You can exit at either end of any curtain panel whether it is sealed to a wall, support column or to another curtain panel. When two curtain panels come together to form a doorway, we have a special method for sealing using fiberglass rods and magnets, but first, let's describe the binding in greater detail.
Recall that we fold the binding in half like a taco, tuck the netting inside and double-stitch it. Between the fold and the first row of stitching there is a narrow 1/4 inch hollow channel. This hollow channel will accommodate a 3/16 inch fiberglass rod that inserts up into the side binding through a small hole at the base of the curtain. The rods are 10ft in length and can easily be cut to the height of your curtain. When the curtains hang, there is a nice straight and semi-stiff edge to the side binding.
Fiberglass rods are flexible and won't prevent you from swagging your curtains AT ALL. In fact we coil the rods into 18" rings when we ship them along with your curtains. Fiberglass rods can be used on any SIDE binding. Fiberglass rods are NOT intended to be used in bottom bindings.
To create a sealed panel-to-panel doorway, insert fiberglass rods into each adjacent side binding.
Overlap the 2 adjacent bindings so that one is directly aligned over the top of the other. Use stitched magnet pairings every 2 to 3ft in such a way that the magnets don't directly touch.
When done correctly it will look like an Oreo cookie. Magnets are on the outside and the two overlapping bindings are the delicious creamy filling on the inside.
Fiberglass rods give your side bindings a nice straight edge and distribute the pressure on magnets and marine snaps more evenly making them more efficient. In fact, they are strongly recommended when sealing the side of your curtain to a non-wood surface such as masonry, vinyl, or aluminum siding.
Why not use Velcro or zippers? Velcro works too well and it is a big hassle to open and reseal. If your curtain is taller than you can reach, you will need a step stool. The beauty of the magnets is that they are incredibly strong. All you need is for those two side bindings to be within 3 inches of each other and they will attract by jumping at each other like two young lovers stealing a kiss.
Because the magnets are polar, there is only one way they can close. Correctly! When it is time to wash your curtain, clip off the magnets, slide out the fiberglass rods and toss your curtain in the washing machine. |
