What You Need to Know About Draft Curtains For Doors

Draft curtains for doors are a type of smoke control system that channels and compartmentalizes smoke to prevent it from spreading to other areas. They can be made from fire-resistant fiberglass woven textiles, glass (smoke baffles), or metal panels.

They can be fixed or automatically deployable and adapt to a building in many ways that less flexible materials cannot. They’re also lightweight compared to alternative materials.

What are they?

Draft curtains are an effective way to control airflow and temperatures in buildings with high ceilings. They can help reduce energy costs by restricting drafts that would otherwise bring in cold or hot air. They also help contain airflow from rushing into spaces unsuitable for it.

The most common type of draft curtains for doors is a fixed fabric system designed to adjust to different ceiling heights and drop lengths, making them extremely versatile. 

Another type of draft curtain is a smoke baffle that is typically used to prevent smoke from spreading up stairways in large buildings. These systems are commonly installed around stairways used for exit access in the event of an evacuation.

These smoke barriers are noncombustible and can be constructed from a wide range of materials, depending on the project size and budget. The more popular options include a metal sheet draft curtain and glass smoke baffles.

A draft curtain also helps to prevent smoke from escaping up elevator shafts in a structure’s upper floors. It can help save lives and prevent structural damage in a fire.

Where are they used?

Draft curtains are used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, airplane hangars, and many other buildings to help control and reduce the smoke that rises to the ceiling. They can be manufactured from various materials, including flame-retardant fiberglass woven textiles or glass (commonly called smoke baffles).

If you are planning on building a new or renovating an existing warehouse, consider installing draft curtains to save on your heating and cooling bills. Depending on your needs, they can be hung on the rafters in several ways.

Regarding smoke control, NFPA 204 and NFPA 13 recommend that draft curtains be used in conjunction with closely spaced sprinklers to direct water flow in specific building conditions. They also require minimum smoke compartment areas to prevent smoke from spreading.

How do they work?

Draft curtains for doors are a fire and smoke control solution designed to slow the migration of smoke from an area of a structure. They can be used in large buildings and are designed to channel smoke toward ventilation systems. They also help compartmentalize smoke and prevent it from spreading to areas of the building that do not require sprinklers.

They can be fabricated from fire-resistant fiberglass woven textiles, glass (commonly called smoke baffles), or sheet metal panels. They can be permanently installed or deployed when a fire is detected.

These types of curtains are typically installed in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and aircraft hangars to provide a means of slowing the migration of smoke and limiting the spread of fire. 

They are commonly paired with other fire and smoke control tools, such as natural or mechanical smoke vents, exhaust fans, and sprinklers, to maximize their effectiveness in containing the spread of smoke and fire.

What are the benefits?

Draft curtains are a simple yet effective way to control airflow in a space. They can be installed on windows or doors to manage airflow, helping to keep you more comfortable by reducing heating and cooling bills.

They can also help reduce your home’s energy consumption, especially in the winter, as they can be closed when it is cold to reduce heat loss from a room. They can be hung to block the airflow around a window or door and can be made with various fabric types, weaves, and patterns to suit your taste.

In addition to insulating your windows, they can also cut down on the heat that comes in through your windows in summer. The linings and fabrics of thermal curtains are designed to help reduce heat loss, making your rooms feel warmer.

Besides being an easy-to-install solution, draft curtains are also very cost-effective. They do not require a building permit or an installation contractor, can be removed quickly after production ramps up, and can be stored for future use.

When a fire occurs, draft curtains can funnel smoke away from the ceiling jet and out of the building through roof exhausts. It helps to prevent the spread of smoke and reduces damage to the contents of a warehouse.

These curtains can also be installed in manufacturing plants and warehouses to control smoke from flammable products. They work well with other smoke control systems and can be installed in environments where sprinklers are not required.

They can be easily installed in any warehouse, manufacturing plant, or aircraft hangar to control airflow and reduce the risk of fires. These curtains are also affordable and can be installed in only a few days. They are very durable and will meet or exceed your building codes.