What strip curtains do in a working store or cold room
Strip curtains create a flexible barrier made from overlapping PVC strips that people, cages and trolleys can pass through without opening a solid door every time. That helps hold chilled air in place, slows warm air from entering and keeps dust, flies and windblown debris outside where they belong.
In a busy store, every second the opening stays clear matters and strip curtains help reduce that constant exchange of air. They are common in supermarkets, butchers, dairy rooms, packhouses, farm stores and back-of-house loading areas where traffic is constant and temperatures need to stay steady.
Sizes, strip grades and hanging options
We supply strip curtains in a range of widths and thicknesses so the set-up matches the opening and the duty level. For most internal openings, strip widths of 200 mm or 300 mm are used, with thicknesses from 2 mm to 5 mm depending on traffic and temperature range. For larger bays or windy entries, heavier strips with more overlap are usually better.
- Strip width: 200 mm, 300 mm and selected heavy-duty options
- Strip thickness: 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm
- Mounting: fixed hangers, sliding tracks or quick-release systems
- Finish: clear, ribbed or tinted PVC depending on visibility and wear
- Operating temperature: from chilled areas to general ambient openings
Clear strips are useful where staff need good sight lines, while ribbed surfaces can help reduce scuffing in tough traffic areas. The right overlap and hanging height matter as much as the strip itself, because a poor fit will still leak cold air.
Where strip curtains work best in the Western Cape
Strip curtains suit places where doors open and close all day, especially where sea air, dust or load-shedding related temperature swings make control harder. In Cape Town, Montague Gardens and other industrial areas, they are often used between prep rooms, stores and chillers. In Stellenbosch and Paarl they are useful in packhouses, wine support areas and farm cold rooms. On the West Coast, where wind can push warm air through an opening fast, the barrier helps keep conditions stable.
They are also practical for:
- Cold rooms and freezer ante-rooms
- Shop receiving bays and stock rooms
- Butchery, bakery and dairy prep areas
- Farm sheds, packhouses and produce handling rooms
- Airlock-style entries where hygiene is important
Installation, fixing points and power needs
Strip curtains are fitted to a top rail or hanger system above the opening, with the strips overlapped to the correct depth so staff can move through without dragging the whole set aside. The opening should be measured at the clear width and clear height, then checked for lintels, roller doors, overhead pipes or lights that could affect the hang.
There is no electrical or gas connection needed for standard strip curtains. They work passively, so they are a practical option during load-shedding and in remote farm buildings where power may be limited. The main installation needs are a solid fixing point, enough headroom and a clean surface to mount the rail properly.
If the opening is used by forklifts or tall trolleys, the curtain should be planned so the bottom of the strips clears the floor but still closes the gap. Where wind pressure is strong, a heavier hanger and wider overlap can stop the strips from flapping open too easily.
Care, cleaning and when to replace worn strips
PVC strips need basic care to keep working well. They should be wiped down with a mild detergent and clean water, then checked for clouding, cracks or deep score marks. In food areas, cleaning should fit the site hygiene routine and should not leave residue that attracts dust or grease.
Strip curtains do wear over time, especially at busy points where trolleys or pallets pass through often. If the bottom of the strip becomes split, curled or badly scratched, it starts losing its seal. Replacing only the damaged strips is usually enough, which keeps costs lower than fitting a whole new set.
- Check monthly for tears, hardening or yellowing
- Look for gaps where strips no longer overlap correctly
- Clean off grease and dust before it builds up
- Replace damaged strips before cold loss becomes noticeable
- Inspect fixings after strong wind or repeated impact
What to confirm before ordering a set
Before ordering, measure the opening carefully and note whether it is a pedestrian door, trolley route or forklift entry. We also need the width, height, expected traffic and whether the area is chilled, frozen or just temperature-sensitive. That helps choose the right strip thickness and overlap without over-specifying the job.
It is worth checking the site conditions too. Coastal humidity in places like Cape Town and the West Coast can affect nearby metal fixings, while dusty farm rooms may need a tougher cleaning routine. If the curtain is going onto an existing cold room or between two climate-controlled spaces, we can advise on the best lay-out and hanger type for the opening.
For best results, send us these details:
- Opening width and clear height in metres or millimetres
- Type of traffic passing through
- Desired temperature range
- Whether the opening faces wind, sun or dust
- Any rails, doors or fittings already in place
Key facts
| Product type | Flexible PVC strip barrier for temperature control openings |
|---|---|
| Common strip widths | 200 mm and 300 mm |
| Common strip thicknesses | 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm and 5 mm |
| Mounting options | Top rail, fixed hanger or quick-release system |
| Power or gas required | None for standard strip curtains |
| Typical use | Cold rooms, loading bays, stores, prep rooms and farm facilities |
