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Professional Installation Guide for PVC Strip Curtains

A correct installation is critical for the performance and longevity of your PVC strip curtains. This guide from RUBASIA RUBBERTECH will walk you through the process, ensuring an effective insect, climate, and dust barrier for your business in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, or anywhere in Brunei.

 

Pre-Installation: Tools & Materials Required

Tool/Material	Purpose
RUBASIA PVC Strips (2mm x 200mm)	The main barrier material.
Aluminium or Steel Track/Channel	The header system to hold the strips.
Tape Measure & Laser Level	For precise measuring and levelling.
Power Drill, Screws, and Wall Plugs	For securing the track to the structure.
Sharp Utility Knife or Heavy-Duty Scissors	For cutting strips to length.
Steel Square or Ruler	To ensure straight, 90-degree cuts.
Step Ladder	For safe access to the top of the doorway.
Safety Glasses & Gloves	For personal protection during cutting.

 

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

 

Step 1: Measure the Doorway Accurately

• Width (A): Measure the exact width of the door opening from side to side.
• Drop (B): Measure from the point where the track will be mounted down to the floor (or to 50mm above the floor for high-traffic areas to prevent tripping and excessive wear).
• Calculation: The total number of strips needed is (Width (A) / 100mm) + 1. This ensures a 50% overlap, which is essential for an effective seal. *Example: A 2000mm wide door requires (2000/100) + 1 = 21 strips.*

 

Step 2: Mount the Overhead Track

• Ensure the mounting surface (lintel, ceiling, or door frame) is strong, clean, and level.
• Hold the track in position. Use a laser level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. A crooked track will cause gaps.
• Mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes and insert wall plugs if mounting into masonry or concrete.
• Securely fasten the track in place with screws every 300-400mm to prevent sagging, especially under the weight of 2mm thick PVC.

 

Step 3: Calculate and Cut the Strips to Length

• The cut length of each strip is: Drop (B) + (Depth of Track (C) / 2).
• *Example: If your drop (B) is 2200mm and your track is 20mm deep, cut strips to 2200 + (20/2) = 2210mm.*
• Cutting Technique: Use a steel square to mark a perfectly straight, 90-degree cut line across the strip. Use a sharp utility knife against a straight edge, scoring deeply several times before snapping cleanly. For a cleaner finish, you can lightly sand the cut edge.

 

Step 4: Install the Strips into the Track

• Starting Point: Begin installation from one side of the track.
• Insertion Method: Angle the top of the first strip and push it up into the channel of the track. Once the top is seated, gently push the rest of the strip into the track until it is fully engaged and hanging straight.
• Overlap is Key: Install each subsequent strip so that it overlaps the previous one by approximately 50% (roughly 100mm for a 200mm wide strip). This overlapping is the secret to creating a continuous, gap-free barrier.

 

Step 5: Final Checks and Adjustments

• Once all strips are installed, run your hands through them to ensure they move freely and return to their original position.
• Check from all angles for any noticeable gaps. A slight gap at the very bottom is acceptable for forklift traffic but should be minimal for insect control.
• For external doorways or high-wind areas in Sandakan or Labuan, consider installing a weighted bar or a rebated floor channel to further stabilise the strips.

 

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Installation

• For High Traffic Areas: In warehouses in Bintulu or Kuching, stagger the cuts slightly (by 20-30mm) every few strips. This creates an easier passage point for forklifts, reducing wear on a single set of strips.
• For Maximum Insect Seal: Ensure the overlap is consistent and the strips are long enough to gently kiss the floor, leaving no gap for pests to enter.
• Cleaning: Install the strips with the manufacturer's protective film facing the "dirty" side (e.g., the outside or kitchen side). Peel the film off after installation for clean, ready-to-use strips.
• Cold Rooms: For freezer applications, allow extra length (approx. 10%) as the PVC will contract slightly in the cold.

 

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient Overlap: This is the number one cause of failure. Gaps allow insects, dust, and air to pass through freely.
• Sagging Track: Using insufficient screws or mounting on a weak surface will cause the entire system to fail.
• Crooked Cuts: Jagged or angled cuts look unprofessional and can create gaps.
• Incorrect Length: Strips that are too short won't seal; strips that are too long become a tripping hazard and wear out quickly.

 

Need Professional Help or Advice for Your Project in Borneo?

While DIY installation is straightforward, our team can recommend trusted installation contractors across Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei, or provide further technical support for large or complex projects in Lahad Datu, Sibu, or Bandar Seri Begawan.