sure you choose the right aluminium shop front is vital. Of course, the design, look, style, colour, etc. will all depend on the type of business you’re in, the industry you work, and where your shop sits in the external environment.
Why careful consideration needs to go into choosing the right shopfront design:
- It’s a reflection of your business.
- It’s a representation of your brand.
- It’s an opportunity to advertise your products and services.
- It adds security to your business, keeping everything safe and secure.
Types of shopfronts
There is a wide range of shopfront designs to choose from, and at Crucial Engineering, we work with your requirements and the space specifications and availability to come up with the best solution for you.
The most popular shopfronts include:
Glass fronts
Glass shop fronts are great for retail units or car salesrooms, for example, where showcasing your products clearly is a big part of your marketing strategy.
Glazing now is much tougher and more secure due to considerable advances in technology, allowing you to opt for a sleek design that provides a sense of sophistication, a modern feel, and an elegant image (if the window is dressed appropriately).
Glass shop fronts can be very aesthetically pleasing, considered stylish, and elegant, allowing you to show people what you’re all about.
Glass shop fronts are also easy to maintain and durable. However, they must be installed with precision and craft for you to be provided with the extra perfect space to promote your goods and services.
Different glass types are also available from frosted, tinted, laminated, fiberglass, toughened glass, and more.
Aluminium shop fronts
Aluminium is growing in popularity as the material of choice for shop fronts as it can be cut to any shape and fit any configuration out there. Making it the perfect solution to even the most uneven shop front space.
Aluminium is also incredibly versatile and flexible, seamlessly integrating into irregular spaces and shapes. It brings with it strength, durability, and low maintenance (which is always a bonus); it can withstand any weather conditions and is corrosion resistant.
Aluminium shopfronts can also be coated and sprayed in different colours so you can match your shop front perfectly with your brand.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable and offers increased security to provide you with peace of mind.
It is a great all-around solution for retail units, reception entrance ways, display windows, offices, schools’ entrances, etc.
Wood shopfronts
Vintage yet classy, timber, or wood shop fronts can provide a very different feel for a business. It may also be appropriate to install a timber shop front, depending on your location and keeping with the local area.
Providing a more traditional look, wood shopfronts are often found on cafes and bistros, boutique stores, small libraries, and smaller offices.
Shopfront shutters
No matter which style of shop front you opt for, it is always a good idea to consider security shutters to complement these.
Choosing the right shutters for you not only helps increase the level of security, but it can also add to the overall look and feel of your shop front.
Types of shopfront shutters include:
Aluminium roller shutters – extremely lightweight, these flexible shutters offer great strength and perfect privacy for retail shops, commercial businesses, and even residential areas. Aluminium shutters are competitively priced and can be painted to any colour you require, blending in with your shop front perfectly. Rolling up above the shop window, aluminium shutters provide you with an unobscured view of outside and passers-by with a great look inside.
Steel shutters – heavy-duty steel shutters offer the highest security level but not always the greatest level of flexibility. This type of shutter is best suited to premises that have very valuable equipment and goods housed inside.
See-through grilles – provide a reasonable level of security while still offering a glimpse through your windows.
Perforated shutters – offer a classy look to any business; perforated shutters are unique in their design, with your display window/area always visible.
Ultimately, you need to choose a shop front design that is best suited to you, your business, and your external environment. Coinciding this with choosing the right shop front shutter will enhance your shopfronts look and increase its security.
To find out more about our aluminium shop front options, call our experienced team on 03451 930 420 or you can visit our page.
Reference video: MassIdea TV
Make now the time to upgrade your shop front
Of course, what you do and how you do it is a big part of your business. But how you present yourself through your website and your physical store front is crucial. People will form an opinion, good or bad, on your business based on how the front of your shop looks, and then if they do make it through the entrance doors, the layout and ambiance of inside. This all will impact whether people will choose to shop with you and buy your products and services, which ultimately affects your sales and, in turn, your business growth! People understandably need to know who you are, and you as a business owner need to know how to draw your target audience into your shop and part with their money! Approximately 40-70% of customers make their purchase decisions at a physical retail location. This makes it vital to have a shop front that is clean in design and fitting with your brand.
