Last week our team installed fire-rated window shutters on a new build home in Toronto. The house sits close to the neighbouring property, so several windows on its side wall needed protection against fire spreading between homes. Here is how the project went, what we installed and what builders and homeowners should know before planning fire shutters.

New build home in Toronto where TBC Garage Doors installed fire-rated window shutters
The new build home in Toronto. Its side-wall windows sit close to the neighbouring property.

Project at a glance

  • Property: new build single-family home in Toronto
  • Work: supply and installation of fire-rated rolling shutters on side-wall windows
  • Windows: basement-level windows and an upper-floor window facing the property line
  • Installed by: the TBC Garage Doors team
  • Result: each shutter installed, tested and ready for inspection

Why this new build needed window fire shutters

In Toronto infill neighbourhoods, new homes are often built only a short distance from the property line. When a wall is that close to the next house, the Ontario Building Code limits how much of it can be unprotected windows. This is called spatial separation.

Fire-rated shutters are one way designers protect those openings so the windows can stay in the plan. The designer or engineer decides which openings need protection. Our job is to supply and install rated shutters that match that spec.

Window fire shutters on the upper and basement windows of a new construction home in Toronto
Fire shutters on an upper window and two basement windows on the side wall.

What we installed

Each window got a fire-rated rolling shutter: a curtain of steel slats stored in a compact box above the window, running in steel side guides. In normal use the shutter stays rolled up and out of sight, so the windows look and work like regular windows. If a fire happens, the shutter closes on its own to seal the opening.

Every shutter carries a fire-rating label on the bottom bar, which inspectors look for when they sign off the home.

Close-up of a fire-rated window shutter installed by TBC Garage Doors in Toronto
Close-up of a finished fire-rated window shutter.
The fire-rating label on one of the installed shutters.

How the installation went

  1. Site check: we confirmed each window opening, the wall build-up and the shutter sizes against the drawings.
  2. Mounting: we fixed the housing boxes above each window and set the side guides plumb and square to the opening.
  3. Curtain and hardware: we fitted the steel curtains, bottom bars and release hardware.
  4. Testing: we tested every shutter so it closes smoothly and fully, then cleaned up the site.
Fire-rated rolling shutter installed on a basement window of a Toronto new build
A basement window shutter with the housing box above and steel side guides.

Tips for builders and homeowners

  • Plan early. Fire shutters are easier to install when the wall finish is planned around the housing box above each window.
  • Follow the drawings. Your designer or engineer decides which openings need protection and what rating is required.
  • Keep the guides clear. Don’t block the side guides or the path of the curtain with trim, bars or planters.
  • Keep the labels. Leave the fire-rating labels in place for the inspector.
  • Book a yearly check. Like any rolling door, shutters should be checked so they keep closing properly.
Two window fire shutters on the side wall of a new build home in Toronto
Two shutters on the side wall, ready for inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Do window fire shutters block the view or light?

No. In normal use the shutter is rolled up inside the box above the window, so the window looks and works as usual.

Who decides if my new home needs fire shutters?

Your designer, engineer or the building department, based on how close the wall is to the property line and how many windows it has. If your plans call for protected openings, we can supply and install the shutters.

Do you install fire shutters outside Toronto?

Yes. We install fire shutters for homes and businesses across Toronto and the GTA, including Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Markham and Oakville.

Planning a new build that needs fire shutters?

Send us your drawings or call 647-929-8224. We work with homeowners, custom home builders and general contractors across the GTA. See our fire shutter installation service for more details.