What Is a Zip Screen? A Guide to Zipped Shading Systems
A zip screen is a motorised vertical shading system whose technical fabric runs in side guides. A zip along the edge of the fabric keeps the screen in the guide. Airflow, privacy and how far it reduces insect entry vary with the chosen fabric and the bottom closing detail.
How Does a Zip Screen Work?
The technical fabric of a zip screen runs in side guides and helps control sun and view. A zip along the edge of the fabric holds the screen inside the side guide; the screen runs down and up by motor and can be stopped at any height.
What sets it apart from a conventional roller blind is that the edges of the fabric are held in the guide. See the zip screen page for details.
Choosing the Fabric
Light transmission, the view out and privacy vary with the type of fabric. A more open weave keeps more of the view; a closer weave gives more shade and privacy. The code of the chosen fabric is written in the quotation; light and UV data are stated in the material data sheet.
What to Expect for Wind and Insects
The zip edge holds the fabric in the guide and, depending on the fabric used and the installation, reduces the effect of wind. That does not mean it can be used in all conditions: the limit for use in wind is stated at handover for the selected model. On systems fitted with a wind sensor the screen retracts when the set threshold is exceeded.
The side guides close the edges; how far insect entry is reduced depends on the chosen fabric and on how the bottom bar meets the floor. If the floor is not level, a gap can remain at the bottom edge.
What a Zip Screen Does Not Replace
The system is not an insulated wall that replaces a glass façade. It can reduce the effect of rain depending on the fabric, but it is not a watertight enclosure. For heated use, the roof, glass, profiles, floor and ventilation are assessed together, and sliding, folding or guillotine glass come into play.
When Is It the Right Choice?
- When shade and privacy are wanted on the sides
- When the roof is already covered (a bioclimatic pergola or a motorised pergola awning) and the sun comes in from the side
- When glass is not wanted and view and airflow should be kept
Dimensions and Installation
Feasible dimensions are confirmed from your measurements. On wide openings several screens are planned side by side. The motor and controls are chosen for the size of the system and how often it is used.
Care
Care follows the operating instructions of the chosen fabric and motor; the instructions are handed over with the system.
Conclusion
A zip screen is used for shade and privacy on the sides. Its effect on wind and insects depends on the fabric, the bottom closing and the installation; it does not take the place of glass systems.