Before You Install Fire Shutters Outside: What You Need to Know

At Ottawa Fire Safety, many of our clients initially consider exterior installations for their roller fire shutters, believing it to be the most convenient choice. While the idea of placing a fire shutter outside may seem straightforward, this approach can introduce serious challenges - many of which undermine the very purpose of having fire shutters in the first place.

Fire shutters are designed to protect lives and property when every second counts, and their effectiveness depends heavily on proper installation, maintenance, and placement. If you’re considering installing fire shutters outdoors, here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

1. How Environmental Factors Affect Exterior Fire Shutter Performance

Fire shutters rely on precise, controlled operation. Any disruption to their mechanisms can compromise safety when it matters most. Installing a shutter outdoors exposes it to environmental factors that can interfere with performance, longevity, and reliability.

Weather Damage

Exterior installations face constant exposure to the elements. Over time, this can seriously affect the shutter’s mechanical components:

• Snow and Ice: Cold weather can freeze moving parts or cause them to seize entirely, preventing the shutter from operating when needed.

• Rain and Moisture: Continuous exposure to rain can corrode metal parts, damage motors, and affect electrical systems. Even small amounts of water can cause issues to the shutter's fusible link system.

Debris and Obstructions

Outdoor shutters are exposed to environmental debris and wildlife. Common obstructions include:

• Leaves and twigs

• Dust and sand

• Insects

• Windblown debris

• Birds or small animals attempting to nest

Even small amounts of debris can slow a shutter’s descent, prevent it from closing fully, or interfere with the fusible link system. In some cases, nests or accumulated debris can block tracks entirely, leading to system failure precisely when it is needed most.

By contrast, interior installed fire shutters are sheltered from these risks. Protected environments reduce the likelihood of obstructions, corrosion, and premature wear, ensuring reliable performance when emergencies occur.

2. How Exterior Installations Can Affect Compliance with Safety Standards

Fire shutters are subject to strict regulations under standards such as NFPA 80. These rules are designed to ensure that shutters function correctly under emergency conditions and maintain life-safety compliance.

Key requirements include:

• Unobstructed Operation: Shutters must be able to close fully without interference.

• Weather Protection: Systems should not be compromised by exposure to rain, ice, or debris.

• Reliable Emergency Operation: Shutters must function during emergency situations.

  
  

Exterior installations often make it difficult to meet these standards. AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) may reject outdoor shutters if they do not meet these fire safety standards. Non-compliance can result in:

• Failed inspections

• Increased liability for building owners

• Mandatory removal and reinstallation

By planning the installation correctly from the start, you can avoid costly compliance issues, ensure your system meets all fire codes, and guarantee reliable protection for occupants and property.

3. Outdoor Fire Shutters Increase Installation & Maintenance Costs

Fire shutters are an investment, and like any high-performance system, they require regular maintenance. Outdoor installations amplify maintenance needs, leading to higher long-term costs:

• Higher Installation Cost: If the shutters are required to be installed on openings 2-6 storeys high, the cost for the machinery will make the project alot more costly.

• More Frequent Service Calls: Environmental exposure increases wear, meaning the shutter will need inspection and repair more often.

• Component Replacements: Motors, fusible link systems, and components degrade faster when exposed to weather, increasing replacement frequency.

• Shortened System Lifespan: Constant exposure to sun, wind, and moisture reduces the life expectancy of the system.

• Weather-Related Repairs: Freezing conditions, ice and snow can seize up shutter systems, adding unplanned repair / maintenance costs.

By comparison, interior systems are shielded from these factors. They require significantly less maintenance, operate smoothly for longer, and can save thousands of dollars over the life of the system.

Compliance and Reliability is Key

A safe, compliant fire shutter should always be installed with long-term reliability and emergency performance in mind.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Our technicians can ensure your system remains fully compliant with NFPA standards and local codes. Routine inspections & annual drop tests detect potential issues before they compromise operation.

Building-Specific Selection

Every building is different, from layout and construction materials to occupancy type and fire safety requirements. Choosing a shutter that suits the building ensures optimal performance.

Why Residential Fire Shutters Are a Smart Alternative

When choosing an exterior option, our residential fire shutters offer advantages that roller shutters cannot match:

• Weather Resistance: Built to withstand & function in rain, ice, or snow.

• Wildlife Protection: Designed to prevent birds, insects, or small animals from obstructing the mechanism.

• Low Maintenance: Engineered for reliability with fewer service interventions required.

• Durability: Longer lifespan and consistent operation, reducing long-term costs.

• Code Compliance: Meets NFPA 80 requirements and local building regulations, minimizing liability.

They provide a practical compromise for situations where exterior placement is necessary, ensuring your fire safety system still performs as intended.

Protect People, Property, and Compliance... From the Inside!

Exterior fire shutters can work in certain situations, but interior installations are typically the most reliable, efficient, and compliant approach. Interior placement shields shutters from environmental challenges, ensures smooth operation, reduces maintenance, and helps preserve building aesthetics.

At Ottawa Fire Safety, we help property owners make informed decisions about fire shutters (whether you’re installing a new system or assessing an existing one). Our team guides you toward the safest, most effective solution, balancing reliability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover the safest way to protect your building—inside and out.