Vertical fire shutters are typically installed in warehouses, factories, industrial units, and loading areas where security is paramount and large openings need to be secured. These shutters can be motorized for easy operation and can also be fitted with optional extras to offer additional protection against wind and rain.  

Additionally, these shutters can be used in a variety of settings, making them a versatile product. Our company, a leading manufacturer of vertical fire shutters, ensures that our shutters self-close automatically in the event of a fire using a thermal fusible link or a fire alarm signal, without requiring electricity or battery backups. While battery backups often require frequent maintenance, our shutters provide essential life safety protection without this added concern. By choosing our products, you can trust that you are receiving a reliable and effective solution, supported by the best roller shutter servicing crew in the industry.  

The use of fire-rated shutters is an integral part of any fire safety plan for any building structure. Generally used in multi-story buildings, vertical fire shutters prevent smoke and fire from spreading through vertical shafts. This guide will provide a brief overview of vertical fire shutters, their benefits, and how architects can use them.  

What is a Vertical Fire Shutter?  

Vertical fire shutters are renowned for their unique construction and ability to compartmentalize fire while improving security. To stop fire and smoke from spreading through the shaft in the case of a fire, the shutter is created to shut down automatically. Vertical fire shutters are frequently constructed of fire-resistant materials like steel or aluminium and have a fusible connection that melts in the presence of extreme heat. Due to gravity, this causes the shutter to close, effectively sealing the shaft. If you want to explore more in-depth knowledge of Ferco's fire shutters, you are just one click away!  

Types 

Vertical fire-rated shutters are divided into two types based on the Single and double skin slat design depending on size and application.  

Vertical Single Skin Fire Shutters 

The single skin curtain slat used in the shutter curtain is made from galvanized steel and measures 75mm in pitch and 17mm in width. The thickness of the slats ranges from 0.8mm, 1.00mm & 1.2mm, depending on the size of the shutter and as specified in the fire assessment report. These slats are manufactured using a roll-forming process and feature reinforced interlocking profiles. The slats are designed with auto-cut-off edges to prevent axial movement, ensuring maximum strength and integrity. Optional wind locks can be added for additional reinforcement in high-wind areas. 

Vertical Double Skin Fire Shutters 

The double-skin curtain slats, on the other hand, are made of galvanized steel, measure 80mm in pitch and 23mm in width, and have a thickness of 0.8mm. 

Features of Vertical Fire-Rated Rolling Shutters   

In addition to providing day-to-day security, these barriers automatically descend when fire segregation is required. 

  • 2- or 4-hour fire rating. Complies with BS EN 1634-1. UL 10B compliant model available on request. 

  • Made from heavy-duty galvanized steel with an optional powder coating finish. 

  • Approved by UAE & Singapore Civil Defense 

  • Complete gravity fails a safe system using a fire alarm signal conversion panel as standard. 

  • Activation: Fire alarm signal, thermal fusible link and/or connection to heat/smoke detectors. 

  • Max sizes; since we perform continuous R&D, larger sizes can be provided upon consultation. 

  • 2 hours: 12000mm(W) x 6500mm (Ht.), 4 hours: 12000mm(W) x 4600mm (Ht.) 

Standard/Certification: 

Our fire shutters are capable of withstanding up to a 4-hour fire rating and comply with the BS EN 1634-1 standard. 

Benefits of Vertical Fire Shutters  

The use of vertical fire shutters in building design has various advantages:  

Fire Protection: Fire-rated shutters must include vertical fire shutters, which can help stop the spread of fire and smoke through vertical shafts. Vertical fire shutters help control the spread of smoke, which can be just as harmful as fire, in addition to helping to stop the spread of fire.  

Code Compliance: Fire-rated barriers, like vertical fire shutters, are typically required in multi-story buildings.  

Design Flexibility: Vertical fire shutters can be built to match the unique specifications of each project and can be included in a wide range of building designs.  

Applications 

Vertical fire-rated rolling shutters find widespread use in various settings such as warehouses, factories (indoor and outdoor), airports, automobiles, and commercial premises.  

Vertical Fire Shutters into Building Design  

When incorporating vertical fire shutters into building design, there are many characteristics that architects need to keep in mind:  

Size: The size of the vertical fire shutter will rely on the size of the shaft and the requirements of the building code.  

Operation: Vertical fire shutters can either be operated manually or automatically. Automatic shutters are typically preferred as they ensure that the shutter will close in the event of a fire.  

Integration with Fire Alarm System: Vertical fire shutters should be integrated with the building's fire alarm system to make sure that they close automatically during the fire.  

Whether you are in search of single-skin fire shutters or double-skin fire shutters, Ferco Shutters and Seatings, one of the leading vertical fire shutters manufacturers, will help you get superior quality vertical fire shutters to keep your store or factory safe for a long time. Single and double skin slat designs depending on size and application. Our vertical fire-rated rolling double skin shutters are designed to provide insulation and are made up of vertical rolling shutters built from interlocked Galvanized steel lath sections. 

The incorporation of vertical fire shutters into building design can improve the safety of multi-story buildings. By taking into consideration the location, size, type, operation, and integration with the fire alarm system, architects can design safe, code-compliant, and flexible structures. If you are an architect or building designer, it is important to work with a qualified fire protection engineer to ensure that your designs meet all fire safety requirements and codes. Vertical fire shutters can help keep buildings and their occupants safe in the event of a fire when designed and planned correctly.  

Comment