Outdoor BlindsKnowledge Hub
Alfresco entertaining is a major part of Adelaide living. With so many options for sun protection and outdoor blinds, we want to help our customers choose the right blind. To assist, we have compiled this list of differences between the major track-guided outdoor blinds. Both Ziptrak Blinds and Zipscreen Blinds offer the ultimate external screening solution, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor area and alfresco entertaining areas year-round, while also protecting your outdoor furniture from harsh weather conditions.
Stan Bond supplies both Ziptrak Blinds by Ziptrak and Zipscreen Blinds by Acmeda as well as other related products. See our full range of the best blinds and window furnishings, including outdoor roller shutters, straight drop systems, and custom-designed systems.
Often, we get asked what the difference is and which one is better. Both are excellent systems but have distinct strengths and weaknesses. A review of the differences is important before you make a decision. For customers seeking a durable alternative with fabric securely held in place, both options provide outstanding performance.
Ziptrak and Zipscreen are different hardware systems. Mesh or clear PVC is a fabric choice on either system, where the current product information guide allows.
Note – Ziptrak® is a trademarked product and has patented design elements. Zipscreen is a registered product. This article constitutes the opinion of the writer, an opinion which may not be universally agreed.
Ziptrak vs Zipscreen at a glance
| Point | Ziptrak | Zipscreen |
|---|---|---|
| How the fabric is held in the channel | Cordura tape, often called Kedar, which is high-frequency welded to the fabric. | One side of a 5mm Zip, known as Z-Lock technology. |
| Edge colours | The Kedar comes in six colours: Black, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Beige, Cream and White. | The zip comes only in Black or Cream. |
| Hold-down | Hold down with a centre release lock or channel latches. | Zipscreen can use Ultra-Lock, the Acmeda auto lock with a compatible motor, and/or side slide bolts. |
| Look | Where a top box is not used many customers prefer the look of the open style Ziptrak blind. | Customers prefer the look of the Zipscreen top box cassette and the more sleek side channel design. |
History – Ziptrak Outdoor Blinds
Ziptrak Blinds were designed by a South Australian company that manufactured roller shutters and external sun-shading systems. They created Ziptrak to address the need for a product without gaps and one that was easy to operate. The system incorporates spring operation for smooth use and ensures the fabric is concealed within the channels for a streamlined finish. This innovative product is widely regarded as the ideal solution for entertaining outdoors or creating a cosy outdoor entertainment area.
The designer of the system enhanced parts and designs, including specifically designed brackets and plastic components. Stan Bond manufactures Ziptrak blinds for suitable openings. Coastal exposure requires a site assessment and product-specific operating and cleaning guidance.
The important element to note here is the system was designed here in South Australia for SA conditions.
Learn more about Stan Bond Ziptrak Blinds or the designer at Ziptrak.com.au
Ziptrak Blinds are often misnamed as Ziptrack Blinds, Zip Track Outdoor Blinds, Ziptrak Cafe Blinds or Zip Trak Blinds. These names refer to the same registered product. Strangely the Ziptrak product actually does not have any Zips or Zippers.
History – Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds
Acmeda is an Australian design and manufacturing company for systems and components in the blind industry. In 2015, Acmeda joined with US company Rollease to become Rollease Acmeda. Their zipscreen retention side guides and secure guided movement technology set them apart as leaders in outdoor shading solutions.
For some time, Acmeda offered an internal Zip Block Out Roller Blind system, often called Shy Zip. With the success of Ziptrak Outdoor Blinds, Acmeda decided to design a competitor product using Z-Lock technology. This design retains the fabric in side channels and improved fabric tension through its welded zip design. The result is a streamlined system with an ultra-smooth fabric finish that perfectly complements modern aesthetics.
Acmeda has now released the Veue Awning range, which includes straight drop blinds, wire guide blinds, and the Zipscreen Extreme system, capable of covering blinds up to seven metres wide.
Learn more about Stan Bond Zipscreen Blinds or the designer at Zipscreen.com.au
What is the difference – Kedar vs Zip
The two photos below show a cutaway of the Side Channels showing exactly how the Fabric is retained in the side channels. This is the most obvious and important difference between the two awnings.
The Zipscreen blind is held into the channel by a small zip, known as Z-Lock technology. This external solution offers a sleeker finish, with the fabric concealed in the side channels. While it provides a lighter operation, it may jam under wind pressure if not installed correctly. Note there is no actual zipper but just one side of a 5mm Zip. The zip is high frequency welded to the fabric and comes only in Black or Cream. The zip is slightly more slippery than the Kedar so the operation of the blind is a little lighter in fair conditions. However, the zip has a tendency to jam or stick more easily when under wind pressure. This can make it stick more when motorised.
