How Fire Curtains and Fire Shutters Contribute to Fire Containment Strategies

Fire Curtains vs. Fire Rated Roller Shutters: Which is the Best Choice?

When it comes to fire protection, two options often come up: Fire Curtains and Fire Rated Roller Shutters. Both are designed to keep you safe, but which one is better? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Fire Curtains?

Fire curtains are flexible barriers made from special materials designed to resist fire. When activated, they roll down from a metal casing and block smoke and flames from spreading in a building. They are usually hidden when not in use, making them a discreet safety feature.

One of their biggest advantages is their ability to seal off areas and prevent toxic smoke from moving around. Since smoke inhalation causes more fire-related deaths than flames, fire curtains are an important safety tool.

However, fire curtains have some limits. While they are great for stopping smoke, they might not be as effective as Fire Rated Shutters in handling intense flames or high heat levels.

What Are Fire Rated Roller Shutters?

Fire Rated Roller Shutters, also called industrial fire shutters, are made of strong steel slats. These shutters divide buildings into sections, stopping both fire and smoke from spreading.

Like fire curtains, they are part of a fire protection system and respond to alarms by automatically closing or opening. But unlike fire curtains, these shutters also provide some level of security against vandalism or break-ins.

Why Choose Fire Rated Shutters?

Fire Rated Shutters are built to last. Their strong structure not only withstands fire but also protects properties from burglary and vandalism. This dual-purpose design makes them ideal for industrial and commercial properties.

Though they may require more space and cost more upfront, they are durable and provide long-term value. They offer strong fire resistance and physical protection, making them a solid investment.

Comparing Fire Curtains and Fire Shutters

Both fire curtains and fire shutters are great options for fire safety. However, they serve different purposes:

• Fire Curtains: Lightweight and discreet, these are best for controlling smoke and meeting fire regulations. They are effective but may not handle extreme fires as well as shutters.
• Fire Rated Shutters: Strong and durable, these provide excellent fire resistance and added security, especially in industrial or commercial spaces.

Certified Protection You Can Trust

Able Doors’ Fire Rated Shutters are tested and certified under Australian standards. They come with fire ratings of 2 or 4 hours, ensuring strong performance in emergencies. Each shutter includes a Certificate of Compliance, with a metal tag showing the manufacturer’s name, fire rating, and year of manufacture.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between fire curtains and fire rated shutters depends on your needs. Fire curtains are great for controlling smoke in less intense fire situations, while fire shutters offer unmatched strength and security.

Both options play an important role in fire protection, but the choice will depend on what suits your building best.

Whether it’s to enable people, cars, trucks, machinery, products, or equipment into or off of the premises – we are the experts in gates, shutters, and industrial roller doors in Sydney.