Don't Gamble with Fire Safety: Fire Shutters vs. Fire Curtains Explained

Spring is the ideal time for a refresh, whether it’s clearing out storerooms or reviewing your building’s fire protection.  

 

While fire alarms and extinguishers are essential, they can’t stop a large fire from spreading. That’s where fire curtains and fire shutters come in. Both help to contain fire and smoke, but they work differently and are suited to different environments. 

 

So, which one is right for your building? 

 

Fire shutters are made of steel and roll down automatically when a fire is detected. They’re commonly used in industrial and commercial settings—like warehouses, kitchens and storage areas - where durability and long-term protection are key. 

 

Shutters can offer up to 4 hours of fire resistance, making them a strong and dependable option. They’re also easy to maintain. If one section (a lath) is damaged, it can simply be replaced - no need to swap out the whole shutter. And because they’re widely used, any trained door engineer can repair or service them, meaning you’re not locked in to one supplier and won’t face long delays or specialist call-out costs. 

 

 

Fire curtains are made from fire-resistant fabric and stay tucked away in the ceiling until needed. When activated, they drop down to block off open spaces. They’re a great fit for public-facing environments where appearance matters, like lobbies, stairwells or art galleries. 

 

Only the very bottom of the curtain is visible day-to-day, which keeps things looking clean but this recessed design makes them harder to access for servicing or repairs. If the curtain is torn or damaged, it often means replacing the whole thing, which can be costly. 

 

Curtains usually offer up to 2 hours of fire resistance. While that’s suitable in some areas, it’s not as robust as a shutter and, because curtains are a more specialist product, there’s a shortage of engineers trained to work on them. If a different company has carried out repairs, there’s also no guarantee that it still meets fire safety standards. 

 

 

For most buildings, a fire shutter is the safer, simpler and more cost-effective choice. It’s durable, easier to maintain, and delivers longer fire protection. Plus, shutters don’t have to look industrial, they can be powder coated to blend in with your space. 

 

Fire curtains do have their place, especially in high-end or design-led buildings like art galleries or public reception spaces. In those cases, the hidden look of a curtain may be worth the extra maintenance consideration. 

 

But for the majority of commercial buildings, shutters provide better long-term value and peace of mind. 

 

 

At Stanair, we’ve been helping businesses stay safe for over 50 years. We supply, install and maintain both fire shutters and fire curtains, as well as fire doors, emergency exits and other passive fire protection systems. 

 

If you’re not sure which option is right for your building, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and guide you to the best solution for your space, your budget, and your safety plan. 

Let’s get your fire protection sorted this spring – contact us today.