When designing or upgrading a building’s fire protection strategy, one of the most common questions is: What’s the difference between fire curtains and fire shutters? While both solutions help slow the spread of fire, they are designed for different applications, performance levels, and building environments.
Choosing the right system is essential for meeting UK Fire Regulations, protecting escape routes, and safeguarding people and assets. In this guide, we break down how fire curtains and fire shutters work, where they’re used, and how to decide which option is right for your property.
Fire curtains are flexible, fabric-based barriers that deploy automatically during a fire. Made from specialised fire-resistant materials such as woven glass fibre, they descend from a compact headbox when triggered by the fire alarm system.
Key Features of Fire Curtains
• Lightweight and discreet – Often hidden within ceilings until activated.
• Automatic operation – Linked to fire detection and alarm systems.
• Provides compartmentation – Helps contain fire and smoke for a specified resistance period.
• Ideal for open-plan layouts – Allows architects to maintain spacious designs while meeting fire safety requirements.
• Customisable sizes – Can cover large openings such as atriums or voids.
Where Fire Curtains Are Commonly Used
Fire curtains are typically installed in:
• Shopping centres
• Atriums and open-plan buildings
• Schools and universities
• Office buildings
• Listed or heritage buildings (minimal visual impact)
• Kitchens and catering environments (e.g., fire-rated kitchen servery curtains)
Because fire curtains remain hidden when not in use, they are perfect for projects where aesthetics and space-saving are key.
Fire shutters are steel roller shutters designed to close during a fire, providing a robust physical barrier to stop the spread of flames and heat. Unlike fire curtains, they offer solid protection and are often used where higher fire ratings or security are required.
• Strong steel construction – Provides both fire resistance and enhanced security.
• Fire ratings typically 1–4 hours – Tested to British and European standards.
• Automatic or manual operation – Usually triggered by the fire alarm.
• Suitable for high-risk areas – Offers reliable protection where fire spread must be prevented.
• Can double as a security shutter – Ideal for retail, warehouses, and factories.
Common environments include:
• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Retail units and shopfronts
• Industrial buildings
• Loading bays
• Commercial kitchens
• Areas storing hazardous materials
• Service counters and compartment walls
Fire shutters are especially beneficial where fire protection and physical security are needed in one solution.
Feature Fire Curtains Fire Shutters
Material Fire-resistant fabric Steel
Visibility Concealed, discreet Visible unit
Security No security benefits Provides physical security
Fire Rating Typically 30–120 minutes 60–240 minutes
Weight Lightweight Heavy-duty
Aesthetic Impact Minimal Moderate
Best Use Case Open-plan spaces, aesthetics-led projects High-risk areas, security-critical sites
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose a fire curtain if you need:
• Minimal visual impact
• Protection for open spaces or large voids
• A solution that integrates with modern architecture
Choose a fire shutter if you need:
• Combined fire protection and security
• Higher fire ratings
• Protection for industrial or high-risk areas
How These Systems Support Fire Safety Compliance
Both fire curtains and fire shutters help buildings meet:
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Building Regulations Approved Document B
• BS EN fire testing standards
However, the correct product choice ensures the building’s fire strategy is fully supported. Incorrect specification can lead to compliance issues or insufficient fire containment.
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Conclusion
Fire curtains and fire shutters are both vital components of a building’s fire protection strategy, but they serve different roles. Fire curtains offer discreet, flexible fire compartmentation for modern building designs, while fire shutters provide heavy-duty fire and security protection for higher-risk environments.
By understanding the differences, you can choose the right system to protect your property, meet regulations, and ensure safe evacuation during an emergency.
Need help selecting the right fire protection solution? Our experts can specify the correct fire curtain or fire shutter for your building, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Contact Security Direct today for a free consultation and quotation.
Are fire curtains and fire shutters compliant with UK fire safety laws?
Yes, both must be tested to British and European standards and installed according to your building’s fire strategy.
Can fire curtains replace fire doors?
In many cases, yes,fire curtains can provide compartmentation in locations where traditional fire doors aren’t practical, but only if approved by the building’s fire engineer.
Do fire shutters provide security as well as fire resistance?
Yes. Unlike fire curtains, fire shutters are made of steel and provide strong physical security.
Can these systems be integrated with existing fire alarms?
Both fire shutters and fire curtains can be connected to your fire alarm system for automatic deployment during an emergency.
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