How to select PVC strip curtain elements? A practical guide

How to select strip curtain elements? A practical guide

PVC foil strip curtains are an extremely practical and versatile solution used in many industries. Their main advantages are energy savings, thermal insulation, protection from dust and noise, protection of rooms from unwanted insects and also the ease of adapting this type of partition to the specific needs of the user. However, choosing the right components for a curtain requires consideration of several key factors. In this article, we will discuss where and when to use strip curtains and how to properly select their components to ensure optimal functionality.

Application of PVC foil strip curtains

PVC foil curtains are widely used in various industries due to their versatility and functionality. In refrigeration and cold storage, it provides an excellent solution for reducing energy losses, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems, while allowing the free flow of goods and people. In industry and warehouses, they act as partitions separating different work zones, protecting against drafts, dust, noise and fumes. In refrigerated transport, their use helps maintain a stable temperature in cargo spaces. In commerce and catering, they protect cold stores and freezing chambers, and in agriculture they are used as protective barriers in livestock buildings. Curtains made of PVC foil also play an important role in fencing off work zones in production halls, ensuring occupational health and safety.

How to select strip curtain elements?

The selection of strip curtain elements depends on several parameters, such as the place of installation, the size of the opening, the type of transport and the intensity of use.

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1. Calculation of the amount of materials

In this section, the most important thing is the assumed method of mounting the curtain: will it be mounted in the light of the opening or overlapping the side walls? Will the strip be mounted above the header? It is also necessary to adjust the overlap of the PVC foil strips to the intensity of traffic and the thermal conditions inside the room.
To calculate the number of PVC strips needed for the curtain, consider:

- The width of the opening: Measure the exact width of the space to be covered by the curtain. Take into account whether the curtain is to fit inside the light of the opening or “overlap” the side surfaces of the walls.

- Height of the opening: The PVC strips should be long enough to reach about 2 cm above the floor to ensure tightness.

- Degree of overlap: The overlap, or partial overlap of the strips, depends on the purpose of the curtain:

- Minimum overlap: on the so-called „one tooth” (about 33%) - in areas with low and moderate traffic.Overlap on the so-called „two teeth” (about 50%) - in freezers, cold stores or heavy traffic.

- Type of slings: depending on the place of use, we have a choice of slings made of cheaper galvanized steel or slightly more expensive but much more durable stainless steel so-called Inox

2. Selection of width and thickness of PVC foil

As a standard, PVC foil for strip curtains comes in various widths and thicknesses to suit specific needs. The selection of strips should take into account the level of exposure to mechanical damage.

Width of strips:

- 200 mm - for curtains used in light applications, such as pedestrian traffic doors and not very high openings (usually up to 2.5m)

- 300 mm - for zones with moderate traffic, such as in warehouse gates, technological partitions in production areas, livestock buildings in agriculture

- 400 mm - for large openings and heavily used areas where there is, such as forklift or truck entrances


Belt thickness:

 - 2 mm - light applications, low loads

- 3 mm - medium intensity of use.

- 4 mm or more - very high partitions with intensive traffic of forklifts or transport vehicles.

3. Type of PVC foil

The type of material affects the properties of curtains made of them, so you need to choose the type appropriate to the conditions of the rooms to be separated:

- Standard PVC foil: For general use at temperatures from -5°C to +50°C.

- Freezer foil (sometimes referred to as “fleece”): Designed for cold and freezer rooms, retains its flexibility even at temperatures as low as -25°C.

- Antistatic: For rooms with special requirements, such as in the electronics industry.

- Colored: e.g. in red shade, for marking passage zones, increasing safety.

4 .Type of slings

The structure on which the PVC belts are mounted affects the durability and strength of the curtain.

- Galvanized steel slings: Economical solution. Used in standard conditions where there is no risk of corrosion.

- Stainless steel slings: Indispensable in environments with higher humidity (e.g., freezers, cold stores). Also recommended in food and pharmaceutical industries where high hygiene standards are required. 

Using the PVC foil calculator

In order to facilitate the process of selecting materials for making a strip curtain, our company at elgracool.pl provides a PVC foil calculator. This tool allows you to calculate on your own the amount of materials needed to create a curtain of flexible strips of PVC foil. After selecting the basic parameters and materials, such as the width and thickness of the strips and the type of slings, you need to specify the dimensions of the partition (measured in millimeters) its height and width. After entering the data, the calculator will present a list of materials to be ordered.

Summary

The selection of appropriate strip curtain components requires consideration of the specifics of the application site: thermal conditions in the environment, traffic volume and type of transport. Key aspects are the width and thickness of the PVC foil, the method of installation and the design of the slings.

With the right choice of materials and components, strip curtains provide an effective thermal and protective barrier, while ensuring convenience of use and durability. Properly selected components will be able to be used for a long time without any decrease in usefulness for their primary functions In our offer on elgracool.pl you will find a wide range of PVC foils and accessories that will allow you to create a perfectly matched curtain for any application. Check out our assortment and contact us if you need help selecting the right elements!