Shutters and security

Security grilles

A security grille is a steel or aluminium barrier fitted across a door, window or display, made from bars, lattice or linked tube. It can be fixed, removable, folding or rolling. Unlike a solid shutter, it lets light and views through while stopping people getting in.

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Retractable security grille behind a shop window at night

When is this the right choice?

Grilles suit shops that want the display visible at night, rear windows and stockrooms, and jewellers, phone shops and pharmacies that need a second layer behind the glass. They work well where a solid external shutter would struggle with planning, as most are fitted inside. A grille behind the glass does not protect the pane, so pair it with laminated glass if smash damage matters.

What are the options?

Retractable lattice grilleFolds to the side during trading and locks across the opening at night. It is also called a collapsible or concertina gate.

Fixed bar grilleWelded bars are bolted to the wall, which suits rear windows that never need opening.

Removable grillePanels lift into locking brackets at night, leaving the front clear by day.

Tube and link roller grilleRolls into a box above the opening, keeping the view through at night and clear space by day.

Internal display grilleFitted behind the glass to keep people away from stock, while the pane stays in view from the street.

How much do security grilles cost?

Security grilles usually cost £795 to £1,995 ex VAT per opening, supplied and fitted. Opening size, grille type, finish and locking arrangement move the price, as does whether the fixing goes into brick, concrete or steel. Rolling and tube-and-link grilles cost more than fixed bars. If several openings are involved, we price them together in one written quote.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Material	Mild steel, galvanised steel or aluminium
Finish	Galvanised, zinc plated, or powder coated in a RAL colour
Locking	Hook lock or padlock with a shrouded hasp
Security testing	LPS 1175 rated products where required
Escape routes	Must be open or unlocked while people are inside, if fitted across an exit
Typical lead time	2 to 4 weeks from order (typical range)

How does the job run?

Check the opening
We look at the opening, the fixing surface and how often the grille will be moved.
Choose the type
We agree a folding, fixed, removable or rolling grille, along with colour and locking.
Make to size
The grille is fabricated and finished to measured sizes, including any track or locking points.
Fix and test
The grille is fixed to sound structure, then we test the lock and run and show staff how to use it.

Common questions

Do I need planning permission for security grilles?

Internal grilles usually do not need planning permission in England, but external ones often do if they change the look of the building. Listed buildings can need consent for either type. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we confirm this before ordering.

Is a grille as secure as a roller shutter?

It depends on the product and the risk. A solid external shutter covers the glass, while an internal grille sits behind it and leaves the pane open to damage. A well-made grille still blocks access to stock. For tested performance, look for LPS 1175 rated products.

Can I fit a grille over a fire exit?

Only if it is fully open or unlocked while anyone is inside. An emergency exit cannot be locked in a way that stops people getting out. Your fire risk assessment must cover this, and a lockable grille needs a clear daily routine with a named person responsible.

Will a grille damage my shopfront frame?

Not if it is fixed properly. Side tracks need a sound substrate, so we fix into masonry or add a steel subframe and do not rely on thin aluminium sections. On listed buildings, fixing positions must be planned carefully, and consent may be required.

Which materials go with this?

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