PVC Strip Curtains UK | Industrial & Cold Store Door Strips | Rubberco
Last updated: | Written by Rubberco Flooring Specialists | Burnley, Lancashire, UK
What Are PVC Strip Curtains?
PVC strip curtains are flexible, overlapping strips of clear or coloured PVC (polyvinyl chloride) hung vertically in doorways and openings. They create a barrier that reduces energy loss, controls temperature, limits pest entry and improves safety — while allowing people, forklifts and goods to pass through freely without opening a door.
They are one of the most cost-effective industrial solutions available. A single doorway installation typically pays for itself within weeks through reduced heating or cooling costs. Rubberco supplies PVC strip curtains in standard clear, ribbed, polar-grade (for cold stores), anti-static, anti-insect and food-safe grades, all cut to your exact door height.
Types of PVC Strip Curtains
| Type | Best For | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clear | Warehouses, workshops, loading bays | -10°C to +50°C |
| Polar Grade | Cold stores, freezer rooms, blast chillers | -30°C to +5°C |
| Anti-Static | Electronics manufacturing, server rooms, data centres | -10°C to +50°C |
| Anti-Insect / Bird Control | Food production, bakeries, packing facilities | +5°C to +40°C |
| Ribbed / Forklift Grade | High-traffic forklift openings | -10°C to +50°C |
| Coloured / Opaque | Privacy zones, hazard demarcation | -10°C to +50°C |
Standard Strip Widths
PVC strips are available in 100mm, 200mm and 300mm widths. Wider strips cover openings faster and suit forklift traffic. Narrower strips (100mm) offer better flexibility and pedestrian comfort. Standard overlap is 50% of strip width for effective temperature separation.
Key Benefits of PVC Strip Curtains
- Energy saving: Reduce heat loss through doorways by up to 80% — significant savings on HVAC costs in temperature-controlled areas
- Pest and insect control: Anti-insect grades form a physical barrier against flies, birds and rodents
- Noise reduction: Thick PVC strips absorb ambient noise between work areas
- Safety: Clear visibility allows workers and forklift drivers to see through the barrier before passing
- Dust and fume containment: Limit cross-contamination between production and packing areas
- Hygiene compliance: Food-safe grades support HACCP compliance in food manufacturing environments
- Low maintenance: Wipe clean with soap and water; individual strips replace in seconds if damaged
- Fast payback: Most installations pay back in 3 to 6 months from energy savings alone
Where PVC Strip Curtains Are Used
Industrial and Warehousing
Loading bays, dispatch areas, production line transitions, paint shops and cold stores are the most common industrial applications. Forklift-grade ribbed strips handle heavy daily traffic without tearing.
Food and Pharmaceutical
Food-safe anti-insect curtains are essential for HACCP-compliant facilities — bakeries, butchers, food packing plants and pharmaceutical clean rooms all rely on them to control contamination and maintain temperature zones.
Retail and Commercial
Supermarket freezer aisles, pub cellars and commercial kitchens use polar-grade curtains to maintain cold environments while allowing staff access without repeatedly opening refrigerated doors.
Agricultural
Farm buildings, milking parlours, produce packing sheds and animal housing use PVC strip curtains to control flies, reduce draughts and separate different working areas.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
1. Strip Thickness
Standard strips come in 2mm, 3mm and 4mm thickness. Thicker strips (3 to 4mm) are more durable for forklift traffic. Thinner strips (2mm) are more flexible and better suited to cold stores where flexibility at low temperatures is critical.
2. Overlap Ratio
50% overlap is standard for temperature control. 100% overlap is used for maximum insulation in cold stores. Too little overlap reduces thermal performance; too much increases resistance to passage.
3. Mounting System
Hook-on rails allow individual strip replacement without tools — ideal for high-damage areas. Fixed welded systems cost less but require full replacement if a strip is damaged. Rubberco supplies both types.
4. Measuring Your Opening
Measure the clear opening width and height. For width: add 200mm to each side if surface-mounting the rail to ensure full coverage. For height: strips should reach within 20mm of the floor for optimum performance.
How to Install PVC Strip Curtains
- Measure the opening — width and height of the clear opening, not the door frame outer edge
- Choose mounting position — face-fix onto the wall above, or reveal-fix inside the door frame
- Fit the top rail — drill and plug into lintel or door frame using M8 bolts
- Hang the strips — slide hooks onto rail; strips should overlap by 50% and reach within 20mm of floor
- Trim to length if required — cut from the bottom with a sharp knife if strips arrive too long
- Check clearance — ensure forklift masts, racking and machinery clear the strip hang point
Installation time: A standard loading bay door (3m wide by 4m high) takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes with two people.
UK Regulations and Compliance
PVC strip curtains used in food environments must comply with EC Regulation 1935/2004 on materials in contact with food. Rubberco food-safe grade curtains carry the appropriate food contact certification.
For electrical environments, anti-static grades should comply with BS EN 61340-5-1 for ESD protection. In pharmaceutical clean rooms, curtains should be validated against the applicable GMP classification.
Fire safety note: Standard PVC curtains are not fire-rated. Where Building Regulations require a fire door, PVC strip curtains are not a substitute and must not be used in its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do PVC strip curtains last?
In normal use, PVC strip curtains last 3 to 5 years. In high-traffic forklift areas, individual strips may need replacing annually. Polar-grade curtains in cold stores typically last 5 to 7 years. UV exposure accelerates degradation — indoor installations always outlast outdoor ones.
Can I replace individual strips without replacing the whole curtain?
Yes — with hook-on rail systems, individual strips slide off and back on in seconds without tools. This is the main advantage of hook-on over welded systems for high-traffic areas where strips get damaged regularly.
What thickness PVC strip curtain do I need for a forklift doorway?
For forklift traffic, use 3mm or 4mm thick strips in 200mm or 300mm widths. Thinner or narrower strips degrade quickly under forklift use. Ribbed forklift-grade PVC is more tear-resistant than plain strip and is recommended for high-frequency forklift passages.
Are PVC strip curtains suitable for freezer rooms?
Standard PVC strip curtains become brittle below -5 degrees C and will crack. For freezer rooms and cold stores operating below 0 degrees C, you must use polar-grade (also called low-temperature or freezer-grade) PVC strips, which remain flexible down to -30 degrees C.
How much do PVC strip curtains cost in the UK?
A standard clear PVC strip curtain kit for a 2m by 2m opening costs approximately £60 to £120 depending on strip thickness and mounting type. Polar-grade and anti-static grades typically cost 20 to 40 percent more. Rubberco offers free UK delivery on all orders.
