What are fire-rated roller shutters?
Fire shutters protect openings that would otherwise break a fire compartment, such as conveyor openings, loading doors between warehouse sections and kitchen hatches. Most are rated for integrity only; smoke control needs a product tested for smoke leakage (BS EN 1634-3), and a shutter across an escape route is only acceptable where the fire strategy allows it, usually released by local heat detection rather than a general alarm signal. The rating belongs to the manufacturer's tested product, so the shutter, its guides, box and release mechanism must all be part of that tested set and installed to its instructions.
Most fire shutters close under gravity at a controlled speed when the release is triggered, using a governor or fail-safe motor, so they still close if power is lost.
Fire shutters must be maintained. Manufacturers and guidance such as BS 9999 expect regular servicing, usually at least once a year, including a drop test to prove the shutter closes as designed.
Which options can you choose?
- RatingIntegrity ratings typically from 60 up to 240 minutes, depending on the tested product; smoke-rated versions only where tested to BS EN 1634-3.
- ReleaseFusible link, local heat detector or fire alarm interface, as the fire strategy specifies, with fail-safe closing.
- TypeFull-height shutters, or fire-rated counter shutters for hatches.
Typical specification
| Testing | tested to BS 476-22 or BS EN 1634-1 by the manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Closing | controlled gravity or fail-safe motor |
| Servicing | at least annually, including a drop test |
| Lead time | usually 4–8 weeks from survey |
How much do fire-rated roller shutters cost?
| Fire-rated roller shutters | Ex VAT | Inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Fire shutter around 3,000 × 3,000 mm | £3,495 – £7,995 | £4,195 – £9,595 |
| Fire-rated counter shutter | £1,495 – £2,995 | £1,795 – £3,595 |
| Fire shutter service including drop test, per shutter | £125 – £245 | £150 – £295 |
Guide prices, supplied and fitted unless stated. VAT at 20% where it applies.
Every price is fixed in writing after a survey. See all roller shutter prices or use the quote tool for a guide range for your size.
What should you check before ordering?
- Certification: We supply the manufacturer's test or certification evidence for the product we quote. We do not claim a rating on our own behalf.
- Your duties (England, Wales): In England and Wales, the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must keep fire safety equipment, including fire shutters, maintained in good working order.
- Your duties (Scotland): In Scotland, the duty holder under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 must keep fire safety measures maintained.
- Your duties (Northern Ireland): In Northern Ireland, the appropriate person under the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010 must keep fire safety measures maintained.
- Approvals (England): Where a fire shutter forms part of building work, such as a new or altered opening in a compartment wall, building control approval is needed, from the council or a registered building control approver.
- Approvals (Wales): Where a fire shutter forms part of building work, such as a new or altered opening in a compartment wall, building regulations approval is needed from local authority building control.
- Approvals (Scotland): Where a fire shutter forms part of building work, such as a new or altered opening in a compartment wall, a building warrant from the council's building standards service is normally needed before work starts.
- Approvals (Northern Ireland): Where a fire shutter forms part of building work, such as a new or altered opening in a compartment wall, building regulations approval is needed from council building control.
- Alarm link: Linking a shutter to the fire alarm is coordinated with your alarm contractor so the shutter closes on the right signal; shutters across escape routes are normally released by local heat detection.
How does the process work?
Tell us about the opening
Use the quote tool or the form: what it is for, rough sizes and a few photos if you have them.
Free survey
We measure the opening and the space around it, check fixings and power, and talk through options.
Fixed written price
You get a clear quotation with the product, controls, fitting and lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.
Made, fitted, handed over
The shutter is made to measure, fitted, set up and demonstrated, with the manufacturer's documents left with you.
Questions about fire-rated roller shutters
How often should a fire shutter be tested?
Manufacturers and guidance such as BS 9999 recommend servicing at least once a year, including a drop test. Busy sites or insurers may ask for more often.
Who is responsible for maintaining fire shutters?
The person responsible for fire safety in the building: the responsible person in England and Wales, the duty holder in Scotland or the appropriate person in Northern Ireland.
What does a fire rating mean?
It is the time the tested shutter held back fire in a standard furnace test. The rating applies to the tested product installed as its manufacturer specifies.
Will a fire shutter close in a power cut?
Fire shutters are designed to fail safe, closing under gravity at a controlled speed when the release is triggered or power is lost, depending on the system.
