What Kind of Strip Curtain Kit Do I Need?
Choosing the right strip curtain kit for your cooler or freezer is essential to maintaining proper temperature control, reducing energy loss, and ensuring smooth workflow in and out of your walk-in. The correct kit depends on your mounting bracket type, door size, and operating temperature.
Follow these steps to determine the right option for your space:.
1. Choose Your Bracket Type
Your bracket type determines how the curtain attaches to the doorway. Select the style that matches your door’s surface and mounting needs.
Available bracket options:
|
Bracket Type |
Best For |
Mounting Surface |
Notes |
|
QuickMount |
Most common for ribbed-style door frames |
Ribbed doors or cooler/freezer frames |
Easy installation and replacement |
|
Metal EZ Mount |
Heavy-duty use, long-term durability |
Ribbed doors or cooler/freezer frames |
Made from corrosion-resistant metal |
|
Universal Mount |
Flexible option for most doorway types |
Smooth or flat door surfaces |
Compatible with both wall and lintel mounting |
|
Wall Mount |
Extra clearance above the door |
Flat walls near cooler/freezer entrances |
Ideal when direct frame mounting isn’t possible |
Tip: For smooth cooler surfaces, use Universal or Wall Mount brackets. For ribbed or grooved frames, QuickMount or Metal EZ Mount brackets work best.
2. Measure Your Door Opening
Accurate measurements ensure your curtain seals properly without dragging or leaving gaps.
How to measure:
- Measure the width and height of the doorway opening (inside edge to inside edge).
- Add an extra inch or two to both measurements to allow for easy trimming or fine adjustments during installation.
- If ordering a kit, round up to the next available size — it’s always easier to trim than to stretch.
3. Select the Correct Strip Material
The material you choose depends on your temperature range and traffic type:
|
Environment |
Recommended Strip Material |
Temperature Range |
Best For |
|
Cooler Applications |
Standard PVC |
+10°F to +150°F |
Standard coolers, prep rooms, storage areas |
|
Freezer Applications |
Polar-Grade PVC |
-40°F to +10°F |
Freezers, cold storage, blast chillers |
Tip: If your door is used frequently or exposed to extreme cold, opt for freezer grade PVC to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.
4. Install According to Mount Type
Each mounting system has its own installation process:
- QuickMount / Metal EZ Mount: Attach directly to the ribbed door frame with the included screws or clips.
- Universal Mount / Wall Mount: Align the bracket above or around the door opening and secure it using wall anchors or screws appropriate for your surface.
Follow the detailed instructions included in your kit for best results.
5. Understand Strip Width and Overlap
Overlap ensures there are no gaps between strips.
- 6" wide strips have a 67% standard overlap (each strip overlaps about two-thirds of the next).
- Wider strips (8"–12") may have higher overlap percentages, depending on traffic type and airflow needs.
This overlap helps retain temperature and reduce air exchange, which is especially important in walk-in coolers and freezers.
6. Sizing Notes and Custom Fit Options
- Wall Mount and Universal Mount brackets are not available in 1’ or 2’ widths. For these smaller openings, order a 3’ kit and trim to size using heavy-duty shears or a utility knife.
- If your opening is irregular or oversized, custom kits are available upon request. Contact us for sizing assistance.
Summary: Choosing the Right Kit
|
Step |
What to Do |
Why It Matters |
|
1. Pick a bracket type |
Match mounting surface and door style |
Ensures secure installation |
|
2. Measure accurately |
Include width, height, and clearance |
Prevents fit and sealing issues |
|
3. Select material |
Cooler-grade or freezer-grade PVC |
Maintains flexibility and seal |
|
4. Confirm strip width |
6" with 67% overlap (standard) |
Ensures efficient temperature control |