PVC strip curtains are flexible strip barriers that create an open barrier in doorways and openings in industry, warehousing and food production. They allow free passage for people and machines, while controlling temperature, dust and draughts. In this guide you get an overview of types, widths, installation and applications.
Why should I choose PVC strip curtains?
PVC strip curtains are flexible curtain solutions made from overlapping PVC strips that create an effective, open barrier in doorways and openings in industry and warehousing. They allow easy access for both people and machines, while helping to control temperature, dust and other influences in the working environment. PVC strip curtains can be cut to your measurements and are supplied in different widths and thicknesses depending on need and use.
See our range of PVC strip curtains here
What are PVC strip curtains?
PVC strip curtains consist of transparent PVC strips hung in a rail over an opening. The strips form a flexible curtain that acts as a barrier between two areas – without obstructing passage. This solution is often used in industrial environments, cold and warehouse halls and agricultural buildings, because it is robust, easy to adapt and easy to install. PVC strip curtains are also known as strip curtains, lamella curtains or doorway curtains.
Advantages of PVC strip curtains
Energy and temperature control:
PVC strip curtains reduce draughts and reduce heat loss or cooling loss between rooms – contributing to better temperature control and lower energy consumption. Can reduce energy loss by up to 70%.
Flexible access:
The curtains allow easy passage for staff, forklifts and vehicles without the need to open and close doors – improving workflow and efficiency.
Dust and contamination control:
Acts as an effective barrier against dust, dirt, insects and particles – helping to maintain a cleaner, safer working environment.
Sound dampening:
Can help reduce the noise level in industrial rooms by screening off areas with high activity (forklift traffic, machinery).
Easy to adapt:
PVC strip curtains can be cut to precise measurements for your openings, and strips in different widths and thicknesses can be selected.
Quick installation:
Usually installed in an hour or less over an existing opening – no need for major rebuilding.
Low maintenance:
Only requires cleaning and replacement of any damaged strips.
When are PVC strip curtains the right choice?
Choose PVC strip curtains if you want to:
- Separate work zones without fixed doors
- Control temperature between areas (for example warehouse and production floor)
- Reduce dust, draughts and contamination in openings and doorways
- Maintain flexible access for staff and machines
- Create a more hygienic zone in environments such as food production or cold rooms
- Reduce noise from production areas
- Save energy on heating or cooling
- Keep insects and pests out
Types and uses of PVC strip curtains
PVC strip curtains come in several variants, each covering specific needs in industry and warehousing.
Standard transparent strips
Suitable for general industrial openings, transport routes and doorways where you want visibility and flexible passage. Standard PVC withstands temperatures from –15°C to +50°C.
Strips for cold rooms (polar)
Special PVC grades for low-temperature environments down to –25°C. Retains flexibility and function in frost, where standard PVC would become brittle.
Flame-retardant strips
Special PVC types with flame-retardant properties – suitable for areas with stricter fire requirements (industry, warehouses with flammable material).
Anti-static PVC
For areas with electronics or where static electricity is a problem (clean rooms, electronics production, explosive environments).
Food-approved PVC
Special grade for the food industry – meets EU 10/2011 and is safe in direct contact with food.
Ribbed and UV-protected strips
Ribbed strips give better sealing and flexibility. UV-protected variants are suitable for outdoor or strongly lit areas.
How do you choose the right PVC strip curtains?
Opening size:
- Measure the height and width exactly
- Strips are usually supplied 50 mm longer than the opening height for correct overlap against the floor
Strip width:
- 200 mm: standard – suitable for most personnel openings and light forklift passages
- 300 mm: wider strips – better sealing at larger openings and heavy forklift passages
- 400 mm: extra wide – large doorways and heavy vehicles
Strip thickness:
- 2 mm: standard – light traffic and personnel passage
- 3 mm: medium traffic – forklift traffic
- 4 mm: heavy traffic and large doorways
Traffic and load:
- Consider how often the area is used
- Heavy machinery and forklifts: choose wider and thicker strips
- Personnel passage: standard 200 mm × 2 mm is usually sufficient
Temperature conditions:
- Cooling or heating requirements: choose polar or temperature-resistant PVC
- Standard PVC covers –15°C to +50°C
- Special grades go down to –25°C or up to +70°C
How to install and maintain PVC strip curtains
PVC strip curtains are easy to install and require minimal maintenance in daily use.
Installation
PVC strip curtains are installed in an aluminium or steel rail over the opening, where the strips are hung with suitable overlap:
- Standard overlap: 30–50% depending on placement and purpose
- Higher traffic = higher overlap (50%)
- Sheltered areas = lower overlap (30%)
- Wall- or ceiling-mounted rail depending on the situation
The strips are usually hung with hooks or bolts in the rail, so that individual strips can be replaced quickly if damaged.
Maintenance
The curtains require minimal maintenance:
- Clean the strips with mild soapy water and a cloth to remove dust and dirt
- Regularly check for cracks, wear and discolouration
- Replace damaged strips individually – no need to replace the whole curtain
- Spare strips should be kept in stock for quick replacement
Typical uses of PVC strip curtains
PVC strip curtains are typically used for:
- Doorways and openings in warehouses and logistics areas
- Separation of work zones in production
- Cold and freezer rooms (reduces temperature exchange)
- Agricultural buildings and stables
- Industrial doors with high traffic
- Food production and abattoirs
- Workshops and machine halls
- Car washes and vehicle workshops
- Clean rooms and laboratories
- Entrances to chilled retail stockrooms
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about PVC strip curtains.
Can PVC strip curtains be used in cold rooms?
Yes. They reduce draughts and help keep lower temperatures stable in cold and freezer rooms. Choose a polar PVC grade for temperatures below –15°C – standard PVC can become brittle in frost.
Are PVC strip curtains easy to adapt?
Yes. They can be cut to measure so they fit your exact opening – and individual strips can be replaced one at a time if damaged, without needing to replace the whole curtain.
How do I choose the right strip width?
Choose width and thickness depending on traffic, use and the required barrier effect. Wider strips (300–400 mm) give greater overlap and a better barrier against draughts and temperature, while 200 mm suits standard personnel passage and light forklift traffic.
How much energy can PVC strip curtains save?
PVC strip curtains can reduce energy loss by up to 70% compared with an open doorway. The actual saving depends on the temperature difference, the size of the opening and the frequency of traffic.
Are PVC strip curtains food-approved?
Standard PVC is not food-approved, but there are special grades that meet EU 10/2011 and are safe for use in food production. Ask for food-approved PVC if this is a requirement.
How long do PVC strip curtains last?
With correct use and maintenance, PVC strip curtains usually last 5–10 years. Individual strips can be replaced over time, so the whole system can be maintained for many years.
Can PVC strip curtains be installed outdoors?
Yes, but choose UV-protected PVC to avoid degradation from sunlight. Standard PVC can become brittle outdoors over time.
See our range of PVC strip curtains
See all PVC strip curtains here
See work sheets for the industry
See foam PVC
Unsure which type of strip curtain to choose, or how many strips you need? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
