ANSI/DASMA 208 - Standard for Rolling Grilles

A rolling grille is not a solid curtain. It is an open lattice of steel bars or links that coils above a storefront opening. It lets air and light pass through while providing a physical barrier after hours. ANSI/DASMA 208 sets the standard for how these grilles must be built and tested.

What this standard says

ANSI/DASMA 208-2018 establishes minimum requirements for rolling grilles used in commercial applications. A rolling grille differs from a rolling door (ANSI/DASMA 203) in that its curtain is an open-mesh construction rather than a solid or semi-solid curtain.

"This standard sets minimum requirements for the construction, materials, and structural performance of rolling grilles, including bar or link curtain construction, guide systems, coil assemblies, and design load requirements."

Key provisions include:

Curtain construction. Rolling grilles are made from interlocked steel rods or links that form an open lattice. ANSI/DASMA 208 sets minimum rod diameter, link construction, and material specifications. The open construction means wind passes through rather than creating full pressure on the curtain.

Guide systems. Even though grilles are open, they can flex and distort under wind load or lateral force. The guide system must retain the curtain against both inward and outward loads.

Coil assembly. Specifications for barrel diameter, bracket size, and spring counterbalance parallel those in ANSI/DASMA 203 but are adjusted for the lighter weight of open-curtain grilles.

Design loads. The standard provides design load requirements scaled to the opening size and application.

When it applies

Storefront security applications. Rolling grilles are used in shopping centers, airports, and transit stations where a solid door would block visibility into the space. A jewelry store or electronics retailer may use a rolling grille to keep the space visible after hours while still securing it.

Commercial buildings in Denver. Denver's commercial construction often uses rolling grilles at mall storefronts and retail corridors. ANSI/DASMA 208 compliance is the standard reference for specifying and inspecting these products.

Fire code considerations. Rolling grilles are not fire-rated products. An opening in a fire separation wall cannot use a rolling grille. ANSI/DASMA 208 covers non-rated openings only.

Distinguishing grilles from rolling doors. For example, a self-storage facility uses rolling sheet doors (ANSI/DASMA 207) because full curtain enclosure is needed. A storefront security application where the retailer wants visibility and air circulation after hours uses a rolling grille (ANSI/DASMA 208).

What this means for you

Specify ANSI/DASMA 208 compliance in commercial project documents. This sets a minimum standard for the grille construction and gives the building owner documentation for inspections and future maintenance.

Match the product to the application. Rolling grilles provide security but not weather protection. In Denver's climate with wind-driven snow and rain, a grille leaves the interior exposed. In covered or enclosed commercial corridors, this is acceptable. On an exterior storefront facing weather, a solid rolling door may be more appropriate.

Verify the structural design. Rolling grilles are lighter than solid curtains but still must resist design wind loads. For a large opening in an exposed location, confirm the grille's rated design pressure against the Denver requirements (Vult 115 mph, Exposure C).

G Brothers can supply and install rolling grilles for commercial customers in the Denver metro area and provide ANSI/DASMA 208 documentation for the products we install.

Full text and source

ANSI/DASMA 208-2018 is available at https://www.dasma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DASMA-208-2018.pdf.

ANSI/DASMA 208 covers rolling grilles only. Solid rolling doors (interlocking slat construction) are governed by ANSI/DASMA 203. Rolling sheet doors for self-storage are governed by ANSI/DASMA 207. None of these standards apply to fire-rated opening protectives.