This guide provides general information about motorised zip screens.
A zip screen gets its name from a special strip sewn into both sides of the fabric, resembling a zip. This strip fits tightly into aluminium side rails and stops the fabric from coming out of the rail in the wind. As the fabric opens and closes, this zip mechanism slides inside the rail, and when closed, it creates an almost airtight surface. Thanks to this feature, a zip screen can withstand far stronger winds than classic roller blinds or awnings.
Zip screen systems are produced in both manual and motorised versions. A motorised zip screen can be opened and closed with the help of a tubular motor, using a remote control, a wall switch or a smart home app. Some motorised screen systems also include a wind and rain sensor, so the screen closes automatically when weather conditions worsen, without the user having to intervene. In manual zip screen systems, a crank or a spring mechanism is used instead of a remote, and the cost is lower than the motorised version.
Zip screen systems fall into three main models, depending on the surface they're mounted on and their mechanical structure.
The vertical zip screen is the most widely used model. The fabric moves up and down between vertical side rails. It's used on vertical surfaces such as balconies, terraces, the side closure of a pergola, and verandas. When closed, it forms an airtight barrier against both wind and rain.
The ceiling zip screen is mounted on horizontal or sloped ceiling surfaces. It's usually added as an extra layer of sun control under, or on the outside of, bioclimatic pergolas and glass roof systems. It protects the interior from direct sunlight during the hours when the sun is overhead.
The cable-guided vertical zip screen is a version that moves along tensioned steel cables instead of classic aluminium side rails. This design is preferred especially for large openings or projects where the rail isn't wanted for aesthetic reasons. The cable system offers a slimmer look than the rail-guided model, but its wind resistance is generally somewhat lower than that of the rail system.
Zip screen systems are used as an additional shading and windbreak layer in almost every outdoor application, including gardens, terraces, balconies, pergolas, bioclimatic systems, verandas and conservatories. When used together with a glass roof or bioclimatic system in hotel, restaurant, café and villa projects, they extend the length of time the space can be used across all four seasons. However, keep in mind that a zip screen system isn't a standalone system like a pergola that can provide full protection against factors such as rain and wind on its own. This is a screen system designed to protect against the sun, light rain and wind.
Zip screen prices vary depending on the fabric type, motor choice and the size of the area to be covered. In the Turkish market, the price per square metre of manual zip screen systems generally falls in a lower band, while motorised zip screen systems sell at a higher price range because of the sensor and automation hardware. For an exact price, a quote should be obtained based on the project's size, fabric quality and motor brand.
Zip screen fabrics are usually made from special, waterproof, UV-protected weaves, so their maintenance is relatively easy. Regularly cleaning the zip mechanism in the side rails is important to keep the fabric moving smoothly without coming out of the rail. Apart from this, zip screens don't need any particularly special maintenance and are a shading system with a very low maintenance cost.