FAQ

The Ziptrak® Outdoor Blind System offers two Bottom Bars; Streamline and Extra Heavy-Duty.

The Fabricator automatically determines the Bottom Bar type based on factors such as the opening height and width, operation type (manual or motorised), and the chosen fabric (mesh or clear PVC).

For mesh installations up to 5 meters wide (or 5.5 meters for PVC), the Streamline Bottom Bar is recommended. For mesh installations up to 6 meters wide, the Extra Heavy-Duty Bottom Bar is suitable (not recommended for PVC).

The Streamline Bottom Bar ensures a consistent modern profile across all Ziptrak® Outdoor Blinds, providing a perfect match for any setup.

The Streamline Bottom Bar replaces the previous Standard and Heavy-Duty Bottom Bars.

There are two pelmet options available with the Ziptrak^® outdoor blind system, Streamline and Traditional. The size of pelmets available are 135mm, 165mm and 175mm (deep). The size of a pelmet is automatically selected by a Fabricator based on the opening height and width as well as the fabric selected (mesh or PVC). For multiple blinds of different sizes, your Retailer will be able to discuss matching pelmet sizes so that all blinds look the same.

Each and every Ziptrak® blind is custom made to the millimetre for the specific opening of your outdoor area. There are many complex elements related to working with the SuperSpring, motors and setting up the track and channel system that require an installer to work on site to obtain the best visual and functional results.

As a result, no Ziptrak® retailer will be offering the product for DIY installation. Ziptrak® installers are provided training specific to our system, and many have years of experience to provide an installation that is robust and capable of long-term performance in tough conditions. Make sure you have an in-home final measure and quotation, and ask whether your retailer sell the genuine Ziptrak® system. By hiring a professional installer, you’re ensuring that you receive a high quality product that will last for years, look great and be virtually maintenance free.

Ziptrak^® is a patented outdoor track-guided blind system, invented in Australia. Most blinds allow a user to lower and raise the blind, utilising the material of the blind to provide light control and privacy. Track-guided blinds take this a step further, securing the blind material at the left and right within vertical tracks.

The blind material is always held within these tracks, and the tracks are mounted to the wall. This results in a protective layer that controls the flow of air and restricts dust, dirt and insects from entering. The blind will not flap in the wind and there is no unsightly cords, ropes or latches. The sealed system allows the user to trap warmth within their outdoor area during winter, and block the heat from entering during summer.

There is a bar at the bottom of the material, which the user controls with their hand or via a remote for motorised operation. The bottom bar can be left at any height along the track. When fully retracted the blind rolls into itself at the very top, hidden by an optional pelmet. When fully down, the bottom bar locks (manually operated only) at the lowest point to secure the blind, providing a secure and tensioned hold. Non-motorised blinds are spring-balanced, so that the weight of the blind material is substantially reduced for the user. This results in a blind that can be lowered or retracted at the touch of a finger.

A: The recommended maximum dimensions for Ziptrak® blinds are 6000mm wide by 3500mm high when using Sunscreen Mesh, or 5500mm wide by 3500mm high when using Clear PVC. Ziptrak® components including the top tube, spring and bottom bar are upgraded in size, and therefore strength, as the blind becomes larger. This allows the Ziptrak® system to perform at all sizes up to 6 meters, providing ease-of-use and superior wind performance.

Ziptrak® Fabricators will automatically upgrade the components of your system in order to strength your custom-made blind for larger openings. Importantly, there may be a difference between the size and appearance of the tube, pelmet or bottom bar, that should be considered when installing a large blind and small blind next to each other. Depending on the size of the blind and choice of material, there may be a single or multiple vertical seams between separate panels of blind material that have been welded together.

Ziptrak® is known in the industry for being a strong and robust outdoor blind system with premium wind performance and longevity.

A: In terms of the blind material, there are two categories; shade or PVC. Your local retailer will be able to offer you a range of blind material options, in different colours and degrees of visibility, to compliment your structure, décor and outdoor furniture. Ziptrak^® does not manufacture or sell the mesh or Clear PVC that is utilised with our track-guided blind system.

