Fire-Rated Roller Shutters: Where to Install Them & Why They Matter

When it comes to securing commercial buildings, most business owners think about burglary protection and access control. But one critical area often overlooked is fire safety—and that’s where fire-rated roller shutters come in.

Unlike standard shutters, fire-rated models are designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke, protecting your building, staff, and assets in the crucial moments before emergency responders arrive.

Whether you operate a warehouse in Bolton, a retail outlet in Manchester, or a hospitality venue in Leeds, understanding where and why to install fire-rated roller shutters could make all the difference in a crisis.

Where to Install Fire-Rated Roller Shutters in Commercial Buildings

Fire-rated shutters aren’t needed everywhere—but in the right locations, they’re essential. These shutters act as passive fire protection, helping to compartmentalise your space and control fire damage.

Here are the most common areas where fire-rated shutters should be installed:

• Kitchen and food prep areas in restaurants, cafes, or canteens
• Goods lifts or conveyor openings in manufacturing or logistics facilities
• Corridors or escape routes in shopping centres or multi-tenant buildings
• Retail storage areas behind shop floors
• Loading bays or service entrances in warehouses and industrial units
• Car parks and underground storage areas

Essentially, any point where fire could quickly travel between compartments or affect public access should be considered for a fire-rated shutter.

Our expert team at UK Doors & Shutters provides free site surveys to help you identify high-risk areas and stay compliant with fire safety regulations.

Fire-Rated Shutters vs Standard Shutters: What’s the Difference?

While standard roller shutters are excellent for security, privacy, and weather resistance, fire-rated shutters are specifically engineered for fire containment. Here's how they differ:

Fire Resistance

• Fire-rated shutters are built to withstand intense heat for set durations—typically 60, 120, or 240 minutes.
• They are tested to meet British and European fire safety standards (e.g., BS EN 16034).

Materials and Design

• Fire-rated shutters are constructed with galvanised or stainless steel, and often include insulated cores for enhanced protection.
• They come with heat-sensitive auto-closing mechanisms that activate when triggered by fire alarm or heat detectors.

Functionality

• While both fire-rated and standard shutters can be motorised, fire-rated models integrate with fire alarm systems to automatically deploy in an emergency.

Cost

• Fire-rated shutters are generally more expensive due to their specialised design—but when lives and compliance are on the line, they’re well worth the investment.

In short, standard shutters protect your building from intruders, but fire-rated shutters can help save lives and limit fire damage.

Fire-Rated Shutter Installation and Repairs in Manchester, Bolton, Leeds & Across the North West

At UK Doors & Shutters, we supply and install fully certified fire-rated roller shutters for commercial buildings throughout Manchester, Bolton, Leeds, Liverpool, and across the North West.

Our fire-rated shutter services include:

• Free site surveys and compliance advice
• Bespoke installations tailored to your building layout and fire plan
• Repairs and part replacements for faulty or outdated shutters
• Full integration with your existing fire alarm or building management system

Every installation is carried out by our experienced engineers, ensuring quality, safety, and minimal disruption to your operations.

Don’t Forget Regular Servicing

Like any fire safety system, fire-rated shutters must be regularly serviced to remain effective. A jammed or unresponsive shutter in an emergency situation can have serious consequences—not to mention potential legal or insurance issues.

We recommend at least annual servicing for all fire-rated shutters. And with our online booking system, it’s never been easier.

Book your fire-rated shutter servicing here

Ready to Protect Your Business from Fire Risks?

Fire-rated roller shutters are not just a safety feature—they’re a legal and ethical responsibility for many commercial spaces. If you’re unsure whether your property needs them, or if your current shutters need an upgrade or repair, we’re here to help.

Call UK Doors & Shutters today at 01204 918991

Or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Protect your people. Protect your property. Stay compliant—professionally.

UK Doors and Shutters: Expert repairs & installations for domestic & industrial roller shutters & doors. Visit ukdoorsandshutters.co.uk or call 01204 918 991 for a free quote.