What are PVC strip curtains?

PVC strip curtains, also known as strip doors or strip curtains, are designed to cover doorways and other openings while allowing entry and exit. They are constructed using overlapping clear PVC strips that are hung vertically from a track system installed above the opening.

PVC strip curtains provide an economical way to control environments, temperature, noise, dust and airflow between adjacent spaces while still permitting passage (see Arrowstrip PVC strip curtains for a recommended supplier). They are a common sight in warehouses, retail stores, food processing #plants, cleanrooms and many other commercial and industrial settings.

How do PVC strip curtains work?

PVC strip curtains work using overlapping clear vinyl strips that part and re-seal each time someone passes through. The strips are made from flexible PVC plastic and are usually 8 inches (200mm) wide.

The strips hang down vertically from an overhead suspension made of plastic, steel or stainless steel. The suspension includes an oval-shaped hook at the top to attach each vinyl strip. Hook spacing across the header is typically 6 inches (150mm) apart.

The strips are installed overlapping each other by around 25%. As someone walks through, the strips briefly open then immediately fall back into place. This maintains effective separation while allowing entry and exit.

Doors can be created in any custom width for different sized openings. Walk-throughs for equipment can also be made by joining suspended headers side-by-side. Almost any practical length is possible.

What are the benefits of PVC strip curtains?

PVC strip curtains provide the following advantages:

• Quick and easy access – Allows frequent entry and exit without having to open and close doors manually. Just walk through the strips.
• Visibility – The clear vinyl strips maintain visibility in both directions for safety.
• Airflow control – Overlapping strips slow down airflow. This helps maintain different temperature zones and reduces infiltration of dust, humidity, fumes, noise, etc.
• Separation – Effective for separating environments like hot and cold rooms, clean and dirty areas, machine noise, etc. while allowing transition between them.
• Increased comfort – minimises cold drafts that occur from large frequent doorway openings.
• Low cost – Relatively inexpensive to install compared to rigid doors and partitions. Quick and easy to maintain or replace strips if necessary.
• Durability – Heavy-duty vinyl strips stand up well to constant traffic and abrasion. Much more durable than thin plastic sheeting.
• Reusability – Vinyl strips can be reused again in other openings if a doorway is no longer needed or refurbished. Fully recyclable at end of life.

PVC strip curtains check the right boxes of effectiveness, ease of use, durability and affordability.

Where are PVC strip curtains commonly used?

PVC strip curtains have a diverse range of uses across many commercial and industrial sectors:

• Warehouses – Frequent forklift and personnel doorways where maintaining temperature zones and dust control is beneficial.
• Manufacturing – Separating machining areas from assembly or office areas to contain noise and lubricants. Also commonly used with ovens and autoclaves.
• Food processing – Hung on coolers, freezers, packing areas to maintain proper temperatures and humidity. Prevent cross-contamination between rooms.
• Retail stores – Rear doorways leading to warehouses and loading bays to deter dust entering sales floors and control energy costs.
• Hospitals – Isolation areas, sterile rooms, kitchens and other zones where maintaining separated environments is important.
• Cleanrooms – Low particulate slurry filled PVC strips help maintain air purity levels in controlled environments.
• Automotive – Spray booths, wash tunnels, body shops to contain overspray and noise while allowing vehicle access.
• Commercial kitchens – Cold storage areas, freezer entryways and cooking areas to control temperatures and prevent vermin entry.

PVC strip curtains adapt to almost any doorway temperature control, contamination control or particulate control application.

What materials are used to make the strips?

The strips used in PVC strip curtains are made from flexible polyvinyl chloride plastic with the following typical properties:

• Thickness – Usually 0.5mm, 0.8mm or 1.0mm. Thicker strips are more durable. May use double thickness strips for very heavy duty usage.
• Width – Most common widths are 6 inch (150mm) or 8 inch (200mm) wide strips. Different widths optimise different opening sizes.
• Colour – Clear or transparent is by far the most common to maintain visibility. Some applications use grey, opaque or coloured strips where visibility is unimportant.
• Temperature range – Effective from -20°C to +70°C. Specialized reinforced strips with wire inserts allow use down to -40°C in ultra cold freezer openings.
• Chemical Resistance – Unplasticized PVC has good chemical resistance. Welding curtains use specialised strips resistant to oils, solvents and lubricants.
• Fire resistance – Standard grades burn slowly but are not fireproof. Fire retardant, self-extinguishing and welding-safe options are available.
• Anti Static – Anti static strips are used where static charge buildup could be hazardous, like coating booths.
• Anti-microbial – Embedded biocides create self-sanitising strips suitable for food processing and pharmaceuticals. Prevents surface bacteria growth.

Many variations of PVC strip properties are offered for specific applications where needed.

What strip overlaps should be used?

Choosing the right amount of overlap between strips helps optimise performance for the situation:

• 25% overlap – This is the most common overlap used for general purposes. Provides good sealing while retaining flexibility for easy entry and exit. Good visibility maintained.
• 50% overlap – Improves sealing performance for better temperature and humidity control. Somewhat more resistance passing through but remains flexible.
• 100% overlap / Welding strips – Total overlap like vertical blinds virtually eliminates air exchange. Significantly impedes passage. Used for welding bays and extreme cold rooms. Mostly opaque.
• 0% overlap – Eliminates sealing benefit but allows completely unimpeded access. Only useful for dust control where tight temperature and humidity control is unimportant.
• Insect control – ~50% overlap plus weighted bottoms helps prevent flying insect entry while still allowing people and vehicles to pass through.

