The best way to mount wash bay curtains is efficiently.

You need to be efficient with your space in order to make best use of what you have available. You need to be efficient with the track or suspension method to ensure longevity, utility, and economics of your wash bay curtains. Why use more material than you need just because you have high ceilings? Efficiency is the order of the day in the wash bay.

There are seven steps to determining the right wash bay curtain product for your facility. Follow them in order and you will have the best chance of success. If you have questions along the way, just #askQSD.

Step 1: What curtain type do you require? Are these to be single layer, insulated, or sound dampening? In most wash bay set-ups, single layer PVC or vinyl are sufficient and the best option.

Step 2: What is your optimal layout? Is your facility a single bay, or multiples? If it’s multiples, you’ll want to plan it out for the best use of the available space. More bays means more potential business flowing through your facility (Too many bays will work against you). So, map it out carefully to ensure the best fit.

Step 3: What are your required dimensions? In most cases, you will need continuous width sections that span the full depth of the bay. There may be a need for strip curtains if you need to pass through between bays, but that is unlikely. 

Be careful with the height. While it’s important that your partitions are high enough to block any overspray, you don’t necessarily need to go all the way up to a vaulted ceiling. For more information on this, check out Step 7 on the subject of track systems and suspension hardware.

Step 4: What style and colour works best? Let’s assume you’re going with the single layer PVC. What colour works best? Do you want them opaque or clear? Maybe just a clear vision panel at shoulder height? These and other considerations will affect both cost and durability.

Step 5: What about functionality? Are your partitions going to be fixed in place, or will you want them to retract? Usually bays are fixed, but there may be instances when you’ll need to moderate the size of bays by merging two into one for larger vehicles. It may also be the case that you have a multi-purpose facility. Wash bay one day, automotive maintenance the next.

Step 6: What add-ons will you require? Will your curtain bottoms be fixed to the floor? If so, you may need to consider chain weighted hems, and floor mounted D-rings. Also, overhead there may be a need for things like valences and filler panels. 

Step 7: What suspension hardware or track system best suits you needs? Will you want to suspend the track system from an existing ceiling structure? Is your ceiling flat; will you be able to apply brackets directly to it? Are there any obstructions like joists or I-beams? Are your curtains retractable? If so, you’ll likely need a track and roller system. 

These are just a few of the many considerations you will face. You can see how decisions one way or another can have significant budgetary implications. Better that you consult with the professionals at QSD. We’ll be happy to provide you with the information you will need to make the appropriate choices.