4 Misconceptions About Fire Shutters (Guest Post)

Commercial building fires are more prevalent than house fires.

True or false?

False.

Based on the survey conducted by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers in the US, most reported fire incidents have started from homes, kitchens mostly.

Residential fires caused the majority of deaths and injuries.

Most buildings have impenetrable industrial roller doors and advanced warning systems. Hence, most non-residential fires have more survivors than house fires.

So far, no house, shop or office (no matter how hi-tech) can withstand fire. But delaying the spread of blazing flames is possible.

Materials with high fire resistance ratings are effective at containing fire and smoke. Using fire-resistant rolling shutters will also decrease the rate of fire spread.

But since there are many misconceptions surrounding fire shutters, homeowners can’t help but worry.

These are just four of the most common misconceptions a lot of people may have about fire shutters.

1. Fire shutters are ugly

Some rolling doors and shutters come in various colors and models to blend in with the homeowners’ exterior design.

There are many attractive alternatives to shutters, but it is quite impossible to match its many benefits.

Well-built fire shutters reduce noise, control light, and protect the property from the elements.

These factors are more important when selecting windows or doors suitable to your home or shop. Ideally, fire-rated rolling shutters are preferred because of their simplicity and reliability.

[Editor’s note: On some buildings they look great but I’m not sure how attractive they would be on a typical suburban home.]

2. Fire shutters are not secure.

It’s more important to think of security than appearance during home renovations.

Most homeowners choose to get a rolling shutter mainly for the protection they offer. They are made of thick steel as well as robust brackets and fixings.

Roll shutters have been popular in Europe during wartime due to the supreme shield they provide homes.

Though it was invented as an energy efficient window treatment, many homes back then used rolling shutters to protect their homes from surprise attacks such as bombings.

Until now, it continues to be a valuable instrument of defense.

[Editor’s note: I don’t see steel shutters stopping a 7.62 round but I guess they’re better than drywall. 😉 ]

3. Fire shutters are inconvenient.

Fire-resistant rolling shutters are easy to roll up and down contrary to the misconception that it is difficult to operate.

Roll shutters are even more convenient than any other types of window treatments.

When you need to block out strong sunbeams or outside noise, you simply have to roll it down or you can pick sides.

If you want some privacy, with a push of a button, you can conceal an area in your home from prying strangers or passersby.

With this versatility, it seems strange to think of fire-rated shutters as a huge hassle.

[Editor’s note: Push button operation is convenient but understand how they work if the power goes out too.]

4. Fire shutters are expensive.

We can determine the cost of property and productivity lost from the blaze but it’s not possible to assign value to fatalities and injuries inflicted by fires.

If rolling shutters can protect homes or business establishments from the imminent hazards of fire, then there is no reason why they won’t make a wise investment.

The cost of fire damages far outweighs the price of all fire-rated door or window shutters combined.

For a trade-off, that seems more than fair.

[Editor’s note: Obviously, no price can be put on a life and if fire shutters can help reduce damage due to a wildfire, for example, they may be a wise investment.]

What do you think of fire-rated rolling doors or shutters? Please let us know in the comment section.