Overlaps can be mixed across a doorway with more overlap at areas like the sides and less down the main passageway. This balances sealing against ease of access.

What mounting options are available?

PVC strip curtains are suspended above the opening using overhead tracks attached to the header:

• Aluminium track – Most economical option. Lightweight with good corrosion resistance. Available as plain, anodized or powder coated.
• Steel track – Used for food processing areas where cleanliness is paramount. Can be galvanised or stainless steel. Easy to sanitise.
• Quick mounting system – Proprietary extruded plastic track instals without tools for temporary or rental curtains. Easy repositioning. Reusable.
• Ceiling suspension – Strips can be suspended directly from ceiling anchors, hooks or rods if no solid header exists across the top of the opening.
• Existing header – Strips can attach using S-hooks directly to an existing solid door header if compatible and level.
• Wall jamb mounting – Side strips can be screwed or bolted directly to door jambs if not spanning a wide opening.

For wide spans, factory-punched overhead tracks offer the most robust support to keep strips hanging straight and prevent sagging in the middle. Ceiling supports are best for narrow openings.

How long do PVC strip curtains last?

With proper maintenance and avoiding physical damage, useful lifespan depends primarily on strip thickness and frequency of traffic:

• 0.5mm thick curtains – 1-2 years for heavy traffic, 2-4 years for moderate traffic
• 0.8mm thick curtains – 2-4 years for heavy traffic, 4-6 years for moderate traffic
• 1.0mm thick curtains – 3-5 years for heavy traffic, 5-8 years for moderate traffic

Heavier 1.0mm and 1.2mm strips will last 5 years or more even with constant forklift traffic. In low traffic openings with only occasional access, lifespans of 10+ years are achievable.

Gradual attrition occurs over time from strips being pushed aside thousands of times daily. Abrasion causes the strip edges to progressively get thinner and more transparent until performance becomes too compromised.

How should PVC strips be maintained and cleaned?

Simple maintenance helps maximise usable lifespan:

• Inspect strips occasionally for damage and replace any torn strips immediately to prevent air gaps forming.
• Use twist-lock strips or zip ties to join any strips that separate at the seams and prevent flapping.
• Wipe strips periodically with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove debris, dust and grime buildup. Avoid harsh solvents.
• For food facilities, sanitising wipes or food-grade cleaning sprays can be used to maintain hygienic strip surfaces.
• Ensure bottom strip weights or edges remain secured in place for proper overlap and sealing.
• Confirm all wall and ceiling mounting hardware remains tight. Tighten any loose screws or hooks.
• Adjust or retighten overhead tracks if sagging occurs. Use stiffeners if spans exceed around 3 metres.

Keeping strips clean and orderly maximises effective seal. Promptly replacing damaged strips maintains integrity.

What options are available for strip curtains?

Various options tailor PVC strip curtains to different needs:

• Reinforced strips – Have a polyester scrim cloth layer for durability with heavy traffic locations. Lasts significantly longer than standard strips.
• Anti-static strips – Dissipate static charge buildup that could ignite flammable vapours. Used for welding bays and powder coating areas.
• Opaque strips – Limit visibility when privacy is desired. Available in colours like grey, beige, black, green, etc.
• Bottom weights – For high stacks, external weights on bottom strips resist airflow pressures and prevent billowing strips. Improves sealing.
• Hook-and-loop strip connections – Join adjacent strips with hook tape along edges for easier walk-through. Maintains more even overlap.
• Full seals – Solid fillers that fully close off dead doorways where access is no longer needed. Uses same PVC strips for uniform appearance.
• Trim-to-fit kits – Contains extra strips and hardware to create custom sized openings onsite without factory fabrication. More economical for small or complex doors.

Many other special variations are possible. Speak to suppliers about options for challenging environment control situations.

What safety factors should be considered?

Some key considerations for safe use of PVC strip curtains:

• Flammability – Standard vinyl strips will burn if exposed to flames. Use fire-retardant strips in welding and hot work areas.
• Overlapping strips – Maintain overlaps since gaps between strips could allow tripping or injuries. Repair gaps immediately.
• Bottom strip weighting – Prevent unweighted bottoms from flapping in airflow currents and striking users.
• Chemical compatibility – Ensure strips are resistant to chemicals used in area. Consult manufacturer chemical resistance charts.
• Static electricity – Control static buildup with antistatic strips in volatile environments like powder coating booths.
• High temperature – Use maximum temperature rated strips near heat sources. Prevent accidental melting.
• Vision – Solid opaque strips restrict visibility on both sides. Avoid public access areas.
• Flammable environments – Non fire-rated strips could ignite explosive vapours if used improperly near ignition sources.
• Sanitary design – Use cleanable strips and smooth hardware without crevices. Important for food plants.

When in doubt, consult the manufacturer for guidance on proper selection and safe usage. Proper strip curtains control environments without introducing new hazards.

Conclusion

With low cost, ease of installation and effective performance, PVC strip door curtains provide an accessible and efficient solution for environmental separation and control. Overlapping vinyl strips permit frequent entry while restricting air exchange between zones. Flexible strips move easily when passed through and quickly re-seal. 

Tight temperature, dust, humidity and noise control can be maintained without physically closing doorways or fully segregating spaces. Customisable mounting systems and strip materials adapt to many commercial, industrial and institutional applications. Following simple maintenance practices optimises the lifespan of the curtains. PVC strip curtains deliver practical, affordable environmental control.