Can Roller Shutters Stop Fire from Spreading?

When it comes to protecting lives and property, fire safety is a top priority in any commercial, industrial, or public building. One of the most effective and often overlooked tools in fire prevention and containment is the fire-rated roller shutter.

At SERV Contracts LTD, we’re regularly asked, “Can roller shutters actually stop fire from spreading?” The short answer is yes—but not just any shutter will do.

 In this blog, we’ll explore how fire-rated roller shutters work, when and where they should be used, and why they’re an essential component of modern fire protection strategies.

What Are Fire-Rated Roller Shutters?

Fire-rated roller shutters are specially designed shutters made from fire-resistant materials that help contain and slow the spread of fire and smoke. Unlike standard shutters used for security or access control, these are built to withstand intense heat for extended periods.

They are tested to meet stringent fire resistance standards, often certified to hold back fire for 60, 120, or even 240 minutes, depending on the installation and specification.

These shutters automatically close in the event of a fire, creating a physical barrier that helps compartmentalise a building—keeping flames and smoke confined to one area and allowing people more time to evacuate.

How Do Fire-Rated Shutters Work?

Fire-rated shutters are integrated into a building’s fire alarm or detection system. When a fire is detected:

              1.         The fire alarm triggers the shutter mechanism.

This can be via a fusible link that melts at a specific temperature or an electromagnetic release linked to the alarm system.

              2.         The shutter descends automatically, forming a sealed barrier between sections of a building—such as between a kitchen and dining area, or a warehouse and office.

              3.         The shutter holds back fire and heat for a certified amount of time (e.g., 1-4 hours), depending on the rating of the shutter.

This delay gives fire services time to respond and significantly reduces the risk of fire spreading to adjacent areas.

Key Benefits of Fire-Rated Roller Shutters

              •           Limits fire spread between areas, reducing damage and risk to life.

              •           Improves evacuation time for staff and customers.

              •           Protects critical assets, such as stockrooms, server rooms, and equipment bays.

              •           Enhances insurance compliance and can help reduce premiums.

              •           Meets building regulations, especially in commercial kitchens, shopping centres, schools, and industrial units.

Where Should Fire-Rated Roller Shutters Be Installed?

Fire-rated shutters are ideal (and sometimes required by law) in areas where fire risk is high or where there’s a need to isolate fire zones. Common applications include:

              •           Commercial kitchens – separating the kitchen from dining or serving areas.

              •           Warehouses and storage facilities – containing flammable stock.

              •           Factories and manufacturing plants – compartmentalising production lines.

              •           Retail units – separating shop fronts from back offices or shared spaces.

              •           Schools and hospitals – protecting corridors, kitchens, and canteens.

              •           Car parks and basements – blocking access between levels in case of fire.

Fire Ratings Explained

When choosing a fire-rated roller shutter, you’ll notice they come with ratings like FD60, FD120, or FD240. These refer to how long the shutter can resist fire and heat:

              •           FD60 – 60 minutes

              •           FD120 – 120 minutes

              •           FD240 – 240 minutes

The rating you need depends on your building’s fire risk assessment, which will identify areas that require greater fire resistance. SERV Contracts LTD can help you choose the correct rating based on your specific layout and usage.

Fire Shutter Legislation and Compliance

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires businesses to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and ensure safe evacuation. That includes:

              •           Installing appropriate fire barriers

              •           Ensuring that fire doors and shutters function properly

              •           Maintaining fire-resistant construction and equipment

All fire-rated shutters must be CE-marked and tested to BS EN 16034:2014 standards. They must also be inspected regularly and maintained by competent professionals.

At SERV Contracts LTD, we provide full installation, testing, and maintenance services that ensure your fire shutters stay compliant, effective, and ready when needed.

What Happens If a Fire Shutter Fails?

Like any fire safety system, fire-rated roller shutters must work correctly in an emergency. If a shutter fails to deploy—or worse, isn’t maintained—it can allow fire and smoke to spread rapidly through a building.

That’s why we recommend regular servicing. SERV Contracts offers comprehensive maintenance packages that include:

              •           Safety testing

              •           Mechanism inspection

              •           Lubrication and cleaning

              •           Fire alarm integration testing

              •           Emergency repair services

These checks ensure that your fire shutters will perform when it matters most.

SERV Contracts LTD – Fire Shutter Experts You Can Trust

With years of experience installing and maintaining fire-rated roller shutters across Essex, Kent, London, and the surrounding areas, SERV Contracts LTD is your trusted partner in fire protection.

We work with businesses of all sizes—from high-street shops and commercial kitchens to warehouses, schools, and logistics centres. Whether you need a new installation, urgent repairs, or a routine compliance check, we’re just a phone call away.

Contact Us:

Website: www.servcontracts.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01268 975006

Final Thoughts 

To answer the question: Yes, roller shutters can stop fire from spreading—but only if they’re fire-rated, professionally installed, and properly maintained.

Fire-rated roller shutters are not just a fire precaution; they’re a critical part of a comprehensive fire safety plan. Investing in the right shutters can save lives, reduce property damage, and help ensure your business recovers quickly in the event of a fire.

Don’t leave fire protection to chance—trust SERV Contracts LTD to keep your premises safe and compliant.