The colour of the Ziptrak^® system componentry (pelmet, bottom bar and vertical tracks) is also customised to your individual requirements. A standard range of colours is available, additionally, you can custom select any colour for power-coating, although this generally adds cost compared to selecting from the standard range.

A pelmet is a framework mounted over the top tube of the blind that conceals and protects the blind material and internal components. Ziptrak^® offers a fully enclosed option made of extruded aluminium: the Ziptrak^® Streamline Pelmet. This pelmet was engineered to withstand the toughest conditions, its design protects the underlying system from the elements, ensuring the blinds will look great and operate flawlessly for years.

The pelmet, vertical tracks and bottom bar are available in a wide range of colours or with the option to customise the colour to match your home structure.

You don’t need to have a pelmet protecting your blind, although it is highly recommended, especially if the blind will be mounted in an unprotected location.

Options and Styles

A: Your local retailer will be able to provide you with a customised solution for mounting Ziptrak® blinds. Generally, most installers will be comfortable installing onto wood, steel, brick and concrete surfaces. If you are in an area susceptible to high winds, or are looking for a very robust installation, make a note to request stainless steel rivets are used fix the Ziptrak® track to the Ziptrak® bracket channel.

There are a range of mounting options available for discrete and modern installation. Ziptrak® offers the most flexible and innovative system on the market, making it perfect for simple or complex installations.

A: This depends on the type of protection you are looking for. If you want to block wind and maintain the temperature in your outdoor living space, whilst ensuring a clear view outside, PVC blinds are the best option. If you prefer to have some airflow, but primarily block sun and glare, then shade materials will be most effective. Sunscreen mesh materials can also block a high degree of wind and rain (up to about 96%), whilst also somewhat maintaining the temperature within your space.

Sunscreen mesh fabrics provide privacy during the day, allowing you to see outside but restrict the view into the outdoor area. At night, the opposite occurs; you won’t be able to see beyond the fabric, whilst someone standing outside will clearly be able to see in if you have a light on within your outdoor area.

The Ziptrak® system is custom-made for every installation, and is compatible with a great variety of clear PVC and Sunscreen mesh products that are not provided by Ziptrak Pty Ltd.  PVC and Sunscreen Mesh are advanced materials, designed to withstand hard Australian conditions with extreme temperature fluctuations. Each Ziptrak® system has a variety of factors that influence the appearance of the blind material, including, but not limited to:
• The size of the opening
• Product selections
• Installation
• Wind and weather variance
• User operation method

Ziptrak® provides effortless and fast operation, whilst securing the blind within a track and can easily be left at any height. As Sunscreen Mesh and PVC are flexible product by nature, users should not expect these materials to look like a fixed panel surface. Any interior or exterior blind material will naturally have imperfections in the finish. Importantly, customers should note:

• Due to the method in which the Sunscreen Mesh and PVC skin rolls onto the Top Tube, minor distortion in the Mesh or PVC can occur vertically near the side Ziptrak® Spline. This distortion is standard and should be expected in most applications. Sometimes, over time and with the warmth of sunlight, some types of distortions may disappear whilst others remain.
• Users may notice the blind seems “baggy” or has a “smiley face” when the bottom bar is left at the half way position (blind is half open). This is common for track-guided outdoor blinds, regardless of brand. This occurs due to the way the material rolls onto the Top Tube, and is to be expected in both motorised or manually operated blinds. To minimize this effect, users are advised to fully retract the blind, and then pull down to the half way position. When the blind is down and locked, users should enjoy the appearance of no sag or “baggy” sections.
• Users should allow a few days for new blinds to “settle”, as the Sunscreen Mesh and PVC has been rolled up prior to installation. Over time, with varying weather conditions, most material distortions should minimize or disappear entirely.
• There will almost always be some type of deflection on the product. It is not under tension and should not be expected to look like a panel of glass.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the appearance of your Ziptrak® system, please seek the support of your retailer, or contact us at Ziptrak Pty Ltd directly.

