Question 1

Do you have independent testing done on your shutters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do. In order to comply with the minimum "Wall Test" configuration generally required by the fire code, we easily passed the radiation and flame tests done by an accredited fire-lab according to ASTM Standards.

Question 2

What sort of color alternatives do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a limited number of standard finish colors: white, beige, ivory, bronze, grey, silver metallic, as shown on our website (ref page product page) but we can customize any color you might choose for an additional price. Some darker colors such as black and dark bronze may increase the price slightly so let us know your preferences.  Please provide us with a color specification from Sherwin Williams at Lowes or Behr Paints at Home Depot to discuss. A paint sample swatch or a paint name and number are most useful.

Question 3

Can I install Inferno shutters myself, and do I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

You can install Inferno shutters yourself, but we rarely recommend it unless you are experienced with mechanical and electrical work. Installations must comply with all local and national fire and electrical codes, and most require a permit - especially because of the electrical connections and egress (escape) window requirements for bedrooms, basements, and habitable attics.

While some simple installations can be straightforward, others involving wiring, safety sensors, and controls are best handled by a qualified contractor. We have trained dealers in many areas whose professional work is guaranteed and fully covered under our warranty.

Important: If a permit is required in your area and you skip it, your Inferno warranty will be voided. We strongly recommend checking with your local building department first.

Question 4

What sort of warranty do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Inferno offers a strong, tiered warranty on our fire-resistant shutters:

Motors: 5-year warranty

Fire-resistant products (shutters, components, etc.): 3-year warranty

In coastal areas, the warranty on the fire-resistant products may be reduced (sometimes to as little as 1 year) depending on exposure to salt spray, ocean mist, or direct wave splash. Heavy salt-air environments are very corrosive, so the warranty is adjusted accordingly to reflect the harsher conditions.

We also incorporate the manufacturer's warranty from our motor and component suppliers (such as FireFree), similar to how Rolla-Shield structures their coverage. Full warranty details, including any regional exceptions, are provided with your quote and in the final warranty documentation.

We recommend discussing your specific location with us so we can clearly outline the exact warranty terms that will apply to your installation.

Question 5

Do I need to maintain my shutters once they are installed?

Accepted Answer

Your safety is our concern. Regular maintenance should include rinsing the shutters with water to remove debris, dust, and buildup in the guiderails and between the hinges of the slat. Debris may impact performance and whether or not your shutters operate smoothly. Poor maintenance habits can compromise your safety. We recommend joining our maintenance program, where we remind you and your installer each year to inspect all working and non-working parts of your shutters to ensure they are functioning properly. We are also developing an Extended Warranty Program to provide first-class service for the life of your shutters. Please see the Maintenance section of this website for more details.

Question 6

How much do shutters cost for an average house?

Accepted Answer

It's hard to provide a reliable estimate based only on the overall size of the house. The actual cost depends on the total square footage of the shutters, how many units are required, and whether you choose manual or motorized controls. Every project is unique.

Question 7

Do other parts of my house need to be fire-proof?

Accepted Answer

There are seven critical parts of a home's building envelope that must be fire-hardened to give it the best chance of withstanding a wildfire:

The roof
The exterior walls
The eave, attic and crawl-space vents
All openings: windows and doors
Patios & Decks
Fences
Soffits and overhangs

These seven areas are the primary ways embers and flames can enter or ignite a home. If even one of them is left unprotected or vulnerable, the entire house can still burn down, regardless of how well the other six are defended.

Question 8

Are your shutters guaranteed to save my house in a fire?

Accepted Answer

No. Inferno shutters are not guaranteed to save your entire home. However, they effectively protect the windows, doors, and openings they cover, but a house can still burn if the roof, siding, or eave vents are not properly fire-hardened. All seven critical areas must be equally well protected.

Our team can help you evaluate your full property and create a complete wildfire defense plan.

Question 9

How tall and wide can you make Inferno shutters?

Accepted Answer

Our maximum width for a single shutter is 24 feet. At that full 24-foot width, the maximum height is approximately 15 feet. We can build taller shutters when the width is narrower (for example, 4-6 feet wide).

Every Inferno shutter is custom-engineered by our team to ensure the motor has adequate lifting capacity and the slats are strong enough for the specific size and wind load requirements.

Question 10

What happens to my shutters if there's a fire and flames reach my house?

Accepted Answer

Our shutters are designed to activate a proprietary coating that expands when exposed to extreme heat, creating an additional protective barrier against heat, flames and embers.

In a direct fire event, parts of the shutters may sustain damage and require replacement. In the unfortunate event that your home is impacted by wildfire, Inferno will offer significantly reduced pricing on replacement to help you recover as quickly and affordably as possible.

We consider protecting your home and family the highest priority - replacing parts is a small sacrifice compared to the potential loss of your entire home.

Question 11

Do I need shutters on ALL my doors and windows?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes, we strongly recommend protecting all windows and doors with Inferno shutters. Wildfires are highly unpredictable. Extreme winds, shifting fire behavior, and intense heat can push embers and flames toward any vulnerable opening. Leaving even a few unprotected windows or doors significantly increases your risk.

We cannot predict Mother Nature, as seen in the devastating fires in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Paradise. Full protection gives your home the best possible chance of survival.

Question 12

How can I expedite getting a shutter pricing quote?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way to receive a preliminary quote is to provide the width × height of each window, door, or opening you want protected.

Here are the easiest options:

Send us a list of measurements for each opening.

Share your home's drawings or window/door schedule.

Pictures of openings and elevation of the house

Once we have the measurements, we can quickly prepare a detailed estimate for you

Question 13

What happens when the power goes out?

Accepted Answer

Inferno motorized shutters offer several reliable options for power outages:

Manual Override Crank (recommended upgrade): Allows you to manually open or close the shutters using a removable crank. This is especially useful for emergency egress from bedrooms.

Solar-Powered Shutters: Fully independent of house power. They include battery storage that can last over a month!

Battery Backup: We can integrate a home battery system (such as Tesla Powerwall) paired with solar for full backup power.

We can also install a mix of motorized and manual shutters in strategic locations to ensure easy operation during extended outages.

Let us know your needs and we'll design the best solution for reliable access and safety.

Question 14

Will Inferno guarantee I will get insurance for my house?

Accepted Answer

No guarantee:  but we can certainly help. We have insurance companies we work with that recommend our shutters for fire, security and safety benefits, all of which will help acquire and reduce that cost of insurance.

FAQ