Make it part of your strategy.
A creative marketing strategy that includes your external appearance and maintenance is always a recipe for success! This is because when thinking about your store’s appearance, there’s a lot more to it than landscaping and choosing colours; you must also consider shop design ideas that include:
- Lighting
- Noise
- Temperature
- Music
- Smell
- As well as architecture, colour, and materials (i.e., an aluminium shopfront, wood, glass, etc.)
When broken down, appearance can go in many different directions, and business owners can soon become overwhelmed and put off. However, building your store’s appearance into your overall business strategy, highlighting only the areas that fit your vision, aim, and brand, will help it become part of everyday business.
How you look visually is a big part of your brand.
You only have seconds to impress prospective customers and entice them into your shop. This means your shopfront must be clean, well maintained, and well presented at all times. All business owners want to create a lasting impression, and a good one at that. You want people to remember you for all the right reasons. Creating the perfect customer experience can be everything to your success.
Reasons to upgrade and revamp your shop front:
- Your sales could do with a boost.
- Your shop is starting to look a little outdated.
- You need to attract and target more customers.
- You have a special promotion coming up.
- Your business/brand is changing.
- You need to stand out from the crowd.
Then, now might be the time to revamp your shop front.
Shopfront designs
Types of shop fronts:
Aluminium shop front – aluminium is a force to be reckoned with when providing reliable, robust, low maintenance aluminium shop front doors. A 100% recyclable material that can be customised to any shape and size, can withstand varying weather conditions, and be coated in any colour to match your branding. There isn’t much that aluminium shop fronts can’t provide. Glass – Glass provides a very stylish shopfront look. Allowing you to highlight your products and services, glass gives your customers a great view of your business. It’s always advisable to opt for toughened glass for glass shopfronts, securing your business and belongings further. This shopfront style is easy to maintain and clean and provides you with free advertising 365 days of the year! Wood – suited to Victorian-style shop fronts and those in historic towns and settings, wood creates a warm, comfortable, more, low key feeling. Wood can also be painted to any colour to match your brand; however, wood store fronts need to be regularly maintained to avoid eroding. To help with your decision-making process, you need to consider the building’s character and the surrounding area. For example, in an old, cobbled town, where all shop fronts are wooden in nature, a brightly lit, modern, aluminium, full glass window display probably won’t work. The same can be said for modern high streets, where full glass fronts, big lights, and signage are the key to really standing out.
Small changes can make a big difference – Revamping your store during a pandemic.
Changing your shop in the midst of a pandemic is not as crazy as it first might seem, as now you have the time to really think about your store’s appearance. How your customers see your shop, and how can you make their experience better without breaking the bank! It’s often the little changes that can make the biggest difference and creating a business makeover could be just the ticket to help boost sales in the coming months.
Top tips and shop front ideas
Change your shop front with the seasons.
Changing your window displays and interior with the seasons is a great way to grab and retain people’s attention and gain recognition for your brand.
Get your layout on point.
Most research shows that when people enter a store, they tend to turn right and move counterclockwise through the shop. In this case, you need to ensure that whatever greets your customer is uncluttered, clean, and visually appealing. You want your customers to connect with your products and services, understanding their buying habits, their movements, where their eye is drawn, etc., and adjusting your visual merchandising to fit will all help to increase sales and profits!
Unclutter your space
If your window display and retail space inside is cluttered and messy in appearance, you will drive customers’ way. Apply the white space principle to your retail unit, where too little space prevents your customer’s eye from focussing on things you want them to focus on, and too much space, and you might be missing a great opportunity.
Create zones
For example, outside your store, entrance ways, merchandising areas, window displays, etc. – each zone can hold different messages, visuals, and creativity. Use these zones to create your customer journey – leverage your opportunities, reinforce your messaging, and boost your sales and business growth.