A: Yes. Motorisation of Ziptrak® blinds is a popular and convenient option for many people. Only Ziptrak® blinds with a SunScreen blind material can be motorised, using 12V/DC Solar or 240V/AC tubular motor with an obstacle detection feature. Motorisation is a good choice if the blind is mounted in a difficult to reach place, or regularly operated by people that will have troubles manually operating it.

For commercial applications, motorisation is perfect for operating a large number of blinds at once.

Strong wind can hold the material of a Ziptrak® blind preventing it from sliding down the tracks, therefore, we recommend that motorised Ziptrak® blinds will be supervised by the operator while they are moving.

Cold environments where temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius are not recommended for motorised PVC blinds as the fabric becomes stiff and less flexible. Many other environments may be suitable depending on consideration of all risks associated with motorising PVC fabrics. Speak with your Retailer to discuss your individual application.

Ziptrak® blinds were invented and designed to avoid the time, hassle and energy required to operate a blind with a crank handle. Ziptrak® blinds are spring balanced which means a user can lower or raise the blind by simply moving it with their hand, leaving it securely in any position. Whilst a crank handle can take a minute to fully lower a blind, a Ziptrak® system takes a matter of seconds.

A: Yes, Ziptrak® blinds can easily span large openings. There are two options if your opening exceeds the maximum recommendation for a single blind:
1) A permanent post
2) A Ziptrak® removable post

These options allow you to have two or more Ziptrak® blinds next to one another with a separating post. Either post can be provided in both steel or aluminium and powder coated to match the other Ziptrak® hardware (side tracks, pelmet and bottom bar). The Ziptrak® removable post can be uninstalled within 60 seconds and offers a completely open span once removed.

A: Generally most councils do not require residents to apply for approval for the installation of outdoor blinds. However, seek independent advice specific to your given council and requirements. Buildings in a community group or managed by a strata may have restrictions that you should consider before deciding to install outdoor blinds.

A: Ziptrak^® blinds are trusted by thousands of Australian homes and businesses to provide an enjoyable outdoor living space. The strong and robust system is commonly installed throughout coastal regions and locations prone to high winds. If you are considering the wind speed, or wind rating for Ziptrak®, please take note of the following information:

In windy conditions, blinds should be left down and locked, or fully retracted – halfway is the most vulnerable position. When expecting or experiencing very strong winds, a storm or a severe weather event, your blinds should be fully retracted.

You may find Ziptrak® spring-balanced blinds are a little tricky to operate during windy conditions due to the pressure of the wind on the blind material. Use your hand to push against the blind material to reduce this pressure and then operate the blind.

Care must be taken when operating motorized Ziptrak® blinds in windy conditions. They must be supervised whilst raising and lowering at all times.

Installation is crucial to determining the performance of your blind in wind.

When you are seeking out Ziptrak^® with all of its advanced product features and benefits, be sure to:

1. Ask your retailer if they sell the official Ziptrak^® system.
2. Ask that your quotation and invoice include the Ziptrak^® brand name.
3. Once installed, check you’ve received the genuine Ziptrak^® system by checking you have the correct parts.

Click here to learn more.

The term Café Blinds generally refers to a clear or tinted plastic PVC material as the skin of the blind. This style of blind provides a complete barrier against wind, dust and insects, as it offers a solid layer of plastic. Shade blinds refer to a mesh or canvas material, which has small holes throughout, allowing a minor degree of airflow, but still blocks dust and insects. Shade blinds block a higher degree of sun and glare compared with PVC materials, and often result in more privacy. Café blinds will be more effective at locking in the temperature that exists within the area. Please note, that if you are looking to motorise your blinds, Ziptrak® only recommend motorisation for SunScreen mesh blinds, not clear PVC.

Updated 01/09/2024

As of 1st September 2024, Ziptrak® has extended its warranty from two (2) years to five (5) years. This warranty applies to all Ziptrak® components of the Ziptrak® Outdoor or Interior system. This warranty is supplied to fabricators, retailers and installers of Ziptrak® blinds who purchase the components from Ziptrak Pty. Ltd., or an Authorised Ziptrak® components distributor.

Consumers who purchase a Ziptrak® product should contact their retailer in the event of any issues with their system.

