Material Options
All Clear PVC
Clear PVC is great for line of sight and for allowing the sunshine into your space. It does, however, have some drawbacks when it comes to wind blocking curtains. Clear material is not reinforced with an internal scrim like completely opaque material. As such, it is more susceptible to damage with higher wind applications. The type of damage we see is typically grommets popping out from the stress of wind load. This becomes even more problematic if you are experiencing cold conditions, because clear material becomes stiff and cold material.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Ok for light wind loads
- Not ideal for very cold temperatures less than 10°F
- Strongest when anchored on all 4 sides with no flapping
Opaque Vinyl With Vision Panel
Our strongest material is 18 ounce reinforced vinyl. This material is the same material used on trucking tarps, commercial awnings, and bounce houses. It is made for extremely tough conditions, very low temperatures, and is reinforced with an internal polyester scrim to grant it additional strength. You can also add a clear vision panel in the middle to allow some light into your area. Since the vision panel will not be used for anchoring, your only concern would be very low temperatures for that clear material if you are folding the curtain in those temperatures or allowing it to flap in the wind with improper anchoring.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Best for moderate winds
- Great for very low temperatures
- Strongest when anchored on all 4 sides with no flapping
- Can feature a clear PVC vision panel
Opaque Vinyl
Again, the strongest material is our 18 ounce reinforced vinyl. This material is the same material used on trucking tarps, commercial awnings and bounce houses. Here we are not using a vision panel we are just using solid non see-through opaque vinyl. It would take a very strong wind to damage this material, given its very strong construction and internal reinforcement.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Best for high winds
- Great for very low temperatures
- Strongest when anchored on all 4 sides with no flapping
Mounting Hardware Options
Curtain Track | Opens Up
The outdoor curtain track has rollers with hooks that allows you to roll the wind blocking curtains from side-to-side for maximum access to both inside and outside. Made from galvanized steel, the track is made for outdoor use and has a lifetime warranty. You can choose from 5 different mounting styles to fasten to your structure.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Allows for quick access
- Curtains roll with ease to open
- Allows for air flow on nice days
Grommets Only | Static Mounted
If you want your curtain to be static mounted, then it's best to just get grommets around the perimeter of your AKON wind blocking curtains. You can then choose from a wide selection of aftermarket fasteners to attach to your structure. If you need help choosing fasteners, please see this page. You can also purchase the aftermarket wind webbing if you have a large wind blocking curtain, which we review in the next section.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Great for winter/seasonal usage only
- Ideal for long term curtain walling
- Saves money on curtain track that is not needed
Anchoring Options
Grommet Anchors
With the use of the AKON's line of wind proof curtains, you can greatly extend the longevity of your investment. These curtains feature a unique anchor system which reinforces the curtains from the steel track down to the cement. This anchoring system, along with the reinforced trolleys, gives you unmatched strength for windy areas. Installation is quick and side to side movement is available with the use of the industrial curtain tracks.
Wind Webbing | Loose
Curtains can be damaged by strong wind, and this threat increases with the size of the curtains. There is a lot of stress on the grommets and floor anchors as the wind blows. A great way to increase the life of your curtains is to use straps that take the load. Simply use "tie down straps" with "D-Rings anchors" at the top and the bottom. Both are available from Amazon.
Wind Webbing | Attached
Wind Strapping is also available to be sewn right onto the curtain. The webbing reinforces the curtains from the steel curtain track down to the cement, decking or wall surface. This anchoring system along with the reinforced trolleys gives you unmatched strength for windy areas. Installation is quick and side to side movement is available with the use of the industrial curtain tracks. All components are supplied by Akon.
Anchoring Tips
All curtains are attached at the top, so we are not going to spend much time talking about the top attachment. Below we will talk about a few common wind anchoring styles. What's important for the longevity and strength of a curtain is how the curtain is anchored and how the wind load is dispersed.
One of the worst possible scenarios for curtain is wind flapping. If a curtain is flapping around in the wind like a flag, then material damage will inevitably occur. The second problem we see with damage is from wind snap. Wind snap occurs when a curtain is too tall for an opening and the wind snaps the curtain back and forth. For instance, if you have a 10' tall opening and you order a curtain that is 11' tall, then you have a lot of extra material that is going to whip back and forth. The best possible scenario for a wind blocking curtain is for it to be properly sized, anchored and with wind webbing if possible.
Wind Blocking Curtain Summary
Clear Material Versus Opaque
Clear material is not as strong as opaque material, and thus should only be used for applications with light to moderate wind. The exception to that rule is if it's being used as a vision panel for an opaque curtain.
Fabric Material Frays
Fabric curtains, which are very common on the market, are not as strong as vinyl, which is supplied by Akon. Fabric material frays and is not made for harsh conditions.
More Anchor Points Are Better
A well-secured curtain is a long-lasting one. If you are trying to block the wind with your curtain, then it should be properly anchored.
Don't Let Your Curtain Whip
If a curtain is not properly anchored, it will whip around in the wind like a flag, which will inevitably cause damage. Make sure that your curtain is ordered in the correct size and properly anchored.
Weighted Bottoms Don't Work
Curtains that only have weighted bottoms are okay for a slight breeze, but if the wind is blowing hard they too will also blow around in the wind. Physically anchoring your curtain so that it is taut is the best method.
There Are Lots of Fasteners
There are a lot of different fasteners / anchors available for you to secure your curtain. Choose one that is strong and that will not rip out of your structure. View some different outdoor curtain anchors here.
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Wind Webbing | Included
