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Strip Width, Overlap & Material Guide for Warehouse, Dock & Cold Storage Applications

Industrial PVC strip doors (also known as PVC strip curtains or warehouse strip doors) are one of the most cost-effective solutions for controlling temperature, dust, insects, and traffic flow in commercial and industrial facilities.

Improperly sized PVC strip doors can significantly increase air infiltration rates in warehouse and dock openings — especially in facilities with forklift traffic or wind exposure. Selecting the correct strip width, overlap percentage, and material grade is critical to maintaining environmental control and operational efficiency.

But choosing the wrong strip width, overlap, or material type can lead to:

• Energy loss
• Premature wear
• Poor sealing performance
• Reduced forklift visibility
• Increased HVAC costs

At SB3 Doors we supply PVC strip doors built for commercial and industrial applications.

This guide explains how to select the correct:

• Strip width based on opening height
• Overlap percentage based on environment
• PVC material type based on application
• Reinforcement requirements for exterior openings

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Selecting the correct strip width is the foundation of long-term performance.

 

Step 1: Match PVC Strip Width to Opening Height

 

The height of your opening determines the weight, stability, and performance of the PVC strips.

 

Why Strip Width Matters

 

Narrow strips on tall warehouse openings will:

• Sway excessively
• Separate under moderate air pressure
• Lose temperature seal
• Wear faster
  
  

Wider strips provide:

• Better wind resistance
• Greater durability
• Improved energy retention

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Step 2: Choose the Correct PVC Strip Overlap

Overlap determines how tightly your strip curtain door seals.

More overlap = stronger environmental barrier
Less overlap = easier traffic flow

Overlap Recommendations by Application:

 

Pedestrian Traffic with Strip Doors

• 25-50% overlap
• Standard clear PVC
• Easier pass-through access

Forklift Traffic Strip Curtains

• 33-75% overlap
• Bi-Ribbed Strips recommended

• Reduces surface scratching and extends strip life after repeated impacts.

Exterior PVC Strip Doors

• 66–100% overlap
• Reinforced PVC recommended

• Designed to handle wind pressure and weather exposure

Cold Storage & Freezer Strip Curtains

• 66–100% overlap
• Low-temperature or Extra Low-temp PVC material
• Maintains flexibility in low-temp environments

The more extreme the environment, the higher the overlap required.

 

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Step 3: Select the Right PVC Material Type

Industrial PVC strip doors are available in multiple material grades depending on environmental conditions.

Standard Clear PVC Strip Doors

Best for:

• Interior warehouse openings
• Manufacturing facilities
• Dust and insect control
• Temperature zone separation

Low-Temperature PVC Strip Curtains

Best for:

• Walk-in coolers
• Refrigerated docks
• Freezer openings
• Food distribution facilities

Low-temp PVC remains flexible in freezing temperatures and prevents cracking and condensation. Helps to reduce thermal loss with heavier overlap.

Reinforced PVC Strip Doors

Best for:

• Exterior warehouse openings
• High-wind applications
• Tall openings
• High-cycle  traffic

Reinforced strips reduce stretching, curling, and deformation.

Bi-Ribbed PVC Strip Curtains

Best for:

• High-impact environments
• Heavy forklift or cart traffic
• Areas requiring increased durability

Ribbing improves surface life without sacrificing visibility. Forks or carts impact the bi-ribbed material first, reducing the scratching of the PVC material. 

 

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Step 4: Evaluate Traffic & Environment

Before selecting your industrial PVC strip door, consider:

• Pedestrian or forklift traffic?
• Interior or exterior opening?
• Door Height?
• Temperature-controlled space?
• Wind exposure?
• Frequency of use?
• Freezer or Cooler application?
  

 

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Common Mistakes When Ordering PVC Strip Doors

Even with proper measurements, ordering mistakes are common in warehouse environments.

• Choosing narrow strips for tall openings
• Using standard PVC in freezer environments
• Underlapping strips in exterior dock openings
• Ignoring wind pressure at loading docks
• Failing to confirm mounting style

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Quick Selection Guide for Industrial PVC Strip Doors

 

To simplify the selection process, use the quick-reference chart below.

 

Application	Strip Width	Overlap	Material Type
Pedestrian or Under 8'	8”	25–50%	Standard Clear
Forklift | Warehouse	12”	33–66%	Bi-Ribbed
Exterior dock	12-16”	66–100%	Bi-Ribbed or Reinforced
Freezer | Cooler	12–16”	75–100%	Low-Temp | Extra Low-Temp

 

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Why Choose Industrial PVC Strip Doors from SB3 Doors?

At SB3 Doors:

• All PVC strip curtain doors are manufactured in the USA
• Custom cut to your exact opening size
• Industrial mounting hardware included
• Reinforced and low-temperature options available
• Built for commercial and warehouse environments
  
  

We confirm:

• Mounting type (face-of-wall or between-jamb)
• Exact opening dimensions
• Traffic type
• Environmental exposure
• Clearance requirements
  
  

Before quoting.

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Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings

In high-cycle warehouse environments, properly overlapped PVC strip curtains can significantly reduce air infiltration while maintaining operational flow.

Properly selected warehouse strip doors can:

• Reduce HVAC loss
• Improve refrigeration efficiency
• Lower energy bills
• Minimize dust contamination
• Improve safety visibility
  
  

Underlapping strips can increase energy costs. Overlapping excessively can slow traffic.

The goal is operational balance.

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FAQ

What width PVC strip should I use for a 12-foot opening?
→ 12" strips are typically recommended for stability and proper sealing in openings 8–14 feet high.

How much overlap do I need for forklift traffic?
→ 33–66% with bi-ribbed recommended.

Do PVC strip curtains work in freezer environments?
→ Yes, but low-temp or extra low-temp material is required.

What is the lifespan of industrial PVC strip doors?
→ Depends on traffic and environment; reinforced strips extend service life.

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Need Help Choosing the Right PVC Strip Door?

Send us:

• Opening width and height
• Interior or exterior location
• Traffic type (pedestrian, pallet jack, forklift)
• Temperature conditions
• Mounting preference
  
  

We’ll recommend the correct strip width, overlap percentage, and material type for your facility.