Curtain Fabric Maintenance
If properly maintained, you can get 10 to 20 years of operational lifespan from your sidewall curtain fabric. There are several things you can do that will help give you the full life of your fabric.
You want to make sure that when your curtains move up and down, the fabric is not rubbing against any pressure points such as nail or screw heads, as well as rough building posts. This abrasion will cause premature wear and, in some cases, cut the fabric at the point of contact.
Newer systems on the market today use a rotating tube at the bottom of the curtain to gather the fabric as it drops down the wall. It is important to make sure there is no possibility of bird nests or vegetation along the wall that can get wound up with the tube. This throws the rotational balance off and can lead to the fabric being torn from the top hardware tube.
On older-style systems where the fabric sits folded up at the bottom of the opening during warm weather, you should make sure that rainwater does not sit in the folds of the fabric. This will create mold and mildew along with excessive load on the operating hardware. You will also need to be aware of any mice or bird nests in the folds of the fabric, as these will also cause damage. Closing your curtain periodically will help control this problem.
By taking these precautions, you can maximize the durability of your sidewall curtain fabric and prevent costly repairs or replacements. Regular inspections and maintenance will help keep your system functioning smoothly for years to come.
