When upgrading your outdoor space for shading, privacy, and weather protection, two standout systems are Ziptrak and Zipscreen. Both offer excellent benefits, but Zipscreen takes the lead in key areas like smoother operation, a more compact design, and wider maximum span. In this article, we’ll explore why Zipscreen is the better choice for your outdoor area.
What Is Ziptrak?
Ziptrak is a well-known outdoor blind system that features a track-guided mechanism to secure the fabric, providing solid shading, privacy, wind and weather protection. While its design is sturdy and built to last, it’s not as sleek or as taut in finished appearance as Zipscreen—Ziptrak is robust and durable, but will require the user to be conscious of variance in the ease of operation and overall appearance in varying weather conditions.
What Is Zipscreen®?
Zipscreen® is a premium outdoor screen system that uses advanced zip-lock technology to secure fabric along the sides, keeping it taut and stable. It’s known for its streamlined design, smoother operation, and the ability to cover larger areas—up to 5.4 metres wide—with a sleek 120mm head box, making it the ideal option for contemporary outdoor spaces. Available in both manual and motorised versions, Zipscreen offers the perfect blend of functionality and style.
Key Benefits of Zipscreen Over Ziptrak
1. Smoother, Effortless Operation
Zipscreen offers smoother operation thanks to its innovative zip-lock system and infinity spring that ensures the fabric stays taut without the need for extensive maintenance. The system glides effortlessly up and down, ensuring an effortless user experience. In comparison, Ziptrak’s track-guided system, while functional, can feel more cumbersome and may require more effort to adjust, particularly with larger installations. Zipscreen’s design is refined for smoothness and ease, making it the more intuitive choice. Both models can be manufactured in manual and motorised options, with Zipscreen having a more consistent appearance through the bottom rail and fabric overall look when mixing the operating modes on the same home.
2. Compact, Sleek Design
One of Zipscreen’s strongest selling points is its ultra-slim 120mm head box, which is the smallest in the industry for a system that can be used to span up to 5.4 metres in width. The Zipscreen 160 and 190 pelmet can be used to span up to an industry-leading 7m in one length. This allows for a more discreet and modern appearance, fitting seamlessly into the design of your outdoor space. Ziptrak’s head box is slightly larger at 135mm for a span up to 4.5m and has a maximum width of 6m, which can be more visually intrusive or require the addition of posts or two blinds to cover one opening in smaller or more minimalist outdoor settings. Zipscreen provides a cleaner, less obtrusive look.
3. Weather Resistance & Durability
Zipscreen is designed to handle diverse weather conditions, from high winds to rain. Thanks to its unique zip-lock technology, the fabric stays firmly in place without the risk of sagging or coming loose. This makes Zipscreen an excellent choice for areas that experience frequent weather shifts. While Ziptrak is also very durable and boasts the highest wind rating available for Australian-made outdoor blinds, the Kadar spline system can cause variation in the finished appearance of the fabric, particularly when larger panels are required.
4. Larger Coverage Without Compromise
Zipscreen can cover large areas—up to 7 metres in width—without compromising fabric tension or durability. Its advanced design ensures the fabric stays taut and stable, even in larger configurations, so it works exceptionally well on larger patios or verandas. Ziptrak is limited when it comes to very large spans at 6m. Zipscreen is a superior option for those with expansive outdoor spaces.
5. Better Aesthetic Integration
With its minimalistic 120mm head box and streamlined design, Zipscreen integrates effortlessly into modern outdoor spaces, enhancing the architectural look of your home. It’s sleek, discreet, and stylish, offering a polished finish that complements your patio or alfresco area. Ziptrak can appear bulkier, with its track-guided system and larger head box, making Zipscreen the more aesthetic choice for those seeking a refined, low-profile solution.
6. Ease of Maintenance
Both Zipscreen and Ziptrak have extruded pelmet options that contain a special felt brush to assist in cleaning the screens as they go up and down. Both systems require general maintenance and are easy to wash down with a similar process to how you would wash your car. Ziptrak does require the Kadar spline and guides to be lubricated with a non-silicone-based dry glide style spray to assist in the reduction of friction. By nature, the spline contains tension to assist with the tautness of appearance, whereas the Zipscreen is able to hang inside the guides due to the zip-lock design and relies on the weight of the bottom rail and the spring tension system to provide a seamless look to the fabric.
Why Choose Zipscreen?
Zipscreen is the ideal choice for homeowners who want a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing outdoor blind system that excels in ease of use and design. With its ultra-slim 120mm head box, superior smooth operation, and ability to cover larger areas up to 5.4 metres in width, Zipscreen offers everything you need for a stylish, functional outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for wind resistance, privacy, or a sleek design, Zipscreen is the clear winner.
Conclusion
Both Ziptrak and Zipscreen have their merits, but Zipscreen stands out as the superior choice for modern outdoor spaces. With its smaller head box, smooth operation, and ability to cover larger areas seamlessly, Zipscreen excels in providing stylish and practical shading, privacy, and weather protection. It’s perfect for those seeking a more refined, user-friendly solution for larger outdoor spaces or areas that experience frequent weather changes.
To see Zipscreen in action and learn more about its features, be sure to check out the video here.
For a quotation on Zipscreen outdoor blinds for your home, contact Nu Style Shutters today on 1300 798 776 or visit our website at Nu Style Shutters.
