Collection: Fire Rated Roller Shutters

Fire protection systems for openings are available in several formats depending on whether the requirement is fire resistance, smoke control, or both. The main types include:

Fire Roller Shutters

Fire roller shutters are constructed from steel and are designed to provide fire resistance for a specified period, typically 60, 90, 120, or up to 240 minutes, depending on the tested performance.

They operate similarly to standard roller shutters but are engineered and certified to withstand high temperatures and prevent fire spread. Fire shutters are commonly installed over:

• Commercial and industrial door openings
• Service counters
• Loading bays
• Internal compartment walls

They are connected to the building’s fire alarm system and automatically close when triggered.

Fire Curtains

Fire curtains are made from specialist fire resistant fabric and deploy vertically when activated. They are less intrusive than steel shutters and are ideal for:

• Atriums
• Open plan layouts
• Glazed partitions
• Escape route protection

Fire curtains are tested to provide fire resistance for defined time periods, similar to fire shutters, and form part of a building’s compartmentation strategy.

Fire and Smoke Curtains

Fire and smoke curtains provide both fire resistance and smoke containment in a single system. In addition to preventing flame spread, they are tested to restrict the movement of hot and cold smoke, which is critical for protecting escape routes and improving occupant safety.These systems are often used in:

• Large open plan commercial buildings
• Shopping centres
• Airports
• Multi-storey developments

Smoke Curtains (Smoke Barriers)

Smoke curtains are designed specifically to control and channel smoke movement rather than provide fire resistance. They are typically used to:

• Create smoke reservoirs
• Protect escape routes
• Support smoke extraction systems

Smoke curtains are commonly found in atriums, shopping centres, and large public buildings where smoke control forms part of the fire engineering design.

Each system must be specified according to the building’s fire strategy and tested to the appropriate fire and smoke performance standards to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and life safety requirements.

Fire rated roller shutters must be specified in line with their tested certification, but there are still important design and configuration options available to suit the building layout and fire strategy.

Fire Resistance Rating

Systems can be specified to provide different fire resistance periods, typically:

• 30 minutes
• 60 minutes
• 90 minutes
• 120 minutes
• Up to 240 minutes (depending on product type)

The required rating will depend on the building’s compartmentation strategy and fire risk assessment.

Made to Measure Sizing

All fire shutters are manufactured to measure, allowing them to protect:

• Doorways and corridors
• Service counters
• Loading bays
• Atriums and open voids
• Escalator openings

Operation and Control Options

Fire shutters are typically connected to the building’s fire alarm system and close automatically when activated. Control options may include:

• Gravity fail safe descent
• Motorised controlled descent
• Battery backup systems
• Integration with building management systems

Reset systems can be manual or motorised depending on site requirements.

Finish and Appearance

Fire roller shutters are usually supplied in galvanised steel but can often be powder coated to suit the surrounding environment (subject to certification limitations).

Integration with Escape and Access Systems

Systems can be configured to interface with:

• Access control systems
• Emergency break glass units
• Alarm override controls

Certification Considerations

Any customisation must remain within the scope of the product’s fire test certification. Changes to fixing methods, guide arrangements, or control systems must comply with the tested specification to maintain fire rating approval.

When correctly specified, fire shutters and curtains can be tailored to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements while maintaining full compliance with fire safety standards.

Fire rated roller shutters are used where building design requires controlled compartmentation, protection of escape routes, and compliance with fire safety regulations. Their application is determined by the building’s fire strategy and risk assessment.

Compartment Walls and Internal Openings

Fire shutters are commonly installed within compartment walls to maintain fire separation while allowing operational access during normal use. Typical locations include:

• Corridors and service areas
• Warehouse access points
• Factory production zones
• Storage rooms

Service Counters and Serveries

In commercial kitchens, schools, hospitals, and catering environments, fire shutters protect service hatches and servery openings, preventing fire spread between high risk kitchen areas and public spaces.

Shopping Centres and Retail Units

Fire shutters are used in shopping centres to protect shop entrances, escalator openings, and voids, helping to contain fire.

Warehouses and Industrial Facilities

Large fire shutters are installed over loading bays and internal industrial openings to prevent fire spread between compartments in high risk environments.

Healthcare and Public Buildings

Hospitals, schools, and government buildings use fire shutters and curtains to support life safety strategies while maintaining open access during normal use.

These applications demonstrate how fire rated roller shutters and curtains form an essential part of modern fire engineering design, balancing operational access with critical life safety protection.

Fire rated roller shutters are designed to protect life and property by preventing the spread of fire through openings in a building. Their engineered performance delivers critical safety and compliance benefits.

Certified Fire Resistance

Tested to recognised fire resistance standards BS1634-1, fire shutters and curtains provide protection for defined periods such as 60, 90, 120, or up to 240 minutes, helping maintain compartmentation and slow fire spread.

Automatic Deployment

Connected to the building’s fire alarm system, fire shutters automatically close when triggered or in the event of power failure, ensuring protection without manual intervention.

Supports Open Plan Design

Fire shutters allow modern open plan architectural layouts while still providing compliant fire separation when required. They remain discreetly concealed during normal use.

Maintains Compartmentation

Fire shutters provide a robust physical barrier within compartment walls, preserving fire separation while allowing operational access during normal conditions.

Integration with Fire Systems

Systems can be integrated with fire alarms, building management systems, and emergency override controls, ensuring coordinated operation during an incident.

