Guillotine glass chains or cables are not fitted or replaced by the user: opening the system voids the warranty, and the panes can tilt and break. If the chain slips, stop using the glass and call the service. Chains and cables last at least 5, usually 6–7 years.
Short answer
On guillotine glass, fitting, replacing and adjusting the chain or cable is a service job. If you open the system yourself the warranty is void, and heavy glass panes left unbalanced can tilt and break. When you notice the chain has slipped, stop operating the glass and call the service.
What do the chain and cable do?
Both chain and cable-belt models are used in guillotine systems; replacing a chain or a belt is the same kind of service job. The panes are carried on steel cables or chains on both sides and moved up and down by a motor. The system uses a durable cable-reinforced belt to lift the glass and 8 stainless bearings in the side channels for balanced travel. For a pane to fall, the cables or chains on both sides would have to break at once, which does not happen in practice. If one side breaks, the pane tilts and jams rather than falling, but a tilted pane can break. More: can guillotine glass fall?
Chain slipping: signs and what to do
| Sign | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The pane comes down at an angle | Chain/cable problem on one side | Stop the system at once and call the service |
| The second pane catches or clicks when lowering | A tooth skipped because a table or object was in front of the glass | Move the object, don't force it, call the service |
| The glass doesn't close fully | Belt jam, dirt in the rail, limit setting lost | Not closing fully guide |
| The motor hums but the glass doesn't move | Motor or belt problem | Not working guide |
In cafés and restaurants the most common case is tables and chairs placed in front of the glass, causing the second pane to catch and a tooth to skip while lowering. Keeping the glass's path clear prevents most of these problems.
Why not fit it yourself?
- Warranty: the warranty is void if the user opens the system.
- Risk of breakage: a pane run before the chain is seated can tilt and break.
- Adjustment: after a chain change both sides must be balanced and the upper and lower limits set; users cannot adjust guillotine glass (guillotine glass adjustment and motor repair).
What does the service do?
- Checks why the chain or cable slipped, and the bearings, rails and belt.
- Thanks to jointed side rails, works on the system without dismantling it where needed.
- Refits or replaces the chain/cable and balances both sides.
- Sets the upper and lower limits and tests the system several times.
A chain or belt replacement takes at least 1.5 days, so plan the service visit accordingly. Motor faults are very rare; if one occurs the motor is not repaired but replaced on site.
How long does a chain last?
Cables and chains don't wear quickly: at least 5, usually 6–7 years. Regular care extends that; we recommend servicing every 6 months. All our products carry a 2-year warranty, extended for customers who service regularly (warranty and care).
Protecting the chain
- Don't put tables, chairs or pots in front of the glass.
- Don't remove the fly screen yourself; the service removes and refits it.
- During a power cut don't force the glass by hand; guillotine glass can't be opened manually, so wait for the power to return.
As an authorised Albert Genau manufacturing dealer, SkyArt Group manufactures, installs and services guillotine glass systems in Istanbul. For a chain problem, servicing or a new system, contact us; we also fit guillotine glass on winter garden façades and the sides of bioclimatic pergolas.
