This article will dissect the pros and cons of different kinds of curtain tracks, such as a ceiling wall mount versus a floor-mounted or freestanding curtain.
Types Of Curtain Track System
Before jumping into the pros and cons of each kind of curtain rail, both ceiling-mounted and freestanding, we need to cover some basics. It is important to discuss the different kinds of wall curtain tracks and freestanding systems. Here are the different kinds of track systems you may encounter or consider:
- Chain Mount: Tracks are hung from S-hooks on the ceiling; they can connect to different kinds of ceilings depending on the facility.
- Suspended Threaded Rod Mount: The sturdiest mount possible, combining a strong rod with the beam flange mount.
- Beam Flange Mount: A clamp mount that is easy to install and very versatile.
- Wall Mount: Wall mounts are fairly self-explanatory; they are great for covering doorways or other gaps in the wall.
- Floor Mount: Floor mounts are freestanding and can be moved around.
Benefits Of Industrial Curtains
Beyond just choosing your preferred curtain track, it is important to know why industrial curtains are so helpful to begin with! Here are some common hazards in the workplace and how industrial curtains can help solve these issues:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Dust or liquids on the floor can be tripping hazards; curtains can block these dangers from spreading past a certain point.
- Fire and Explosions: Some industrial curtains are flame-retardant, keeping your workers protected in case of an explosion or fire.
- Noise Hazards: Curtains help absorb excessive noise in the workplace, keeping everyone’s hearing intact.
- Machine Guarding Hazards: Industrial curtains can cover hazardous parts of machinery that might catch on fingers or hair, preventing accidents.
Maintenance With An Industrial Wall Curtain Track
One important part of using any industrial curtain, regardless of the curtain track system, is maintenance. Routine cleaning and inspections of your curtains will help ensure that they are doing their jobs properly and performing to the best of their potential.
As you can guess, freestanding or floor-mounted curtains are much easier to clean and inspect than ceiling-mounted curtains. This is simply because they are easier to reach. If your curtain rail is hung from the ceiling, you may have some trouble inspecting the entire curtain, and may even have to unhook it and bring it to the ground.
Flexible Warehouse Space with A Ceiling Wall Mount
A flexible warehouse space is a benefit of a ceiling curtain track. Flex warehousing is a new strategy all about maximizing your space and allowing for a warehouse floor plan that is entirely transformable. With curtain tracks across the ceiling, you can easily reconfigure your floor into the ideal workspace for any occasion or workload.
With freestanding curtains, your ability to rearrange is slightly inhibited due to a lack of rollers; plus, the floor mounting hardware takes up more space than ceiling-mounted curtains.
Ease of Installing Industrial Curtains
Another factor that may come into play in your decision could be the installation process for these types of curtains. To be completely frank, the installation for both types of industrial curtains, whether you want them freestanding or ceiling-mounted, is fairly straightforward and simple. There is no need to hire an external crew to install the ceiling-mounted curtains; all of the work can be done by your own team!
However, there is something to be said about the ease and simplicity of freestanding curtains. They require less work and do not involve drilling mounted curtain tracks into the ceiling.
How A Curtain Rail Can Save Space
One other element to consider in your curtain track selection is how much floor space you need. While the partition element of freestanding industrial curtains can be a significant bonus, the unfortunate truth is that they can also take up valuable space on your work floor. Especially in a large warehouse or manufacturing floor, space is crucial, and it is essential to make sure you are managing it wisely.
One benefit of ceiling-mounted industrial curtains is that they do not take up any space on your main floor. There is no extra hardware resting on the ground. Plus, you can easily lift or roll them up if you need to move underneath them.
Privacy Partitions with Freestanding Curtains
One additional benefit of using freestanding curtains instead of a ceiling or wall curtain track is the fact that you can create separate enclosures and partitions throughout your workplace. You can designate space in your warehouse to go towards a specific task or goal. Because they are freestanding, they can also be reconfigured as you see fit to make the enclosure larger or smaller, or change its location on the floor.
Floor-to-ceiling mounted curtains can also be used to configure the space, but the curtains will cut through the workspace instead of just the designated area you are looking to section off.
Ceiling Mounts vs. Freestanding Curtains
There is no clear winner when it comes to which type of curtain is inherently better. No matter which curtain track system you choose, there are plenty of benefits to both.
Ceiling mounts are great for:
- Vertical coverage
- Saving space
- Flexible workspaces
- Maintaining temperature control
- And more!
Freestanding curtains are great for:
- High flexibility
- Partition building
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance
- And more!
Whichever curtain track you choose to install for your business, you are sure to see the benefits. If you are unsure which would be more beneficial, consider talking to a professional, like a member of our team at Singer Safety.
The Perfect Industrial Curtains at Singer Safety
At Singer Safety, we have years of experience with a variety of industrial curtains, from ceiling wall mount to freestanding curtains. We can help you determine the curtain and mounting system style that is needed for your industry. Contact us at Singer Safety today to get started.
