Pricing
A job site inspection is generally done before costing fire shutters. Prices start at approximately $2,500 and goes up to several thousand. Because every order must be custom-made, the cost is determined by several variables:
Opening Size – determines amount of materials needed.
Location – Whether the window in located on the ground floor or upper floors and whether installation can be completed from the interior or exterior of the building affects what type of equipment may be needed to install, i.e. scaffolding, articulated truck or scissor lift.
Motorized or Manual – mode of operation factors into cost.
Mounting Surface (i.e. brick, stucco, vinyl, wood) is taken into account to provide the correct fire resistance protection.
Residential or Commercial – buildings may be subject to different requirements.
Fire Resistance Required – in some cases where there is access to a fire escape, a permit may be obtained with a 20-minute rather than a 40-minute resistant shutter – *note this only applies to windows under 60” in width.
Structural Support – Because materials used to make fire shutters weigh 10 pounds per square foot, structural reinforcement may be needed to accommodate the weight.
Inside or Outside Opening Windows – An outside opening window requires installation of a 5-inch stopper to ensure the fire shutter is not obstructed in the event it is activated. For this reason, it is highly recommended to use slide opening or inside opening windows for a new build so that full use of the window is not limited after fire shutters are installed.