Steel fire shutters and inorganic fabric fire shutters both need maintenance, but the nature of that maintenance is different. Here's the comparison.
Steel Fire Shutters
Weight is the main issue. Everything is heavy. The curtain, the shaft, the motor. When something goes wrong, the repair is physically harder. Replacing a section of steel slats requires lifting and handling. Adjusting the shaft alignment on a heavy steel door is a two-person job.
Steel rusts. In humid environments, you're fighting a constant battle. The curtain, guide rails, housing, and fasteners all need rust inspection and treatment. Paint touch-up is a regular maintenance item.
Track wear. Steel slats rubbing against steel guide rails causes wear over time. The rail surfaces need periodic cleaning and lubrication. Eventually, the rails may need replacement.
Steel fire shutters are durable if maintained. A well-maintained steel shutter in a dry environment can last 20 years or more. But neglect it in a humid environment and it deteriorates, fast.
Inorganic Fabric Fire Shutters
The curtain is much lighter. One person can handle a fabric curtain section that would require two or three people for steel. Maintenance is physically easier.
No rust. The fabric materials, stainless steel clamping plates, and galvanized hardware resist corrosion. This is a big advantage in coastal and humid areas.
Fabric degradation. Sunlight degrades the outer fabric over time if exposed. Most fabric shutters are inside and this isn't an issue. But if UV exposure is a concern, the outer fabric layer may need replacement after 5 to 10 years. The inner fire-resistant layers are protected.
Less mechanical stress. Because the curtain is lighter, the motor, shaft, and bearings are under less load. They last longer. Fewer mechanical failures overall.
Stitching inspection. The curtain layers are sewn together with high-temperature thread. Inspect the stitching periodically. Loose threads or seam separation must be addressed. It's a visual inspection, no tools needed.
Control System
Both types use similar control boxes, motors (scaled to the load), and fire alarm interfaces. The control system maintenance is the same for both.
Summary
Inorganic fabric shutters are generally easier to maintain. Less weight, no rust, fewer mechanical issues. The main maintenance item is visual inspection of the fabric and stitching. Steel shutters need more active upkeep, especially rust prevention and track maintenance. If you're in a coastal or humid area and the shutter is not operated frequently, fabric has a clear maintenance advantage.
Both types need the same monthly operational test and annual professional inspection. Neither is maintenance-free. But fabric gives you fewer things to worry about between inspections.