Keep your areas clean and clear.
Cleanliness will impact your customer’s experience 100%. Over half of shoppers have avoided businesses because of how it looks from the outside.
An organisation in retail shops is crucial.
Designing creative displays, maintaining neat and tidy shelves helps people find things much easier, making their experience more pleasant and their chances of buying from your extremely high. Updating your space and keeping it clean and clear from clutter helps you stay relevant and keep customers coming through your doors.
Good lighting can make all the difference.
A brightly lit shop front is not only welcoming, but it also feels safe, it promotes your products, and it allows customers to see your quality. Helping to set the tone, communicate your brand, and bring a sense of style and colour to your shopfront’s appearance, lighting can offer it all. Simple changes to lighting, colour, and shelf displays can help update your space, bring in more customers, and boost your profits. Light fixtures should be the same throughout the shop, offering a sense of continuity and familiarity. It’s also worth noting that you should avoid painting ceilings dark colours and ensure your ceiling is clean!
Paint tired-looking walls
Changing décor regularly is proven to attract more customers, showcase popular items, and clear discontinued items to make room for new stock!
Choose the right flooring.
Mixing things up with your flooring can help create great point of sale displays and inviting sales space – great to entice your customers further and push them towards the sale. You want to design your shop in a way that creates a clear purchase path.
Slow your customer’s movement down
You don’t want your customers running around your shop, but rather taking their time to really explore what you have to offer. Placing table displays and sales racks in certain places can grab people’s attention and encourage them to engage more with your brand and your products.
How do you want your customers to feel?
Sometimes it’s not always about how your shop looks; it’s also about how it makes your customers feel. Sounds and smells have a big impact on people’s decision-making process, and if done well, it can encourage people to buy more. It’s all about making customers as comfortable as possible.
Upgrading your retail space
Competition in the commercial space is fierce – you need to ensure your shop and retail space are on top of its game to keep you relevant and increase your sales. You need to devise a plan, create a timeline, set a budget, and speak to a professional team. Shopfront design and installation is no small task; however, with approximately 60% of businesses reporting a positive impact on their sales after changing or enhancing the design of their shop front exterior, now could be the perfect time for your business to make some great changes and see your sales soar.
An aluminium shopfront that creates an ever-lasting impression
Your shop front is the very first impression of you as a business that your customers and potential customers are greeted with in person.
This means you need to plan your look and style perfectly, making it stand out from your competitors but at the same time, fit in with your local environment.
You should not underestimate the importance of a shopfront. It is a visual representation of your business and how you can best represent your brand.
Which means your shopfront must aim to:
- Create a consistent look and style that fits with your current brand.
- Encourage people to come into our store.
- Keep your shop and your goods and services inside, safe, and secure.
You want a commercial shop front that not only looks good but that is also going to last!
Ways to make your entranceway more welcoming
We understand that as business owners, you might not have a great deal of time to think about what the outside of your shop looks like, but trust us, a welcoming business entrance can be make or break, as first impressions do indeed count!
To help, you should:
Keep areas clean and clear. People can form an opinion about your business before they’ve even stepped inside. That’s why it’s essential to keep your entranceway clear from mess and litter; you want your shopfront to be as enticing as possible.
Make use of both indoor and outdoor signage. Can people spot your business from a distance? Do you need them too? Help customers and potential customers know they’re in the right place by placing consistent signage both inside and outside your premises, utilising all the space you have.
Replace or install a new entrance door. If your shopfront could do with an upgrade, installing a new entranceway could be the perfect solution. Complimenting your style, business vision, and providing increased security, a new entrance can offer it all.
Choosing the right shop front for you
Every type and style of door has a different purpose, and all aspects should be considered, including material and functionality, i.e., do you want sliding or folding doors? Doors with automatic sensors, or maybe anti-finger trapping safety doors?
