Curtains are hung to block or filter light, and they’re also a decorative element. So it’s important to know how to apply curtains properly.
First, make sure your rod’s brackets can support the weight of the rod and curtains. If not, you’ll need to install heavy-duty brackets or reinstall your rod.
Preparation
Curtain application consists of the assembly, installation and glazing of curtain wall systems on building structures. The process includes the selection of appropriate curtain wall materials and framing methods to meet the structural requirements of the project. The design and construction of the system should comply with building codes and governmental regulations.
Structural design drawings are prepared for the building structure and include the framed curtain wall system, as well as any other structural elements that will be incorporated in the curtain wall. These drawings should include the frame, mullions, and glass panels for each unit. They should also include all connections to the floor structure and intermediate framing.
The structural performance of a curtain wall system is affected by the material properties, including strength and modulus of elasticity (the ability to deflect or bend). Aluminum has a relatively low modulus of elasticity, meaning it flexes less than steel under load. This results in a higher deflection rate for an aluminum curtain wall compared to a similar steel section under the same load.
To counter this deflection, curtain wall mullions typically have thermal breaks of low conductivity material, such as PVC, Neoprene rubber, polyurethane and more recently polyester-reinforced nylon, poured into the mullions to prevent a large amount of heat loss. These separators must be installed properly, with back-up mechanical attachment of the two halves of the mullions to prevent the thermal break from shrinking and stressing under different temperature conditions.
In addition, deflection limits are set for the mullions to control the movement of the glass. These limits are set for both perpendicular and in-plane deflections to limit the potential for glass to come out of its pocket in the mullions or cause damage to the building.
These restrictions can be reduced by the use of tempered glass and by using a laminated layer of glass in the insulated unit to reduce glass thickness. However, tempered glass is more expensive than insulated glass and requires extra work to install and maintain the system.
YCW 750 XT offers best-in-class thermal performance with a high R-value, excellent sound attenuation and a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). It is designed to meet current building codes and exceed the most stringent green building standards in the market today.
Hanging
A good set of curtains will add a touch of class to any space. They can also help you control the amount of light entering a room and are a great way to frame windows. The process of hanging your new drapes is not as simple as it sounds, however, as you need to consider the size and shape of your windows and how you intend on utilizing them.
Luckily, there are a variety of different ways to hang your baubles, from tabs to hidden rod pockets, so you can find one that works for you. The most popular of these is the grommet, a metal-lined hole in the curtain panel that is covered by a large plastic tab. Other options include rings and pocket sleeve.
While these aren’t the easiest to install, they do a fine job of concealing the actual curtain rods and make them much easier to clean. In addition, they are less likely to be pulled or knocked off the wall and are a great choice for a family with children or pets.
To get the best possible results, you’ll need a few tools in your toolkit. This includes a pencil, ruler and some cardboard to act as a guide.
Measure the window in question to determine how high you’ll want to hang your baubles. For most home owners, this will mean a few inches above the ceiling. This is a great time to measure the window and your surrounding area for potential studs or joists that you can anchor the rod to.
Finishing
A curtain’s finishing process involves the application of chemicals that alter the behavior of the fabric surface. These finishes can make the fabric more absorbent or help it release stains without hanging on to them.
In addition, they can improve the appearance of the drape. They can also increase its life span and reduce maintenance costs.
The first stage of the finishing process is preparing the face fabric. This includes adding a top webbing and the desired fullness. This can vary depending on the fabric choice and type of curtain.
Another option is the addition of a lining that increases sound and light absorbency. The lining is sewn into the bottom hem of the face fabric with a few inches of extra material called a shrinkage tuck. This prevents the lining from pulling the face fabric up.
Once the lining is sewn into the face fabric, it should be shirred to create small pleats. This finish is typically used for drapes with lighter weight fabrics such as sheers or silks.
Shirred curtains are very soft to the touch and provide a more natural flowing look. The fabric is gathered tightly into small pleats that create a very rich and beautiful appearance. This is a standard finish for professional theater venues with full height curtains of 30′ and above.
To prevent the lining from shifting while the stage is in motion, a face back is usually sewn to the bottom of the curtain. This also prevents the audience from seeing the backside of the curtain.
For traveling proscenium curtains, a paging handle is usually sewn to the face back. This helps facilitate opera type bows.
When hanging a curtain on a traveler track, top finishes may include webbing, grommets or ties. Webbing is usually combined with grommets, but ties are often used to utilitize the S-hooks that hang the curtain.
A pipe pocket hem is also an option for theatrical backdrops and cycloramas. This hem allows for the insertion of a metal pipe in the bottom.
The top of the hem is usually sewed closed, but it can be open for easier insertion of the pipe or for additional stability. A tape weight can also be added to the bottom hem. Tape weights are quieter than chains and do not bunch up on the bottom edge of the curtain.
Maintenance
A well-designed curtain wall is a valuable asset to any building, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. However, long-term exposure to the elements can cause significant damage to these systems. Therefore, it is crucial to have a maintenance plan in place that will help keep your curtain walls looking new and functioning at their best.
A good maintenance system will include routine inspections, regular cleaning and prompt repair of minor problems. This can help extend the life of your curtain walls, which will save you money down the line while maintaining their appeal to current and potential tenants.
The first step in the maintenance process is to check the curtains for tears, rips and other physical damage. These should be repaired as soon as possible, so they do not expand and damage more of the fabric. Also, inspect the curtain tracks and hardware for wear or damage that could result in a larger problem later on.
For example, look for abrasions or holes in the metal frame of the curtain. If you notice anything unusual, immediately contact a metal, stone, or glass restoration company to fix the issue.
Routine inspections should also be made of the air curtains, especially those used in harsh environments where a high degree of dirt and grime can build up. The frequency of these inspections will depend on the environment in which the curtain is installed, but it is a good idea to have them done every three months.
To clean the air curtain, use a commercially available industrial detergent and water solution to remove any grease or dust build-up in the unit. Scrub with a brush or broom as necessary and then rinse to dry thoroughly.
Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer that has a wide spray pattern to effectively remove any dirt or grime from the curtain. Rinse again to remove any remaining residue and allow the curtain to dry thoroughly before storage.
The maintenance of barn curtains is a key factor in ensuring that livestock are kept comfortable and fed properly. Taking the time to perform routine maintenance on these structures is essential to keeping animals healthy and happy, which can have a direct impact on productivity.