Shades Support

How to select hembars for Sivoia QS Roller Shades to work with the side channel. 

Overview

Side channels (PDF) are used to eliminate light gaps (PDF) along the side of a roller shade panel. Side channels can be configured within the shading configuration or ordered independently. This document provides information on preferred hembar selections when specifying shades to be installed with side channels.

The wool piles in the side channel block light and at the same time add friction to the roller shade hembar. To ensure proper motion of the shade, the following bottom bar options are recommended: 

1” Exposed Hembar 

The optimal hembar for side channels is 1” Exposed hembar. The shape and the material of the hembar is designed to have the least friction when the hembar is traveling through the side channel. The hembar also has a wool pile on the bottom to reduce the light leakage at the bottom of the shade.

7/16” x 1 3/8” Sealed Hembar

When 1’ Exposed hembar is not desirable, 7/16” x 1 3/8” sealed hembar is the next best option. This is heavy enough to not get caught in the wool pile when the shade is descending. 

Other Considerations

Other Hembar Styles

Designer or Architectural Bottom Bar do not have enough weight to guarantee the side channel will always work when the shade is closing. If a Designer or Architectural Bottom Bar is required, there are “heavy” versions that are available as custom and are compatible with side channels.

Please contact shadingquotes@lutron.com before ordering to request to have your quote updated to reflect the heavy versions of these hembars.

Factors Impacting Side Channel Performance

Wool Pile Orientation: When installing the side channel, make sure the wool pile fiber is angled down. This helps reduce friction on the shade panel while the shade is lowering.

Fabrics Selected: The fabrics selected impact the friction between the wool pile and the fabric panel. For example, a smoother blackout fabric has lower friction than a decorative fabric with a lot of texture.

Alignment: Side channel alignment with the fabric drop is crucial to ensure smooth movement throughout the shade's range of travel. Be aware that the location of the fabric drop drifts toward the shade tube (the rollup gets smaller) as the shade is lowered, and away from the shade tube (the rollup gets larger) as the shade is raised. Optimal side channel mounting location should be determined prior to installing in multiple windows.

Side Channel Sizes: Lutron offers 1.5”, 2.5”, and 3.5” wide side channels. 2.5” wide side channels are used in most applications. 1.5" side channel not recommended for shades larger than 60"W x 120"H. Battens are recommended for shades in side channel greater than 120" tall or on any incline.