Retailers have their own warranty period and conditions that consumers should be aware of before deciding to purchase a product. Ziptrak® does not manufacture or sell the skin (material/fabric) of a blind system. As a result, they are not part of the Ziptrak® system and are not included under Ziptrak® warranty. The warranty will void if the fabrication and / or installation of Ziptrak® blind has not been done according to our fabrication and installation manuals.

A: Ziptrak® is a brand of outdoor track guided blinds, protected under patent and invented in Australia. Customers should check whether they are purchasing a genuine Ziptrak® system.

Ziptrak® is the leading brand of outdoor blinds, with a range of differences to competitor products, which combined, make a considerable difference in the operation and longevity of your system. Over 400 retailers in Australia stock our brand, whilst we also export to international markets. Ziptrak® is the trusted solution by thousands of households and businesses around the world, demanding a robust, long-lasting and easy to use outdoor blind.

Only Ziptrak® blinds have a centre-lock-release, which allows you to unlock both the left and right locks simultaneously from the middle. We are also the only system that allows you to lock and unlock the blind from both the inside and outside.

Next, Ziptrak® also has a unique method for attaching the blind material to the vertical tracks. We only utilise the finest materials with exceptional engineering and a patented design. Our system has a strong reputation within the industry, and is often imitated but never duplicated. This results in a secure hold, even with minor house movement and wind pressure on the fabric. The Ziptrak® system will not rattle in the wind, unlike many of the other brands. We also have unique optional extras such as the SolarSmart 100% solar power motorised operation.

Utilise the find a retailer search on our website to find your closest retailers. The retailers on our website purchase from Authorised Fabricators, meaning they sell and install the product to the standards we set as the manufacturer. This ensures you are receiving a genuine Ziptrak® system, installed using the correct components to ensure longevity and proper functionality.

Make sure you ask your retailer to provide the genuine Ziptrak® system.

A: Please click here to learn more about how to look after your investment.

Taking care of your blinds is important to their successful operation and visual condition into the future. Please ensure you correctly understand how to maintain the surfaces before attempting to clean. Users should be particularly careful with PVC blinds.

If you’re interested in cleaning your outdoor blinds click here to learn more about our cleaning product, Swiftee™ !

Ziptrak® has two systems; the Ziptrak® Outdoor Blind System, and the Ziptrak® Interior Blind system.

Each and every Ziptrak® is customised to your individual requirements, and made-to-measure. There a number of factors that effect the price of Ziptrak blinds. These factors include the price, size, material selection and whether you’re interested in a manually operated, or motorised system. Additionally, the complexities of the installation will also determine the cost, since your retailer may have to include extra parts or time to achieve a seamless appearance and reliable performance.

If you’re wondering how much a Ziptrak blind costs, you’ll need to speak with a local retailer in your area.

A: The bottom bar locks into position with two locks at the bottom left and bottom right in order to keep the blind fully down and secured in high winds. If you are outside of the outdoor area and you would like to be able to unlock the blind, ask your retailer for a “reverse lock” addition to your centre-lock-release system. This will allow you to operate the centre-lock-release which faces the inside of your entertaining area, although you are on the outside.

These locks are not designed for use as a security measure. The blind system should not be used as barriers for babies or children. The centre-lock-release mechanism is not child-proof.

Ziptrak® Interior Blinds provide superior insulation, privacy and sun protection. They are an innovative approach to traditional blinds for indoor living environments. Ziptrak® Interior Blinds are track guided, which means the blind material runs securely within a vertical track on both sides. When retracted, the blind is neatly hidden within a discrete and modern pelmet.

Capitalising on our patented track guided blind system; we re-engineered every element to be slimmer and more subtle. Each detail required meticulous design, utilising the most exceptional materials and finishing options. The result is a remarkably unobtrusive form, with timeless simplicity, worthy of its presence within your home.

