Fire Curtains
Advanced Flexible Fire Compartmentation
Flexible Fire Compartmentation with High-Performance
Fire Curtains
At Meritas, we recognise that modern architectural designs often favour open-plan spaces, such as expansive atriums, shopping centres, and transport hubs.
However, as a result, these aesthetic choices frequently conflict with traditional fire safety requirements for solid compartmentation. Consequently, architects and building managers are often faced with the challenge of balancing visual openness with stringent regulatory compliance.
In such cases, this is precisely where a fire curtain becomes an indispensable asset to your building’s life-safety strategy, as it allows you to maintain design integrity while simultaneously enhancing fire protection measures.
What is a Fire Curtain?
A fire curtain is a highly engineered, flexible barrier stored discreetly within a headbox at ceiling level. In essence, it is designed to integrate seamlessly into contemporary architecture.
Unlike permanent walls, these systems remain invisible during day-to-day operations; therefore, the architectural integrity and visual openness of a space are fully preserved. Moreover, because the system is concealed until required, it supports both aesthetic ambition and practical compliance.
However, the moment a fire alarm is triggered, the system deploys automatically. At that point, using a gravity fail-safe mechanism, the fire curtain descends smoothly to the floor. As a result, a robust physical barrier is formed, effectively restricting the spread of fire and heat. In doing so, it compartmentalises large areas within seconds.
Consequently, this enables the creation of “virtual walls” that protect escape routes, lift shafts, and lobbies without the need for bulky masonry. Ultimately, building designers can achieve both regulatory performance and architectural freedom without compromise.
The Engineering Behind the Barrier
The reliability of a fire curtain depends entirely on its mechanical and material integrity.
At Meritas, we ensure that every system we install is tested to the rigorous standards of BS 8524 Parts 1 and 2.
- Thermal Resilience: The fabric is typically a glass-fibre weave, often reinforced with stainless steel wire and coated with a fire-retardant polymer.
- Automatic Deployment: Systems are integrated into the building’s fire alarm logic but also feature independent battery backups.
- Controlled Descent: To prevent injury to occupants during evacuation, the curtains descend at a controlled speed, ensuring a safe yet rapid seal of the compartment.
Fire Curtains vs. Smoke Curtains
It is vital to distinguish between these two technologies, as fundamentally they serve distinct yet complementary roles within a building’s fire strategy. Indeed, without this clarity, specifications can easily become confused.
A smoke curtain acts as a baffle, descending partially to channel toxic gases toward designated extraction points. In other words, it is primarily designed to control and direct smoke movement rather than to stop fire itself.
By comparison, a fire curtain creates a complete barrier against flames. Whereas smoke curtains manage airflow and limit smoke spread, fire curtains protect the structural integrity of the fire compartment itself. Accordingly, each system performs a specific function within a coordinated safety plan, and therefore, selecting the correct solution depends entirely on the performance objective required.
Compliance and the Building Safety Act
Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, scrutiny of the “industry competence” of those installing and maintaining these systems has intensified significantly. As a result, organisations must now demonstrate higher standards of accountability and technical expertise. Because a fire curtain operates as a complex active-fire device, it demands meticulous oversight, proactive management, and consistent professional attention.
Furthermore, in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” must actively ensure that these systems remain fully functional and compliant at all times. Therefore, duty holders cannot afford to take a passive approach. Instead, they must implement structured inspection and maintenance regimes. At Meritas, we deliver the expert maintenance required by BS 8524-2, which specifically includes:
- Bi-annual inspections to check for fabric tears or obstructions.
- Testing of the motor and backup power to ensure deployment during a total power failure.
- Verification of the signal link between the fire alarm and the curtain’s control panel.
Why Choose Meritas for Your Fire Strategy?
Ultimately, a fire curtain is only as effective as its last service. We believe in the principle of “permanence”, ensuring that your safety measures remain functional for the building’s entire lifespan. Whether you are managing a high-rise office or a complex retail environment, we provide the technical expertise to ensure your first line of defence is always ready.
By integrating sophisticated airflow logic with high-performance barriers, we help you navigate the UK’s challenging regulatory landscape while keeping your inhabitants safe.