The advantages of the Zipscreen Zip is that is not seen easily as it only welded on one side of the fabric (the rear side generally) and the zip sits hidden within the Zip screen channels so it is not easily seen.
Disadvantages of the Zipscreen Zip mainly relate to the zip not being as forgiving to house movement, poor installation or wind pressure on the fabric. The product can still be used in these circumstances but not as smoothly as a Ziptrak.
The Ziptrak blind is held using a Cordura tape, often called Kedar, which is high-frequency welded to the fabric. This system ensures that the fabric screen remains taut, even in windy conditions, making it a durable alternative for high-performance areas. This Kedar is high frequency welded to the fabric (not stitched as it looks ugly). The Kedar comes in six colours: Black, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Beige, Cream and White. The black has a tendency to fade slightly so ends up looking like a dark charcoal colour. This Kedar is very strong and can withstand a lot of force which means the Ziptrak Fabric is held tightly in the channel.
The advantages of the Ziptrak Kedar is that you can tighten the fabric more than the Zipscreen system. Also, the round Kedar seems to jam less in windy conditions when a Motor is used.
The disadvantages of the Ziptrak Kedar is you can always see it so you have to choose a colour that will go with your area. This can be difficult at times without introducing another colour. The dark colours fade and the light colours are easily made dirty without a good cleaning option.
What is the difference – Hold Down Locks
Ziptrak Straight Drop blinds hold down with a centre release lock or channel latches. Their range of centre release locks or channel locks can be operated from inside or outside. This helps to achieve maximum usability in a range of difficult installations. Both products use small rubber seal strips along the bottom rail to help reduce gaps.
Zipscreen can use Ultra-Lock, the Acmeda auto lock with a compatible motor, and/or side slide bolts. A slide bolt can generally be used inside or outside, but some installations restrict the placement. This can mean that a user needs to go outside of the patio or verandah area to operate and lift the blinds.
What is the difference – Top Box / Aesthetics
Aesthetics are always a matter of personal opinion however we often find customers prefer the look of the Zipscreen top box cassette and the more sleek side channel design. However, where a top box is not used many customers prefer the look of the open style Ziptrak blind.
In a modern outdoor entertainment area, aesthetics play a significant role. The Zipscreen Headbox, crafted from extruded aluminium, delivers a sleek and modern look, while also providing excellent protection for the fabric. This makes it a great choice for suitable outdoor installations or alfresco entertaining areas, where style and durability are equally important.
The Ziptrak Headbox, while functional, offers a more traditional look and is ideal for customers seeking simplicity.
In a modern outdoor entertaining area, we recommend having fully enclosed top boxes as they provide the best protection for the fabric and roller components, reduce insects and look sleek. The below pictures show a few different Zipscreen and Ziptrak installation with and without pelmets so you can choose which you like best.
What is the difference – Price
Price is naturally an important factor in any home purchase. The two systems are generally similar in pricing however the width and drop naturally change the price a lot. We tell customers to budget around $100 more per opening for a Zipscreen over a Ziptrak outdoor awning. Additionally, Stan Bond offers a free measure service to help customers determine their exact requirements for almost any area.
Learn more about Stan Bond Zip Trak Blinds and Zip Screen Blinds.
What about the other brands?
With the popularity of Ziptrack Blind and Zipscreen Blinds in Adelaide homes a number of competitor products have been developed. Due to patent restrictions, these systems are often unable to hold the fabric in the channels using the same method as Ziptrak or Zipscreen.
Other outdoor-blind systems are also available. Compare the complete system’s fit, controls, weather limits, warranty, service and current test information. Our team can demonstrate the Ziptrak and Zipscreen options we supply so you can decide which suits your opening.
Summary
Both Ziptrak and Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds are great sun and weather protection options. If you are interested in learning more about the difference between Ziptracks and Zipscreens for your home or business in Adelaide call us on 08 8336 2066 or request a free measure and quote. A Sales Expert can come to your home and advise you on which system might work best for your needs. One great advantage of dealing with Stan Bond is you won’t have a pushy salesperson trying to tell you one system is better because that is the one they offer. With a wide range of outdoor blinds and awnings, we can help you find the right one for you, not the right one for the sales guy.
