What are Fire Shutters, Why Do I Need Them, and How Do I Get Them?
Many businesses can benefit from investing in fireproof roller shutters. The following guide explains exactly what fire shutters are, why you may need them and how you can get them.
What are fire shutters?
Fire shutters are roller shutters that are designed to help contain fires. They are different from security shutters in that they are primarily fire-resistant, as well as having an automatic closing function in the event of a fire (a function which is not permitted on security shutters).
Security shutters can help to contain fires, but are more likely to melt and break under the heat. Fire rated shutters can sometimes withstand hours in a fire.
Some fire shutters have a better fire resistant level (FRL) than others. Low-end fire shutters may last 30 minutes while high-end fire shutters can withstand a fire for up to 240 minutes (4 hours). In all cases, having such shutters installed will help to momentarily stop the spread of fire, which helps to prevent damage and protect people’s lives while giving fire services more time to respond.
Fire curtains are an alternative option to fire shutters that some businesses may prefer them over shutters. They take up less space when rolled up and can be more aesthetically pleasing, but generally cost more and don’t offer any security given that they are made from fabric.
Why do I need fire shutters?
Fire shutters are necessary in buildings that have cooking facilities, furnaces or any machinery that uses fire. They’re commonly found in canteens separating the kitchen from the dining area.
While less common in other types of business premises, fire retardant shutters can still be advantageous to most businesses. An electrical fire can occur in practically any property. While you may not always be able to locate the most likely source, there may be ways of sealing off certain corridors in order to encourage a safe escape.
By reducing the spread of a fire, you can make it easier for fire services to tackle it. If the fire isn’t spreading, it will cause less damage, potentially saving your entire business from literally going up in flames. Most importantly, fire shutters can give people more time to escape a building, saving the lives of employees, customers and other people who may be in the building.
How do I get fire shutters installed?
At S&S Shutters, we supply and install fireproof roller shutters. We’ll assess your premises to find the most appropriate fire shutter or fire curtain for you. Our expert technicians will then install these fire retardant shutters safely for you. On top of this, we are able to take care of regular maintenance, helping to ensure that your shutters are always in full working order.
To get a quote and find out more about our fire rated shutters, call us today at 0800 112 0083 or 0203 887 0993 or email us at [email protected].