It’s important to think of your shop front as part of your marketing strategy, just like your website, i.e., how do you need to present yourself to encourage those that see your business to step inside and become a customer. Marketing your products and services in such a way that, ideally, your shopfront does the hard work for you.
Types of shop fronts to choose from
One of the most popular shopfronts in Leeds to choose from is Aluminium.
Robust, durable, secure, low maintenance, long-lasting, and competitively priced, there isn’t anything an aluminium shopfront can’t provide!
Aluminium is 100% recyclable making it environmentally friendly, and it is a material that can withstand varying weather conditions. It’s also incredibly versatile, so it can be customised to any shape and size store front, meeting all of your requirements and business specifications.
Aluminium today can also come in various colours so you can match your company colours perfectly, creating brand recognition in an instant.
Due to the strength aluminium provides, this is often the material of choice for shop fronts for security reasons.
Glass
Glass provides a very elegant and stylish shopfront look. Allowing you to showcase your products and services, glass gives your customers a great view of your business. It’s always advisable to opt for toughened glass for glass shopfronts, securing your business and belongings further. (Note: there is also the option to install roller shutters for added security, too, if required).
Frameless glass
Frameless glass is primarily found in office blocks and commercial shop fronts such as car salesrooms, where the glass used is treated to make it fully secure in these instances.
This shopfront style is easy to maintain and clean and provides you with free advertising 365 days of the year!
The type of shopfront you choose can change your business’s overall look and help make that great first impression. Remember, it’s about standing out against your competitors while fitting in with your local environment.
For expert advice and more information on aluminium shop fronts in Leeds, call the professional, friendly Crucial Engineering team today.
Call 03451 930 420
Is now the perfect time to install a shop front?
Firstly, let us be clear when we use the word “now.” Depending on when you read our post, `now` could be any time – so, we’ll try to be a little more specific.
The colder months make it the ideal time to start planning your new shop front.
Many of our customers often contact us asking, “when is the perfect time to install shopfronts” and for the team at Crucial Engineering, we believe planning should start as soon as possible and ideally in the winter!
Yes, the weather is a little colder and more unpredictable during the winter months; however, it’s not all about installing and fitting during this time.
We advise all our customers to take this time to:
Choose the right shop front design for you
Considering the design and construction of your shop front is vitally important. From choosing the right style and type of shopfront to taking measurements, checking sizes, external environment requirements, etc., your final decision on your shop front can take up to six months to plan, organise, and schedule works. Providing you with valuable time to speak with the professionals at Crucial Engineering to help manufacture the best solution for you – making sure that all areas have been considered and all features incorporated.
To help, you can speak with your installation and design team to see if blueprints can be created to give you an idea and a feel of what the potential finished design would look like.
Plan
Due to the size and scale of replacing and installing new shop fronts, planning and maintenance cannot be left until the last minute.
In most instances, for new shop fronts, planning permission will be required, making now the best time to get the ball rolling.
Planning permission, alongside building regulations and financial and legal matters all takes time to process, be granted, and the approval paperwork to come through. This makes planning in the winter ideal, so you have enough time for work to begin in the spring/summer.
Plan your budget
Choosing the right shop front for you should be your ultimate aim; however, this choice must also be cost-effective for your business.
Budget must be set aside for such projects, and all costs must be accounted for and have plans in place for a contingency budget.
Plan for the effect changing shop fronts could have on your business
Preparing in advance allows you to put measures in place to mitigate any risks and unexpected situations from arising and minimise any negative effects changing your shop front may have on your business, i.e., the focus here is on minimising disruption for you, your staff, and your customers.
Speak to your neighbours
It is often said that clear and open communication is key, and if you’re looking to install a new shop front, now might be a good time to speak to local businesses in your area and beside you that this might affect. This can allow them to feel informed about what is happening but also reassured that there would be minimal disruption to their business.
You need to be clear on what measures you will be putting in place, how your shop front will be keeping with the neighbourhood and surrounding environment, etc.
