5 Examples of Automatic Fire and Smoke Curtains

Smoke and fire curtains are a useful and sometimes critical tool at helping to contain smoke and fire in a building. Automatic curtains can be deployed quickly to help block stairwells, ceilings, doors and atriums in the event of a fire. When not in use, they are tucked discreetly out of sight. This makes them different from static curtains, which remain fixed in place at all times.

Automatic curtains can come in several different shapes and configurations. This means that they can be used in several areas where it’s critical to help stop the spread of smoke and fire. Their use can help give people time to exit a building, while protecting items, materials and the building itself, from further damage.

1. Covers for Large Doorways and Stairwells

Smoke and flame can enter through openings of any size. Larger doorways can often be difficult to block off with traditional fire doors, which can leave them vulnerable. This is a particular problem when stairways are open, as the smoke can travel easily between floors, making it difficult for occupants to use the stairs to exit.

The M2500 Fire and Smoke Curtain from Smoke Guard is a flexible covering that comes in multiple sizes. It can easily be used to cover wide or differently shaped doorways, helping to keep the area clear of smoke and flame. When not in use, the curtain can be discreetly hidden at the header above the doorways.

2. Curtains for Ceiling Openings

Some large stores and atriums often have openings between levels. Customers on the upper floors can walk around the perimeter of the opening and view the level below.

A fire on the ground floor of this type of building could mean that the upper floors are quickly filled with smoke, which can travel straight up through the open ceiling, if unimpeded.

Smoke curtains that deploy horizontally to cover these types of openings can be invaluable. They help seal up the large area, meaning that it can no longer act as a chimney, allowing the smoke to funnel through. Discreet tracks and the rolled curtain are out of view until it’s needed.

3. Coverings for Windows

For buildings that are located closely beside one another, steps need to be taken to help ensure that smoke and flame from one building don’t impact or spread to the one beside it. Fire shutters can sometimes be used in this way to help minimize the spread.

However, an automatic smoke and fire curtain can also do the job in an easier and more discreet fashion.

Hung at the header of the window, just inside the building, the curtains can deploy at the first hint of smoke and flame, in order to effectively stop the spread of smoke and fire to buildings nearby.

4. Perimeter Curtains

Horizontal curtains are one way to deal with open ceilings in some atriums, but others may be too large for this to be a good option. For much larger open spaces, a perimeter curtain may be the right answer.

Perimeter curtains are installed at the ceiling above the railing on the second floor of atriums and other open buildings. When deployed, they come down evenly around the entire perimeter opening. This seals off the upper story and allows occupants the time they need to safely get to an exit. It can also help ensure that there is less damage done to the upper floors from smoke traveling up from below.

5. Elevator Curtains

Elevators can be a serious issue if they aren’t properly sealed or covered in the event of a fire. These long passages can allow smoke to creep into every floor of the building, regardless of where the fire started. Smoke can find its way into the smallest of cracks, so even when the elevator doors are shut, it’s possible for smoke to travel the entire length of the shaft.

By having smoke curtains installed over the elevators, these areas can remain clear and free of smoke. The curtains sit discreetly just above the elevator doors until needed. The curtains then unroll and effectively cover the openings so that no smoke can get through.

Get Better Smoke and Fire Protection

There are many smoke and fire mitigation systems available, and many of them can work better with the addition of smoke and fire curtains. By ensuring that crucial openings in and around the building can be sealed, you help minimize damage and potential loss of life. Consider automatic smoke and fire curtains for your building to enhance your protection.

Contact the smoke and fire containment specialists at Smoke Guard today to upgrade your building and better protect occupants.