Roller Shade Hem Bars
Most roller shade manufacturers have at least 2-3 styles of hem bars, and it is vitally important that you pay attention to them. Here is a short summary of the construction of the 3 most common types of hem bars. Take a look!
Heat Sealed
Often called a ‘pocket’ hem bar. This type of hem bar is created out of the same roller shade fabric being wrapped around an aluminum weight and sealed via a heat application. This hem bar is the lowest profile and because it maintains nearly the same thickness as the roller shade, when it is retracted it cannot be seen. This is the most common type of hem bar.
External Hem Bar
An external hem bar is made with a squared aluminum tubing clamped onto the bottom of the roller shade. The ends are capped with plastic pieces and the entire bar is typically finished in the same color as the fascia. This hem bar is required with all external roller shades, when hold-downs are specified and also provides a much more substantial finished edge.
Fabric Wrapped
A combination of the above two styles, attempting to provide the benefits of each – discrete visual presence with a substantial support at the bottom of the shade band. Fabric wrapped hem bars are almost identical to external hem bars except they are completed by the roller shade fabric being wrapped around the aluminum bar. This option allows for the more substantial bottom yet continues with the exact color of the roller shade fabric minimizing visual impact. This bar can also be used with hold downs. Note that the entire extruded bar is not wrapped with the roller shade fabric, only the front portion that faces the guestroom, while the back is still exposed aluminum.
Download our Roller Shade Hem Bar Styles resource card
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