Protecting people, property and valuable equipment from the effects of fire is a key consideration for commercial and industrial buildings. Industrial fire doors and fire barriers can play an important role in helping to contain fire and smoke, particularly where there are openings within fire compartment walls.
However, there is no single solution for every building or application. Depending on the size and location of the opening, the level of fire resistance required and how the space is used, businesses may need fire shutters, steel fire doors or fire curtains.
In this guide, we explain the different types of fire-rated solutions available and what to consider when choosing the right option for your premises.
What Are Industrial Fire Doors?
Industrial fire doors are designed to provide fire protection within commercial, industrial and other large-scale buildings. They can help restrict the movement of fire and smoke between different areas, supporting the building’s overall fire safety strategy.
The term can cover several different types of fire-rated door and barrier, including steel fire doors, fire shutters and fire curtains.
The most suitable solution will depend on factors such as the size of the opening, its location, how frequently it is used and the required level of fire resistance.
Fire Shutters
Fire shutters are designed to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke through openings in internal fire compartment walls. They can automatically close when activated, helping to contain a fire and protect other areas of a building.
B&B Doors’ fire shutters are available with 1, 2 or 4-hour fire resistance ratings, providing different levels of protection depending on the requirements of the building.
They can be manufactured for openings of up to 7 metres wide by 7 metres high, making them suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.
Fire shutters can also be integrated with existing fire alarm and detection systems, allowing them to deploy automatically when a fire is detected. Options such as battery backup, audio and visual warnings and fire-rated motors can provide additional safety and reliability.
B&B fire shutters are manufactured from high-quality galvanised steel and can be bespoke manufactured to suit individual requirements. Face-fixed and reveal-fix options are available, while the shutters can also be finished in a range of RAL colours.
B&B’s face-fixed fire-resisting roller shutter doors are tested and assessed by LPC Borehamwood to provide up to four hours of fire protection in accordance with BS 476 Part 22: 1987.
Steel Fire Doors and Fire Exit Doors
Not every fire-rated opening requires a large shutter. Steel fire doors and fire exit doors provide a practical solution where people need to pass through an opening regularly or where a dedicated emergency exit is required.
B&B Doors manufactures bespoke steel doors for a variety of commercial and industrial applications, including:
- Fire exits
- Emergency exit doors
- Fire-rated doors
- Personnel doors
- Plant rooms
- Storerooms
- Security applications
Steel fire doors can be manufactured to suit the requirements of individual buildings, with options for different finishes, glazing, louvres, locking systems and access devices.
This makes them suitable for environments where fire protection needs to be combined with security, everyday access or other practical requirements.
For example, a plant room may require a robust steel fire-rated door, while an emergency exit may need suitable panic hardware to allow people to leave the building quickly and safely.
Fire Curtains
Fire curtains provide another option for protecting openings and helping to contain fire and smoke. Unlike conventional fire shutters, they can be installed discreetly overhead and can be particularly useful where space or structural requirements make a traditional shutter less suitable.
B&B fire curtains are bespoke and made to measure. They can be designed for openings of up to 32 metres wide by 8 metres high, making them suitable for much larger openings than many conventional fire shutters.
The curtains can deploy automatically when a fire alarm is activated, helping to reduce the need for human intervention during an emergency.
They can be particularly useful in open-plan environments and are suitable for applications including:
- Lifts and stairwells
- Offices and retail spaces
- Windows and reception areas
- Schools
- Restaurants and kitchens
- Open areas requiring fire separation
Their discreet design can also make them a useful choice where maintaining the appearance of an interior is important.
Fire Doors vs Fire Shutters vs Fire Curtains
Although these solutions all have a role in fire protection, they are designed for different applications.
Steel fire doors are generally suited to personnel access, emergency exits and smaller door openings where people need to pass through regularly.
Fire shutters provide a robust solution for larger openings and can automatically close to help contain fire and smoke within a building.
Fire curtains offer a discreet alternative for larger or more complex openings, particularly in open-plan spaces where a conventional shutter may not be practical.
The right solution will depend on the building’s fire strategy, the size and position of the opening, the required fire resistance and the practical requirements of the space.
Where Are Industrial Fire Doors Used?
Industrial fire doors and fire barriers can be used across a wide range of commercial and industrial environments.
Typical applications include warehouses, factories, offices, retail premises, plant rooms, schools, hospitals, kitchens and other buildings where fire compartmentation is required.
Large industrial openings may benefit from fire shutters, while personnel access points can be protected with steel fire doors. In open-plan areas or particularly large openings, a fire curtain may provide a more suitable solution.
Because every building is different, fire protection should be considered as part of the wider design and fire safety requirements of the premises.
How Do You Choose the Right Industrial Fire Door?
When choosing industrial fire doors or fire barriers, several factors should be considered.
Opening size: The dimensions of the opening can immediately influence which solutions are suitable.
Fire resistance: Consider the level and duration of fire resistance required for the specific application.
Access requirements: If people need to regularly pass through the opening, a steel personnel or fire exit door may be more appropriate.
Available space: Installation conditions can affect whether a fire shutter or fire curtain is the better option.
Building use: A warehouse, hospital, restaurant and office may have very different requirements.
Fire safety strategy: The chosen product should form part of the building’s wider fire safety and compartmentation strategy. Businesses should also consider the relevant fire safety guidance and building regulations, including Approved Document B, when planning fire protection measures.
A specialist door company can assess the application and recommend an appropriate solution based on the building and opening requirements.
Industrial Fire Doors: Frequently Asked Questions
What are industrial fire doors?
Industrial fire doors are fire-rated doors and barriers designed for use in commercial and industrial buildings. They can help restrict the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building.
What is the difference between a fire shutter and a fire door?
A fire shutter is typically used to protect larger openings and can automatically close during a fire. A steel fire door is generally designed for personnel access, emergency exits and smaller openings.
What is a fire curtain?
A fire curtain is an automated fire and smoke barrier that can deploy when a fire alarm is activated. It can provide a discreet solution for large or complex openings, including open-plan areas.
How long can fire shutters resist fire?
B&B Doors’ fire shutters are available with 1, 2 or 4-hour fire resistance ratings, providing different levels of protection for industrial fire doors depending on the requirements of the building.
Can fire shutters be connected to a fire alarm?
Yes. B&B fire shutters can be incorporated into existing fire alarm and detection systems so they can deploy automatically when a fire is detected.
Choosing Industrial Fire Doors for Your Business
Choosing the right industrial fire doors is an important part of protecting a commercial or industrial building. From robust fire shutters and bespoke steel fire doors to discreet fire curtains, there are solutions available for a wide range of applications.
B&B Doors can help businesses identify a suitable fire protection solution based on the building, opening size, fire resistance requirements and intended use.
Contact B&B Doors to discuss your requirements and find out more about our range of industrial fire doors, fire shutters and fire curtains.
