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Cellular Side Tracks
Additional light-blocking and insulation for your honeycomb cellular window shades!
When you use our measuring advice and we use our decades of shade-building expertise, you are bound to have an outstanding fit with your new honeycomb cellular window shades. However, it’s the nature of cellular blinds that even with the very best fit, they will still have small gaps at the sides of the shade. Now we have the solution for that situation with our brand new, optional EcoSmart 2.0 Energy-Saving Cellular Side Tracks!
Although the shade itself will always do most of the work, by trapping heat and cold inside the air pockets of the cells and by blocking or filtering almost all of the light and UV rays coming through the window, our side tracks will give you “that little bit extra” to complete the job. Does this mean your shade will be 100% light blocking and airtight? Not quite (please keep reading below to learn what to expect and why). Our side tracks are intended to provide enhancement in both of those areas without compromising the functionality of the shade or creating an undesirable condition for the underlying window. We believe these simple to install and easy to maintain L-shaped channel tracks do exactly that!
Learn more about our new Cellular Side Tracks:
What Are EcoSmart 2.0 Cellular Side Tracks?
EcoSmart 2.0 Cellular Side Tracks are optional L-shaped (otherwise known as right-angle) plastic tracks that are attached to each side of the window frame. One side of the track is adhered to the inside of the window frame with peel-and-stick foam tape and the other side of the track runs behind the back of the shade. The purpose of the tracks is to block most of the light and air that might otherwise come through the small natural gaps on each side of a cellular window shade.
What Color Are the Side Tracks?
At this time, our cellular side tracks are only available in white.
How Big Are the Side Tracks?
The height of the side tracks will be approximately 1/8″ less than the window opening height. This is to ensure that the the tracks will fit in the opening. Each side of the tracks is 1 inch wide. The thickness of the window frame side of the track plus the foam adhesive is approximately 1/8″.
Please note: The maximum height of our side tracks is 94″.
Are the Side Tracks Removable?
These side tracks are not intended to be removed and re-installed. Once mounted, they are expected to remain in place. If at any point you decide to remove them, it is possible that there might be some damage to your paint, drywall, etc. However, we specifically selected the particular adhesive we are using with these tracks because it is less likely to cause damage than most.
Which Styles of Cellular Shades Can Have Side Tracks?
Any of our EcoSmart Cellular Shades (Cord/Chain Loop, Cordless, Twin Pull, or Motorized) can have side tracks as long as the height is no more than 94″.
What Are the Mounting Requirements for Side Tracks?
Our Cellular Side Tracks are intended to be installed only with cellular shades that will be mounted inside the window frame. The frame depth must be at least 1 1/4″ and the sides of the window frame should be flat, smooth (not textured), and clean for proper adhesion of the foam tape. The window opening must have a height of no more than 94″.
How Are the Side Tracks Installed?
We’ve made the installation as simple as possible! Basically, one side of the track will be affixed to the inside of the window frame with peel and stick foam adhesive that is pre-applied to the track, and the other side of the track will run behind the shade. For more details, please see the video at the bottom of this page and/or click here to download the written installation instructions.
Can I Get Side Tracks for EcoSmart Roller Shades?
At this time, side tracks are only available for our EcoSmart Cellular Shades. However, we’re currently gauging the interest in side tracks for roller shades, so please let us know if that’s something you would like us to offer in the future. 🙂
Can I Get Side Tracks for Shades Already in My Home?
Under the right circumstances, it might be possible. If the area that you want the side tracks to cover has between 1/4″ and 3/4″ of space between the side of the window shade and the window frame, and if all of the other mounting requirements above are met, let’s talk!
Do EcoSmart Side Tracks Block All Light and Air?
No they do not. We’re not aware of any cellular side tracks that do. What EcoSmart Cellular Side Tracks will do is reduce the amount of light that shows through the small gaps at the sides of the shade. However, you can still expect a “halo” or glow around all edges of a cellular shade when the room is dark and there is a light source outside, even when using side tracks.
Regarding insulation, the shade always does the majority of the work by trapping heat and cold in the cells (air pockets of the shade). However, without side tracks, some unwanted hot or cold air will leak through at the sides. After adding side tracks, there is no direct path for the air to flow through the gaps, so you will see a boost in insulation (and energy savings!).
Note that this does not make the shade “airtight”, which is actually a good thing. With no air flow at all, you would be creating a trap for moisture, potentially damaging both your shade and your window. (That’s why, in additional to not completely sealing the opening, it is recommended that you open your shade at least a few inches on a fairly regular basis so moisture can escape.) With EcoSmart 2.0 Energy-Saving Cellular Side Tracks, you get the benefit of extra insulation with minimal risk of adverse effects – all while reducing light penetration and allowing unfettered operation of the shade. It’s a win all around!