Which PVC type is right for me?
Choosing the right PVC strip width is crucial for ensuring optimal performance in various applications, from industrial environments to commercial and domestic spaces. Whether you need PVC strip curtains for temperature control, hygiene maintenance, or protection against dust and pests, selecting the correct strip width will determine the effectiveness and longevity of your installation. This guide explores the different PVC strip widths available, their applications, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Why Strip Width Matters
Understanding which strip width is best for your application will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are buying the correct PVC strip for your specific requirements. The width of a PVC strip affects several performance factors, including:
• Flexibility: Narrower strips offer greater flexibility, making them suitable for pedestrian access and light-duty applications.
• Durability: Wider strips are more robust and better suited to high-traffic areas, including forklift access points.
• Overlap Efficiency: The width of the strip determines how much overlap is needed to create a proper seal, impacting thermal insulation and protection levels.
• Ease of Use: Wider and thicker strips are heavier and may require more force to push through, which can influence accessibility in certain settings.
PVC strips come in a variety of widths and sizes. The most common sizes for these strips are 100mm x 1mm, 200mm x 2mm, 300mm x 3mm and 400mm x 4mm. Below is a handy guide to show you our recommended applications for these strip sizes:
Light Duty Traffic
Pedestrians and light trolleys
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Strips that are 200 x 2mm or Less
Medium Duty Traffic
Forklift Trucks
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Strips that are 300 x 3mm
Heavy Duty Traffic
Forklift Trucks and Lorries
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Strips that are 400 x 4mm
100mm Wide PVC Strips
Best For:
- Internal pedestrian doorways
- Small-scale applications (e.g. domestic use, office partitions, freezer and fridge doorways, etc.)
- Light-duty environments with minimal traffic
100mm strips are ideal for locations where frequent movement occurs, such as office doors, walk-in freezers, or food processing areas. Due to their small size, they allow easy movement while still providing an effective barrier against air loss, dust, and noise.
200mm Wide PVC Strips
Best For:
- Standard pedestrian doorways
- Low to medium traffic areas
- Light commercial applications
The 200mm width is the most commonly used strip size for general-purpose PVC strip curtains. It provides a balance between flexibility and durability, making it suitable for businesses with moderate foot traffic, including warehouses, commercial kitchens, and cold storage rooms.
300mm Wide PVC Strips
Best For:
- Warehouse doorways
- Heavy pedestrian traffic areas
- Light vehicle access (e.g., pallet trucks, trolleys)
The 300mm strip is recommended for situations where a stronger barrier is needed without restricting pedestrian movement too much. These strips offer improved insulation and protection while still allowing easy access for individuals and lightweight equipment.
400mm Wide PVC Strips
Best For:
- Large industrial doorways
- Heavy vehicle access (e.g., forklifts, loading docks)
- Environments with significant temperature fluctuations
400mm strips provide maximum durability and resistance to environmental factors such as wind, dust, and cold. They are commonly used in factories, loading bays, and areas requiring strict temperature control, such as chilled storage rooms.
Choosing the Right PVC Strip Width for Your Needs
When selecting the appropriate PVC strip width, consider the following key factors:
- Type of Traffic
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- Pedestrian Traffic Only: Opt for 100mm or 200mm wide strips for ease of movement.
- Light Vehicles & Equipment: 200mm to 300mm strips are ideal.
- Heavy Vehicles & Machinery: Use 300mm or 400mm strips for durability and protection.
- Level of Insulation Required
If your goal is to maintain temperature control (e.g., cold storage or freezer rooms), wider strips (300mm to 400mm) are recommended due to their superior insulation properties.
- Visibility & Safety
For environments where visibility is essential, narrower strips (100mm or 200mm) provide better transparency, allowing people to see through them easily. Wider strips may obstruct visibility and should be used with caution in busy areas.
- Environmental Conditions
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- Windy Areas: Wider, heavier strips (300mm or 400mm) offer better stability.
- Hygienic Environments: Narrower strips (100mm or 200mm) allow easier cleaning and less material exposure to contaminants.
- Outdoor Applications: Consider wider strips for enhanced protection against elements.
- Overlap Considerations
Overlap plays a crucial role in sealing efficiency. The wider the strip, the greater the overlap required for maximum efficiency. For example:
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- 100mm strips typically have a 36% overlap.
- 200mm strips often have a 50% overlap.
- 300mm and 400mm strips may require a 67% overlap to maintain insulation.
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