30 Minutes with Workroom Tech: Episode 102 / Shade System Questions

Susan - Workroom Tech
Aug 13
2 min read

On this episode of the podcast, Ceil DiGuglielmo and Susan Woodcock welcome special guest Jennifer White to answer YOUR shade QUESTIONS! Jennifer is the industry expert on roman shade and drapery hardware systems and her advice is practical and smart.

There were a lot of questions from listeners and Workroom Tech students. This episode is informative and fun! Listen to the podcast using the link and see below for videos and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Link to Listen to Episode 102, Shade System Questions

Here are the Questions

1. What system do you use for very small windows, like sidelights on doors?

2. How to you weigh a shade for systems with weight limits?

3. What is the biggest shade you can make and what system is that?

4. Do you recommend using ribs?

5. Is it okay to mount to the front of those tracks with Velcro? Will it hold up?

6. Do you board mount headrail tracks or mount the track to the wall or window?

7. Can you talk about reverse mounted shades?

8. What do you use for weight bars?

9. I’m making sheer shades. What should I know before I choose the shade lift system?

10. What deductions do I take on the system for inside mounted shades?

11. What is the best cordless system?

12. What tension device do you use?

13. Is it better to order assembled or assemble myself?

14. Motorization... there are so many questions. Where do we start?

Take-Away's and Tips for Success

Try using Velcro hook and loop tape for installing shades to headrail tracks.

Susan Woodcock shows how she adds loop strip to the top of a roman shade

For any system with springs you have to follow the fabrication guidelines for that system. Not all spring systems are the same. You make and operate a shade differently for a band spring that for a torsion spring.

Order and know your system before you make your shade. Don’t make your shade and then order the system unless you are experienced with that system.

For inside mounted shades, the system can be a smaller width than the finished shade. That way you know it will fit and not be too tight.

Buy sample kits to learn how to use a system BEFORE you use it for a customer.

If it’s new to you, allow extra time to learn and work with it on your project.

You don't have to be the expert with motorization. Consult and purchase from suppliers who are experts at motorized systems.

Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it’s easy to do!

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

Metal Supermarkets www.metalsupermarkets.com

An example of a digital hipping scale https://awscales.com/se-50-digital-shipping-scale-110-lbs-x-0-1-oz/

U.S. Plastics www.usplastics.com

How to install the Rowley Company tension device