Did you know: in testing at the Monash University Wind Tunnel, a 2.4m x 2.4m Zipscreen withstood 140km/h winds, which was the fastest speed the tunnel could produce. And while it’s a pretty impressive result, it’s not a rating to live by. Our Zipscreen manufacturer recommends retracting your Zipscreen in strong or gusty winds, simply because it isn’t designed to stay down through rough weather. Not much is.
So where does that leave you when you’re weighing up zip blinds for your patio? We’ve been installing outdoor blinds across Brisbane’s southside and the Redlands since 1992, and Zipscreens are one of the products we get asked about most. Here’s how they work, what the wind testing actually tells you, and when we’d point you towards something else.
What makes Zipscreens different from standard outdoor blinds
Most outdoor blinds hold their fabric in place with straps, wire guides or open-sided tracks. That works well enough on a calm day, but the edges of the fabric are still free to move. When the breeze picks up, you’ll get flapping, rattling and gaps down each side that let in wind, low sun and insects.
Zipscreen outdoor blinds, on the other hand, take a different approach. The edges of the fabric are locked inside the side channels for the full length of the drop, so the blind sits flat and taut with no gaps. It’s a big part of why they suit so many Brisbane patios and alfresco areas, handling our strong sun, glare and everyday breezes well.
If you’re comparing options, our outdoor blinds page will walk you through the rest of our range.
How do Zipscreens work
The key to making them work is Zipscreen’s z-LOCK technology. A Japanese-made zip is welded along each side of the fabric, and that zip runs inside slim aluminium side channels where it’s hidden from view.
Because the fabric is held along its entire edge rather than at a few points, it can’t blow out of the track, and it doesn’t rattle around in the wind the way looser systems can. And, with the blind fully lowered, there are no gaps at the sides for mozzies to find on summer evenings.
Your fabric choice plays a part too. We offer screen fabrics in 5%, 1% and zero openness, depending on how much view, privacy and sun protection you’re after.
The side channels also offer 20mm of adjustment, which helps with openings that aren’t perfectly square. That’s handy for older homes and verandahs that have shifted a little over the years, where a standard blind might leave an uneven gap.
What the wind rating actually means for your home
That wind tunnel result tells you Zipscreen is a well-engineered, strongly built system. What it doesn’t tell you is how your blind will behave on your patio in Queensland’s very real, and very wild weather.
The test used one blind size in controlled conditions. At home, your blind might be a different size; the wind comes in gusts rather than a steady stream; air swirls around corners and eaves; and loose debris gets thrown around.
The manufacturer also notes that performance depends on how and where the blind is installed, including the structure it’s fixed to.
So we suggest treating the tunnel figure as a sign of build quality rather than a guide for what weather your blind can handle.
When to retract your Zipscreen in Brisbane weather
Brisbane’s storm season runs from roughly November to March, and southeast Queensland is known for supercell storms that can arrive fast with destructive gusts and hail. Your Zipscreen isn’t built to ride out a storm or strong, gusty winds, so it’s worth getting into the habit of bringing it up early.
Wind speed is tricky to judge at home, especially when it comes in sudden gusts, so rather than waiting to see how strong it gets, simply keep an eye on the weather. If strong or gusty winds are forecast, retract your Zipscreen early to protect your investment.
We’d suggest bringing it up when:
- A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area
- Strong or gusty winds are forecast for the day
- Storm clouds are building, even if no warning has been issued yet
- You’re heading out on a hot, humid afternoon during storm season
For our waterfront clients in Wellington Point, Redland Bay and Cleveland, the breeze off the bay is often stronger and more consistent than it is a few streets back. We use corrosion-resistant, salt-air approved hardware for homes near the water. When we measure up, we look closely at how exposed your outdoor space is and talk you through how often you’re likely to be retracting, so you know what to expect before you buy.
When a Zipscreen isn’t the right call
For larger openings or spots with more wind exposure, Zipscreen Extreme is the heavy-duty version of the system. It’s built for bigger spans and more demanding conditions, though the same retraction guidance for strong, gusty wind still applies.
In very exposed positions, like rooftop terraces, high balconies facing open water or patios that cop the full force of the prevailing wind, you could find yourself retracting most afternoons. At that point, you’re not getting the value you paid for. For spots like these, fixed Weatherwell aluminium shutters can be a better fit, giving you shade and privacy without needing to be raised when the weather turns.
Our guide to the best outdoor blinds for wind and rain covers a few more options worth considering.
We’ll always give you an honest recommendation based on your space, even if that means steering you away from the product you came in asking about.
Manual vs motorised Zipscreens
Manual Zipscreens are simpler and cost less upfront. They’re a good choice for smaller openings you use every day, especially if you’re usually home to raise and lower them yourself.
Motorised Zipscreens let you raise and lower your blinds by remote control or a smart home app, with battery-powered and 240V hardwired options available. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost, so it’s worth thinking about how you’ll actually use the space.
Talk to us about Zipscreens for your outdoor area
If you’re weighing up zip blinds for your patio, deck or alfresco area, we’re happy to help you work out whether they suit your space. We’ll come out for a free measure and quote, look at how exposed your area is, and give you straight answers on what will work.
Building or renovating? We can also quote off your plans. Give us a call on 07 3245 7781 or find out more on our Zipscreen page.