Professional installation teams will be required to carry out the installation of your new shop front. Working to all health and safety regulations and guidelines and operating most effectively and efficiently.
Installing a new shopfront is a big job with many factors to consider, however with the right design, manufacturing, and installation team, you can soon have the shop front you’ve always wanted.
Improving your business’s external appearance, targeting and attracting more customers, and providing them with a great impression.
To achieve all of this and more, you need an experienced, qualified, and professional team.
You need Crucial Engineering.
From the start of your project until full completion, our team handles everything with care and attention. Offering you first-class service and an exceptionally high-quality shop front.
To find out more about why now is the perfect time to install a shopfront, call us on 03451 930 420, and a member of our team will be happy to help.
There aren't many benefits to aluminium shopfronts…
…there are loads!
Aluminium might be the new material around, but trust us, it certainly has a lot to offer!
A material that not only provides shop owners with a whole host of security benefits but today aluminium is also now extremely aesthetically pleasing – if we’re honest, it’s manufactured to meet your exact requirements.
As a business, we understand that price is everything. Of course, you don’t want something looking cheap and unwelcoming, but then again, you don’t want to feel like you have to take a second mortgage out just for a new shopfront!
The solution? Aluminium!
Don’t let the sleek look of aluminium shutters fool you; compared to some of their counterpart’s aluminium can be extremely cost-effective. Meaning store owners can now get expensive-looking shopfronts all at much lower prices.
Image is everything, especially to your customers. And your shopfront can either welcome people in with open arms or have them turning away and heading for your nearest competitor.
This is where an aluminium shopfront provides you with the advantage, the cutting edge.
Aluminium is very sleek, shiny, and offers a reflective look that adds a great finishing touch and is proven to attract more customers.
Another aluminium shopfront benefit is that aluminium is extremely strong, providing close to the same strength as steel. However, it is much, much lighter – 25% lighter, to be exact!
Due to the material’s strength, aluminium shopfronts help keep premises safe and secure, providing you with peace of mind that your shop is continuously protected. However, due to their lightweight nature, they’re also easy to operate and manoeuvre, making the roller shutters flexible and easy for owners and employees to use.
Due to their durability, shop owners can also save money in the long run.
How?
Because shop owners with aluminium shopfront doors do experience less damage, hence fewer repairs, and maintenance costs.
This is supported further because aluminium is also non-corrosive. Lasting you a considerable length of time, no longer do you have to worry about the expense of replacing your storefront on a regular basis.
For shopfitters, aluminium is also easy and pretty straightforward to install. Due to the lightweight material, aluminium is easy to handle and move into the perfect position.
This means having your shopfront fitted out doesn’t have to take a long time, disrupting your business and stopping you from trading.
For those eco-friendly among us (we hope this applies to everyone), it’s good to know that aluminium is 100% recyclable, making it extremely eco-friendly.
Also, just because it’s been recycled doesn’t mean you should underestimate its strength. Aluminium will still provide the same high level of strength again and again – so you can keep the benefit of strength while also keeping your carbon footprint low.
Aluminium is also versatile enough to be customised to suit a variety of shopfronts in Leeds. This means you can have your aluminium shopfront moulded to fit whatever shape and space you’re working with.
This benefit can lead to some amazing designs, helping to support your business’s image and brand. Going through the fabrication process, your shopfront can have the modern look and appeal without any unsightly joints!
Aluminium storefronts can also help with energy savings, as their overall thermal performance is second to none – especially when coupled with high-quality glass. Helping to lower heating bills (it’s reported that heat loss and heat gain is reduced by 60% with aluminium frames) so you can invest your money in other business areas.
Quickfire benefits of aluminium shopfronts
As well as those mentioned above, aluminium shopfronts:
- Can withstand even the most adverse of weather conditions.
- Last, approximately 20 years if well maintained.
- Can be resprayed overtime to any colour of your liking.
