There are all kinds of stories going around about terrible fires that leave families and homeowners with nothing, but there are also lots of fire stories with happy endings. Like the one about a local North Carolina woman who was saved from a fire by the fire-resistant motorized shutters home.
A fire broke out right outside her home one evening when she was asleep. The flames spread up her outer wall and reached her motorized shutters. Her fire-retardant motorized shutters did not catch fire, but instead began to smolder and melt releasing lots of smoke, which in turn set off her fire detectors, alerting her and her family to the fire. This extra warning time not only allowed them to get out safely, but also gave first responders enough time to save her home.
This first-hand account goes to show that fire resistant motorized shutters can go a long way in protecting you and your home from a fire. You need fire-retardant blinds because even though they won’t prevent a fire from starting, they won’t fan the flames to make the fire worse. You might be thinking, “what are the chances a fire will break out by my window treatments anyway?” Fires actually originate on walls near windows a lot. Malfunctioning electrical sockets, lamps, and other electronics can cause fires, as can candles, incense or other open flames. These flames can quickly catch on draperies or other window treatments, but most likely won’t catch blinds or shutters as fast since they don’t hang down.
Not every kind of motorized shutter is fire retardant, though. When shopping for motorized shutters, be on the lookout for those with a Class A rating from a local fire protection agency. Any lower rating won’t give you the necessary protection from fire. Unfortunately, wood shutters are usually not fire retardant. The same goes for low quality faux wood motorized shutters that are made out of particleboard or other materials, even if they are wrapped in vinyl.
You need motorized shutters that are high quality faux wood. There are lots of high-quality shutter brands that offer options that are made of flame-resistant composites that will smoke and melt as opposed to catch fire when exposed to extreme heat. This tough construction also means that they are resistant to moisture, warping and mold as well.
Even if fire-resistant shutters are engulfed in a flame, they will not burn. Instead, they just smoke and smolder, which in turn will set off smoke alarms and alert first responders and home residents to the danger quickly. These important seconds can mean the difference between safety and danger, a saved home or a destroyed home.
Adding fire resistant motorized shutters to your home is always a good idea. Want more information about motorized shutters? You can’t go wrong with McNeill Palm. We have years of industry experience and are ready to help. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call today.