Module 1 of 5
The one width that matters
What Somfy means by track width. After this module you will measure the number the factory builds to.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Drapery · 201
How to Measure and Order a Somfy Motorized Drapery Track
Somfy builds each motorized drapery track to the width you order, so the measurement and the motor choice have to be right the first time. Learn the one width that matters, motor length limits, opening type, brackets and splices, and curves.
You will be able to: Measure a window and specify a Somfy drapery track with the right motor, opening, brackets and splices.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- The one width that mattersWhat Somfy means by track width. After this module you will measure the number the factory builds to.2 lessons · scenario check
- Pick the motor by length and weightHow track length and drapery weight narrow the motor choice. After this module you can rule a motor in or out from the drawing.2 lessons · scenario check
- Opening type and stackHow the drapery opens and where it gathers. After this module you can fill in the opening and stack on an order.2 lessons · scenario check
- Brackets and splicesThe bracket count and splice rules that keep a long track straight. After this module you can count brackets for any length.3 lessons · scenario check
- Curves and mountingWhat changes when the track bends or mounts to the ceiling. After this module you will catch the extra paperwork before ordering.2 lessons · scenario check
- Final quiz10 real job scenarios, one per screen, each with a hint if you need it. Score 80% to pass and get your certificate.
The one width that matters
Pulley end to pulley end
Somfy builds motorized drapery tracks to the width you specify. The finished width runs pulley end to pulley end.
Watch forA track cut to the glass width, not the planned finished width, leaves the drapery short of the frame.
The one width that matters
A finished track
Each track ships at its ordered length. A 10 ft track is 120 in pulley to pulley.
On the jobMeasure twice and write the width in inches on the order, so nobody converts it later.
Check yourself
A client gives you the glass width. What number does Somfy build the track to?
Hint: Somfy names the two ends.
The finished width you specify, measured pulley end to pulley end.
Module 2 of 5
Pick the motor by length and weight
How track length and drapery weight narrow the motor choice. After this module you can rule a motor in or out from the drawing.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Pick the motor by length and weight
Maximum track length
Somfy lists 32 ft for the Glydea ULTRA 35 and Irismo 35 Mini DC, 33 ft for the Irismo 45 WireFree and 36 ft for the Glydea ULTRA 60 and ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee.
ExampleA 34 ft track rules out the Glydea ULTRA 35. Move to the ULTRA 60.
Pick the motor by length and weight
Weight ratings
Somfy rates the Glydea ULTRA 35 for 77 lb and the Glydea ULTRA 60 for 132 lb of drapery. The Irismo 45 is rated 99 lb.
On the jobAsk for the fabric weight with linings. Heavy blackout panels push a job to the ULTRA 60.
Check yourself
A 33 ft track carries 110 lb of lined drapery. Which Glydea fits?
Hint: Check both the length and the weight.
The Glydea ULTRA 60: 36 ft maximum track and 132 lb.
Module 3 of 5
Opening type and stack
How the drapery opens and where it gathers. After this module you can fill in the opening and stack on an order.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Opening type and stack
Type A or type B
Somfy lists track type A for one-way opening and type B for center opening. Stack is left, right or split.
ExampleA door at the left edge of a window wall calls for one-way opening stacking right.
Opening type and stack
Center opening on Ripplefold
Somfy notes that Ripplefold center-opening systems need two butt master arms where the panels meet.
Watch forA center-opening Ripplefold order without the master arms stalls at install.
Check yourself
A wide window with a center meeting point needs drapery that opens both ways. Which track type and stack?
Hint: Somfy codes opening and stack separately.
Type B center opening with a split stack.
Module 4 of 5
Brackets and splices
The bracket count and splice rules that keep a long track straight. After this module you can count brackets for any length.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Brackets and splices
One by each pulley, one every 24 in
Somfy recommends one bracket by each pulley and one every 24 in, plus one bracket on each side of a splice.
ExampleA 10 ft track takes brackets at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 in: six in all.
Brackets and splices
Splices on long tracks
Somfy includes a center splice every 16 ft of track and allows up to two splices per track.
On the jobCount the splice brackets into the order. Each splice adds two.
Brackets and splices
The rail joint
The heavy duty straight rail joint (1782316) is the part for spliced track sections.
Watch forPlan where a splice falls so a bracket sits on each side of it.
Check yourself
How many brackets does Somfy's rule give a 10 ft track with no splice?
Hint: Divide the length by 24 in and count the ends.
Six: one by each pulley and one every 24 in.
Module 5 of 5
Curves and mounting
What changes when the track bends or mounts to the ceiling. After this module you will catch the extra paperwork before ordering.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Curves and mounting
Curves and bends need more
Somfy requires a template for every curved track and its bent drapery track measurement form for bent tracks.
On the jobMake the template at the site visit. Curved track cannot be ordered from a tape measure alone.
Curves and mounting
Ceiling brackets on curves
Somfy strongly recommends swivel ceiling brackets for curved tracks and does not recommend the one-touch ceiling bracket there.
ExampleA straight ceiling-mounted track takes the one-touch bracket. A bay curve takes swivel brackets.
Check yourself
A bay window needs a curved ceiling-mounted track. What do you need before ordering?
Hint: Somfy asks for something physical for curves.
A template of the curve, and swivel ceiling brackets rather than one-touch brackets.
Final quiz
10 questions. Score 80% to pass.
Each question is a real job scenario, one per screen. Stuck? Tap the hint. You see the right answer and why right after you choose. Pass and you get a printable certificate, plus a 10% code for your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: You measure for a new drapery track.
What width does Somfy build to?
Hint: Somfy names the two ends.
Tracks are built to the specified finished width, pulley to pulley.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: An order arrives 6 in short of the frame.
What likely went wrong?
Hint: Custom track ships at the ordered width.
Somfy builds to the width you order.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: A one-way track is 34 ft long.
Which motor is out?
Hint: Check the 32 ft motors.
Somfy lists 32 ft maximum for the Glydea ULTRA 35.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: Lined blackout drapery weighs 120 lb.
Which Glydea is rated for it?
Hint: Compare the weight ratings.
Somfy rates the ULTRA 60 for 132 lb.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: A window opens from the middle and stacks to both sides.
How do you code it?
Hint: B and split go together here.
Type B is center opening; S is split stack.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A Ripplefold center-opening order is ready to submit.
What must it include?
Hint: Somfy notes a part where panels meet.
Ripplefold center opening needs two butt master arms.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: You count brackets for a 10 ft straight track.
How many does Somfy's rule give?
Hint: One by each pulley, one every 24 in.
0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 in makes six.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A track has one splice.
How many extra brackets does the splice add?
Hint: Somfy puts one on each side.
Somfy calls for a bracket on each side of a splice.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: A bay window needs a curved track.
What does Somfy require before it builds it?
Hint: Something physical.
Somfy requires a template for all curved tracks.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: You plan ceiling brackets for a curved track.
Which bracket does Somfy recommend?
Hint: One type is not recommended on curves.
Somfy strongly recommends swivel ceiling brackets for curves.
Almost done
Where should we send your certificate?
Your score shows on the next screen. The certificate goes to your inbox so you can download it again later.
Parts used in this course
Genuine Somfy parts, 5-year warranty
Parts used in this course
