Fire Shutter Buyers Guide

Fire shutters are specialist roller shutters designed to automatically close in the event of a fire, helping to contain fire and protect escape routes within a building.

They form part of a building’s passive fire protection system, working alongside fire alarms and compartmentation strategies.

Fire shutters are typically used to:

• Prevent the spread of fire between areas
• Protect escape routes
• Create fire-resistant barriers

They are commonly installed in commercial kitchens, serveries, and openings within fire-rated walls.

Fire shutters are available in different configurations depending on the application.

Compact Fire Shutters

• Smaller box size
• Ideal for standard door openings
• Neater appearance for internal use

Industrial Fire Shutters

• Larger and heavier duty
• Suitable for wide or tall openings
• Use more powerful motors

Fire and Security Shutters

• Combine fire resistance with enhanced security
• Suitable for higher-risk environments

Fire Curtains (Alternative Option)

• Used where space is limited
• Designed primarily for fire and smoke control
  
  

Choosing the correct fire shutter is critical and must be based on your building’s fire strategy.

Key considerations:

Fire Risk Assessment

• Determines whether a fire shutter is required
• Location of Installation
• Doorway, servery, or escape route

Means of Escape

• Additional safety features may be required

Purpose

• Fire compartmentation or refuge protection

Size of Opening

• May determine compact or industrial type

Always consult:

• Fire risk assessment
• Building Control
• Fire officer
  
  
  

Fire shutters are electrically operated and designed to function automatically in a fire.

Standard Operation

• Electric motor operation
• Daily use for security if required

Fire Activation

• Automatically closes when triggered by:
• Fire alarm system
• Independent heat detector

Safety Features

• Audio/visual warning systems
• Emergency escape buttons
• Staged descent options

These features are especially important when shutters are installed on escape routes.

Fire shutters are built using materials tested for fire resistance.

Typical Construction:

• Steel curtain and components
• Fire-rated motor and controls
  Integrated safety brake system

Key Features:

• Tested to fire standards such as BS EN 16034
• Designed to withstand high temperatures
  Built to maintain integrity during a fire

All components must be part of a tested system to ensure compliance.

Fire shutters can be tailored to suit both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Configuration Options:

• Compact or industrial designs
• Internal or external installation

Colour and Finish:

• Galvanised finish as standard
• Powder coating available in a wide range of colours

Additional Options:

• Integration with fire alarm systems
• Custom control systems
• Staged descent programming

Customisation must not compromise fire certification.

Correct installation is critical for fire performance and compliance.

Installation Requirements:

• Must be installed into masonry or structural steel
• Supporting structure must match fire rating
• Installed in line with tested specifications

Key Considerations:

• Clearance for expansion during fire
• Correct fixing methods
• Integration with fire alarm system

Installation must be carried out correctly to ensure certification remains valid.

Fire shutters require regular testing and maintenance.

Typical Maintenance:

• Weekly operational checks
• Testing fire alarm integration
• Checking battery backup systems

Life Span Factors:

• Frequency of use
• Environmental conditions
• Maintenance schedule

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the shutter will operate correctly in an emergency.

The cost of fire shutters depends on:

• Size of the opening
• Type (compact or industrial)
• Control systems and safety features
• Installation requirements

General Pricing Guidance:

• Fire shutters are more expensive than standard shutters
• Additional safety features increase cost
• Larger or more complex systems require higher investment

Compact Fire Roller Shutters (Smaller Openings)

Typically used for kitchen serveries, counters, and internal compartment openings.

• Supply only: From £1,800 – £3,000
• Supplied and installed: From £3,000 – £5,000

Suitable for smaller spans with compact barrel assemblies.

Industrial Fire Roller Shutters (Larger Openings)

Designed for warehouses, factories, and loading bays.

• Supply only: From £3,500 – £6,000
• Supplied and installed: From £6,000 – £10,000+

Pricing increases significantly with width, height, and fire resistance rating.

• Not referring to the fire risk assessment
• Installing fire shutters without correct safety features
• Using incorrect substrates or fixings
• Not connecting to a fire alarm or heat detector
• Assuming fire shutters provide smoke protection
• Ignoring maintenance and testing requirements

Fire shutters are safety-critical systems and must be specified and installed correctly