Regulatory Compliance

Correctly specified fire shutters and curtains support compliance with Building and Fire Regulations and the building’s fire risk assessment, helping meet legal and insurance requirements.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Manufactured from heavy duty steel, these systems are designed for long term reliability when properly maintained.

These features make fire rated roller shutters and curtains an essential component of a building’s passive fire protection strategy, combining safety, compliance, and practical functionality.

Fire rated roller shutters are life safety systems and must be specified, installed, and maintained in strict accordance with fire regulations and certified test evidence. Compliance is critical, as these systems form part of the building’s passive fire protection strategy.

Fire Test Certification

Fire shutters and curtains must be independently tested to recognised fire resistance standards. Certification typically confirms performance for:

• Integrity (E) – Preventing flame penetration
• Insulation (EI) – Limiting temperature rise (where applicable)
• Defined fire resistance periods (e.g. 60, 90, 120, or 240 minutes)

Products must be installed exactly in line with the tested configuration to maintain certification.

Building Regulations Compliance

Fire shutters and curtains must comply with:

• Approved Document B (Fire Safety)
• The building’s fire strategy and fire risk assessment

They must not compromise designated escape routes and must operate in line with the overall fire engineering design.

Integration with Fire Alarm Systems

Fire rated systems must be connected to the building’s fire alarm system and automatically deploy when triggered. They must also include:

• Fail-safe closing mechanisms (gravity descent or battery backup)
• Controlled descent where required
• Manual override or reset controls as specified

Machinery and Electrical Safety

Motorised fire shutters and curtains must comply with:

• Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations
• Electrical safety standards (e.g. BS 7671)

All powered systems must include appropriate safety devices to prevent injury during normal operation.

Installation and Ongoing Maintenance

Installation must be carried out by competent professionals following the manufacturer’s certified details. Fire shutters and curtains must be:

• Inspected regularly
• Serviced at least annually (or as specified)
• Tested in conjunction with the fire alarm system

Failure to maintain the system can invalidate certification and compromise life safety compliance.

When properly specified, installed, and maintained, fire rated roller shutters and curtains provide compliant, certified protection that supports life safety and property protection objectives.

Fire rated roller shutters are life safety systems. Their installation and maintenance must strictly follow the manufacturer’s certified specification and the building’s fire strategy to ensure continued compliance and protection.

Installation Requirements

Installation to Certified Specification

Fire shutters and curtains must be installed exactly as per their tested configuration. This includes:

• Approved fixing methods and structural supports
• Certified guide rail and headbox arrangements
• Correct curtain configuration and clearances
• Installation into suitable fire-rated substrates

Any deviation from the tested detail can invalidate the fire rating.

Structural and Compartment Integrity

The surrounding wall or structure must provide the required fire resistance. The shutter or curtain is only one element of the fire compartment, the supporting structure must also meet the required rating.

Integration with Fire Alarm System

Fire rated systems must be connected to the building’s fire alarm panel. Installation includes:

• Correct signal wiring
• Battery backup or fail safe systems
• Automatic descent configuration
• Controlled closing speed (where required)

Commissioning must confirm correct deployment on alarm activation and power failure.

Electrical Installation

Motorised systems must comply with current electrical regulations and machinery safety requirements. Final electrical connection should be completed by a qualified electrician.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular Inspection

Fire shutters and curtains should be visually inspected to ensure:

• Curtain condition is intact
• Guide rails are secure
• Control panels show no faults
• Power supply and battery backup are functional

Routine Servicing

Fire rated systems typically require at least annual servicing, though higher-use environments may require more frequent inspection. Servicing includes:

• Testing automatic deployment
• Checking descent speed
• Inspecting motor and control systems
• Testing integration with the fire alarm
• Drop Testing and Functional Testing

Periodic operational testing (in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and fire strategy) should confirm correct deployment and reset functionality.

Maintaining Certification

Replacement parts must match the original certified components. Unauthorised repairs or modifications can invalidate the fire rating and compromise compliance.

When professionally installed and properly maintained, fire rated roller shutters and curtains provide dependable, compliant fire protection that supports life safety and regulatory obligations.

The cost of fire rated roller shutters depends on the required fire resistance period, opening size, control system, and integration with the building’s fire alarm. As certified life safety systems, pricing reflects both product performance and installation requirements.

Fire Rated Roller Shutters (Steel)

• 60-Minute Fire Rating
  From £2,500 – £3,500 installed
  Suitable for smaller compartment openings and service areas.
• 90–120 Minute Fire Rating
  From £3,000 – £5,000 installed
  Commonly specified for commercial units, warehouses, and internal compartment walls.
• 240-Minute Fire Rating (where available)
  From £4,500 – £7,500+ installed
  Typically used in higher-risk industrial or large commercial environments.

What Affects the Final Price

Final costs will depend on:

• Fire resistance period required (60, 90, 120, 240 minutes)
• Opening width and drop height
• Single or multiple drops
• Integration with fire alarm and BMS systems
• Battery backup and control panel requirements
• Structural fixing and compartment construction
• Access and installation complexity

Getting an Accurate Quote

Because fire rated shutters must align with the building’s fire strategy and certified installation details, a site survey is strongly recommended. This ensures the system is correctly specified, compliant with Building Regulations, and fully integrated with the building’s life safety systems.