The Ziptrak® Interior blind can be either hand operated or motorised. With hand operation, the blind is spring balanced, resulting in the blind weight being supported by a tensioned spring inside the pelmet. The subtle bottom bar is easily moved with the touch of a finger, allowing you to open or close the blind in seconds, or leave at any intermediate position along the track. When retracted, depending on the height your blind is installed at, you may not be able to reach the bottom bar to lower the blind. To assist you, there is also an optional pull stick which extends your reach, so that you are able to pull the bottom bar down.

For motorised blinds, there is no visual difference when compared to a manual hand operated blind. You’ll have a simple, easy-to-use remote that allows you to open or close the blind with one touch. Whilst in movement, touch again to stop the blind and leave it at any position along the track.

Neither manual or motorised Ziptrak® blinds require cords or chains, which add unnecessary clutter to your window and a safety risk to children.

A single Ziptrak® Interior blind can be a maximum of 3000mm wide, with a 2800mm drop. The minimum width is 450mm.

For drops up to 1600mm, the pelmet size is 75mm for most fabrics. Drops over 1600mm require a 95mm pelmet size – depending on the fabric selection.

Light and translucent or heavy and block out; Ziptrak® Interior blinds come in a wide range of options. Our system caters for those looking for a defused, luxurious light or advanced light blocking for privacy and light control.

Your retailer will be able to show you dozens of options with different thickness, colour and texture that determine the end result.

A bedroom or media room may require and advance light blocking fabric, whilst a semi translucent material may be perfect for blocking glare and providing privacy, without losing the view, in a living room.

Ziptrak® Interior System comes in black, white and anodised. The pelmet, bottom bar and vertical tracks can also be powder-coated to a colour of your choice to match your home structure.

Options and Styles

The side tracks and pelmet can be secured to practically any support structure of your window opening. Common surfaces that are possible for installation include timber, Gyprock® and plasterboard.

The side tracks (channels) can be installed with either a face fix or reveal approach.

Due to the flexibility of the system, Ziptrak® Interior blinds have a wide range of potential applications:

• Block out for bedrooms, home theatres of home offices
• Safe solution for rooms children are often in; no cords or chains
• Windows that receive direct sunlight. The side tracks and a block out material will provide superior insulation properties compared with any traditional blind
• Kitchen or bathroom windows which require easy to clean blind materials that are mold resistant
• Stylish and minimalist installation for board rooms or conference facilities, offering total block out
• Apartments with large floor to ceiling windows. With a discrete pelmet and slimline side tracks, the Ziptrak® system offers complete light and privacy control when you need it and is unobtrusive when you don‘t.
• Commercial hotel or accommodation providers who require a robust, easy to maintain and simple to use solution for guests

The Ziptrak® Interior blind have a maximum width of 3000mm and drop of 2800mm. With multiple window and door openings, you can split into multiple blinds to effectively cover the area. When pelmets are mounted very high for windows that reach ceilings, motorisation is a popular option. If you have a door opening within a set of windows, it is advisable to have the door opening covered by a separate blind. This allows you to have the other windows covered, whilst the door blind is left retracted.

There are many advantages to a track guided system:

• Advanced light blocking – no light-gaps on either side of the blind
• Spring balanced – leave the blind at any height
• Hand operated – pull down, push up with the touch of a finger
• Motorised – simple remote for electric operation, leave at any height
• Child safe – no cords or chains
• Superior insulation – no gaps for heat to enter during summer or escape during winter*

You can read more about the benefits our the Ziptrak® system here.

*Each Interior Ziptrak® blind configuration has a variety of factors that influence the light, heat protection and insulation properties of the blind system. These include but are not limited to, the size of the opening, fabric selection, window placement and orientation, installation, and user operation method. The fabric utilised for an Interior blind ‘skin’ is not a product of Ziptrak Pty Ltd. For more information about specific properties and features of an Interior blind fabric, please speak with the fabric’s manufacturer.

At this stage, the Ziptrak® Interior Blind system is available through selected retailers only. Please contact us to find out more.

Taking care of your blinds is important to their successful operation and visual condition into the future. Please ensure you correctly understand how to maintain the surfaces before attempting to clean. Click here to download the official Ziptrak® Interior Blind User Guide, for correct operation and maintenance of your genuine Ziptrak® blind.