Don’t warp, swell, or crack like PVC or wood!
Flexible in design, with professional manufacturers and installers on hand, Crucial Engineering work with a range of retail units, commercial entrances, and shopping centres.
Our team of aluminium experts will visit your site, take all measurements, and cut and manufacture everything to size and specifications.
For us, aluminium is the perfect option if you’re looking for a standout, robust, feature material.
Click here to find out more or call the Crucial Engineering team on 03451 930 420.
Read related post: Make now the time to upgrade your shop front
Your shop, your brand, your colour choice!
When we think of shop front designs, our minds will often drift to very plain, typically grey, robust looking, security, roller shutters.
These shop front rollers are a necessity to help protect businesses out of hours; however, what more and more business owners are finding is that they’re also a great and additional opportunity to promote your business.
To let everyone know you’re there and to use a range of different shop front colours to really stand out.
Aluminium shopfronts are great – and we’re not just saying that because we design and manufacture some of the best storefronts in Leeds – but because it’s true!
Not only is aluminium extremely strong, helping to keep properties secure, flexible, so it can be fabricated to suit any size, but today, it can also be powder coated to any colour of your choice, matching with your business and your brand perfectly. Your shop, your brand, and your colour choice!
Why opt for a colourful shop front?
It enhances your brand’s presence
Think about what you want your shop to look like to your customers. Do they recognise your branding? Will they know it’s you? How can you reinforce your message? How will you stand out, stay in your customer’s minds, and keep them coming back for more?
It tidies up your storefront
If your storefront has some scuffs and marks appearing, a fresh lick of paint (so to speak) can work wonders, helping to hide any imperfections. It also instantly provides your business with a fresh new look and appeal.
It’s all about the finish
The finish to any coating can be vital and add the piece of resistance you’re looking for.
For example, if you want a super shiny styling, we’d recommend you opt for a high gloss coating. If you want to reduce the overall reflection, then a satin finish or a semi-gloss would work great. For an industrial finish, a matte option will work best, and if you do opt for a semi-gloss, you can expect a very sleek, glossy appearance, making storefronts look uber-modern.
Ultimately, you need to understand what you want to achieve with your aluminium shop front design.
With a range of different shop front colours to choose from, what is your overarching aim?
Powder coating offers great visual appeal
But it is also environmentally friendly. Renowned for being long-lasting, powder coating your shop front helps keep it protected for many years.
Powder coating works when it is applied to shutters as a dry powder and then baked onto the shutters using heat to bond it to the surface.
This process provides an extra layer of protection, preventing rust and corrosion from occurring.
Compared to paint sprays, powder coating uses no volatile organic compounds, and there is less waste, as it can last much longer than standard paint.
All organisations providing a powder coating service must abide by several health and safety, and environmental guidelines – putting your mind at ease that you are getting the highest quality product and service.
Powder coating is reliable, safe, and, as we’ve mentioned, long-lasting. Saving you money and time – the two things we know every business wants more of!
Whether you’re looking to powder coat your shop front, bi-fold doors, roller shutters, and more, our team will always be happy to help.
Choosing the right colour for you
Shopfronts today can be anything but ordinary. Used to target and attract customers, luring them in and generating more business.
Things to consider when choosing the right colour for your shop front:
- What colours are you currently using, and will they match?
- What message or vibe do you want to convey to your customers and potential customers? This can impact your choice of overall finish, too, so it’s important to note.
- Plan your look and think ahead. Do you have any rebrands planned? Are you going to change your company colours soon? What are your plans for the future?
- As the saying goes, `only the best is good enough, ` and it’s true. Your brand and your image are everything, and you most certainly don’t want the look of your shop front, letting you down. Make sure to check out reviews related to the company you plan to use and ensure quality and excellence come as standard.
The team at Crucial Engineering are professionals in the design, manufacture, and installation of aluminium shop fronts.
Our process is all environmentally friendly too – check us out and call us on 03451 930 420 for further information.