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PVC Strip Curtains FAQs — Measuring, Installation & Grades Guide
PVC Strip Curtains — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, measuring, installing and maintaining PVC strip curtains from PVC Strip Curtains UK.
Measuring & Sizing
How do I measure for PVC strip curtains?
Measure the clear opening width (inside the door frame, not including the frame itself) and the drop height from where the underside of your rail will sit down to the floor. Add 100-150mm to the drop height for the floor overlap. For detailed instructions with illustrations, see our PVC strip curtain measuring guide.
What strip width should I choose?
100mm — light pedestrian, corridors. 200mm — standard pedestrian and light goods (most common). 300mm — heavy pedestrian traffic, pallet trucks, light forklift, cold rooms. 400mm — heavy forklift and vehicle access, loading bays.
How much overlap do PVC strips need?
For standard pedestrian applications, use 30-33% overlap. For cold rooms, loading bays and heavy-use applications, use 50% overlap. Total strip coverage ordered should equal the opening width multiplied by 1.33 (33% overlap) or 1.5 (50% overlap).
How do I calculate the number of strips I need?
Divide your opening width by approximately 67-75% of the strip width (the pitch at 33% overlap). For a 2000mm opening with 200mm strips: 2000 ÷ 134 ≈ 15 strips. Our product pages calculate this automatically.
Ordering
Can you cut strips to custom lengths?
Yes — all strips are cut to your specified drop length. No surcharge for custom lengths. Strips from 300mm to 5000mm long can be supplied.
Can I order individual replacement strips?
Yes. We sell strips individually as well as in full kit sets. Specify the strip width, thickness, grade and drop length. See our Hook-On Replacement Strips collection.
Do you supply PVC strip by the metre?
Yes — our PVC by the metre service allows you to order exactly the length you need from stock rolls, in any of our standard grades and widths. Minimum order 1 metre per strip width/grade.
What grades of PVC strip do you supply?
Clear standard, ribbed, polar/freezer grade (-30°C rated), anti-static/ESD, anti-insect, food grade, flame retardant, welding grade (amber/blue/green, ISO25980 certified), frosted/privacy, and coloured (yellow, red, blue, green, orange). See our PVC grades guide for full details.
Delivery
Do you offer free delivery?
Yes — free delivery on all orders to mainland UK. No minimum order value. Highlands, Islands and Northern Ireland may be subject to a delivery surcharge — contact us for a quote if you're in these areas.
How quickly will my order arrive?
Standard clear PVC kits and most common grades are despatched the same or next working day. Made-to-measure strips cut to custom lengths are typically despatched within 1-2 working days. Delivery to mainland UK is typically 1-2 days after despatch.
Can I get next-day delivery?
Next-day delivery is available on most in-stock items if ordered before 1pm. Please contact us to confirm next-day availability for your specific items before ordering if this is critical.
Installation
Can I install PVC strip curtains myself?
Yes — all our strip curtain kits are designed for DIY installation and include full instructions. Standard hook-on rail systems can be installed by one person in 30-60 minutes. Our QuickMount system installs without drilling in under 15 minutes. See our full DIY installation guide.
What types of rail system are available?
Hook-on — most versatile; strips individually removable. Swivel hinge — self-returning strips for higher traffic. Twin track — double-layer system for maximum thermal performance. QuickMount — no-drill rapid installation.
Can PVC strip curtains be fitted to a roller shutter door?
Yes — PVC strip curtains are commonly fitted inside roller shutter door openings. The rail is mounted to the wall or lintel above the opening, inside the roller shutter box. The strips provide thermal separation during loading operations when the roller shutter is raised.
Maintenance & Replacement
How long do PVC strip curtains last?
Light pedestrian indoor use: 4-6 years. Heavy forklift access: 1-2 years. Cold room (polar grade): 2-4 years. Outdoor UV-exposed: 1-3 years. Food facility with frequent cleaning: 1-2 years. See our detailed PVC strip curtain lifespan guide.
When should I replace PVC strip curtain strips?
Replace strips when you notice: cracks or tears (especially at the top near hooks), significant yellowing or discolouration, strips that no longer hang straight or return to vertical, or any visible holes or missing sections. In food facilities, replace cracked or heavily discoloured strips immediately.
How do I clean PVC strip curtains?
Wipe with a soft cloth and mild detergent solution. For food facilities, use a food-safe sanitiser compatible with PVC. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, concentrated strong acids or alkalis, and acetone-based cleaners. Hook-on strips can be unhooked and cleaned in a sink for thorough cleaning.
Specialist Applications
Are your PVC strip curtains food grade?
Yes — our food grade PVC strips comply with EU Regulation 1935/2004 on food contact materials. They are non-toxic, non-tainting and free from restricted phthalate plasticisers. Material specification documentation is available on request for HACCP and BRC audit files.
Do you supply ISO25980 certified welding curtains?
Yes — our welding curtains are manufactured to meet ISO 25980:2017 (and BS EN ISO 25980) requirements for UV and IR filtration. Available in amber, blue and green in 2mm thickness, 200mm and 300mm widths. See our welding curtains page for full details.
Do you supply made-to-measure strip curtains?
Yes — all strips are cut to your specified drop length, and any opening width can be accommodated. No surcharge for custom dimensions. See our made-to-measure range.
Can PVC strip curtains be used outdoors?
Yes — our UV-stabilised outdoor grade PVC is specifically formulated for outdoor use, resisting yellowing and embrittlement from UV exposure. Rated from -15°C to +60°C, it remains flexible in UK winter conditions. See our outdoor PVC strip curtains range.