When it comes to fire safety in residential, commercial or industrial buildings, choosing the right fire barrier is crucial. Two popular options are roll up fire shutters and fire curtain shutters, both designed to prevent the spread of fire and protect property. While they may seem similar, there are key differences in design, application, and functionality. Understanding these differences can help you decide which option best fits your building’s fire safety needs.
What is a Fire Shutter?
A roll up fire shutter is a specialized fire-rated barrier designed to protect small or big openings such as service counters, concession stands, kitchen pass-throughs, windows, patio doors, commercial and industrial buildings. Fire shutters operate like traditional roll-up security shutters, but they are specifically engineered to close automatically in the event of a fire, providing an effective seal against the spread of flames and smoke.
Key Features:
- Material: Constructed from fire-rated galvanized steel
- Operation: Motorized or manual closure that activates automatically during a fire.
- Fire Rating: Fire counter shutters are rated for up to 3 hours of fire resistance, depending on the model and design.
- Applications: Commonly used in residential windows and doors, food service areas, pharmacies, concession stands, and anywhere service openings need to be protected or there is a potential for fire to spread.
Benefits:
- Design: For small or large openings. Verity of colors, can be powder coated to wide range of colors. Installed around the opening without absorbing the view or limiting the window operation or a window type.
- Durable: Made from heavy-duty, fire-resistant materials that can withstand extreme heat.
- Custom Fit: Available in a variety of sizes to match the dimensions of specific openings.
- Security: In addition to fire protection, these shutters can also offer security when closed, protecting areas from theft or unauthorized access.
- Fire Alarm: Can be connected to fire alarm and smoke detector systems.
- Self Reset: Some of the units can be ordered with a self reset system. This is essential for places that require monthly fire drills.
What is a Fire Curtain?
A fire curtain shutter Interlocking curtain, fire-resistant steel that automatically drops in the event of a fire. Unlike the more solid structure of fireproof shutters, fire curtains are designed to block fire and smoke while being lightweight. They are limited in size and can’t be operable.
Key Features:
- Material: Fire curtains are typically made from fire-resistant steel
- Operation: Fire curtains deploy automatically through gravity technology and can’t be contacted by a fire alarm or smoke detectors.
- Fire Rating: Rated for up to 20 or 45 mins of fire protection.
- Applications: Often used in very small openings, installed within the jamb of the opening and obstructing the view of 30%.
Benefits:
- Lightweight: Unlike fire counter shutters, which are heavy due to their steel construction, fire curtains are made of lighter steel, can be also be a disadvantage as not heavy enough to drop when needed.
- Price: Cheaper due to lighter material and lack of operation.
Fire Protection You Can Count On
Keep your property safe with ROLLerUP’s premium roll-up fire shutters. Designed for durability and peace of mind, get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.
Fire Shutter vs. Fire Curtain: The Key Differences
Feature | Fire Roll-up Shutter | Fire Curtain Shutter |
Material | Heavy-duty galvanized Steel | Light-duty galvanized steel |
Operation | Gravity-fed Motorized or manual | Gravity-fed |
Visibility | Visible as a roll-up shutter when closed | Installed within the jambs, obstructing the view by 30% |
Fire Rating | Up to 3 hours, 2 fusible links as per NFPA 80 standard | Up to 45 minutes, 1 fusible link, NOT compatible with NFPA 80 standards. |
Weight | Heavy and durable | Lightweight |
Applications | Service counters, pass-throughs, small openings, wide range of openings. | Limited Max 42″ wide by 60″ high |
Aesthetic Impact | Visible around the opening, can be surface colour matched to reduce visibility. | Max visual impact |
Security Function | Can double as a security barrier | Primarily for fire protection |
Choosing the Right Fire Protection Solution
The decision between a fire counter shutter and a fire curtain shutter will depend on the specific needs of your building and the municipality/city requirements.
- For Smaller to Large Openings: Fire Roll up shutters are ideal for small or big windows, pass-through kitchens, service areas where you need both fire protection and a security barrier. They are built to withstand high temperatures and can also secure areas when not in use.
- For very small openings: Fire curtain shutters are maybe a solution that you should consider for openings that are hidden from, not in use or if you don’t care about your view to be observed. Since they are installed in the jamb of the window they will observe your view by 30%.
Conclusion
Both fire roll-up shutters and fire curtain shutters are essential fire protection tools, but they cater to different needs. Fire roll-up shutters offer heavy-duty protection for a wide variety of openings, with the added benefit of security, NFPA 80 standards and will pass inspection by 100%, while fire curtain shutters are only for small spaces where aesthetic concerns and flexibility are not important, and NFPA 80 standards are not required. In most cases, municipalities and cities will need a product that meets NFPA 80 standards.
Choosing the right solution depends on the specific layout and function of your space. For fire-rated protection in various areas, a fire rollup shutter is likely the best option. Roll-up fire shutter will be the right choice, as it compatible with all the necessary building codes and NFPA 80 standards with no adventure to you. As for the fire curtain shutter, it might take you on an adventure as it doesn’t stand with all the necessary standards that are usually required and you might not pass the city inspection.
Let ROLLerUP help you enhance your fire safety measures with solutions you can trust. Reach out today for expert advice and a free consultation!