How long do roller shutters last?

A well-installed roller shutter from a reputable manufacturer should last 15-20 years before any component needs replacing. Many run for 25+ with minor servicing. The cheap end of the market is closer to 7-10 years.

What wears out, in roughly the order it wears out:

1. Motor capacitor (5-8 years on cheap motors, 10-15 on Somfy/Becker). Cheap to replace, usually $80-$150 service call.
2. Manual winder strap (4-7 years if used daily). Trivial DIY replacement, parts ~$25.
3. Remote control battery / receiver. Years 5-10.
4. End caps and bottom rail seals. UV-degraded plastics. Years 10-15.
5. Slats themselves. 20+ years on quality aluminium. Coastal/salt-air installations corrode faster. 10-15 years if not rinsed.
6. Motor itself. Quality motors last 15-20 years. Cheap motors 7-10.

Things you can do to extend life:

• Rinse with fresh water twice a year if you're within 5 km of the ocean.
• Lubricate guides annually with silicone spray (NOT WD-40: strips the powder coat).
• Don't slam shutters against the limits: set limit switches properly.
• Close them in storms to take wind load off the glass and frame rather than the shutter itself.
• Service the motor every 5 years: costs $80-$150, doubles motor lifespan.

The single biggest predictor of lifespan is the installer, not the brand. A premium slat installed with the box not level, guides loose, or the motor over-tensioned will fail in 5 years. A budget slat installed properly will run 15.

This is why getting multiple quotes matters. You're not just buying a product, you're buying an installer.