Outdoor Track-Guided Blinds Tips & Tricks

The Ziptrak® Outdoor Track-Guided blind system is a patented Australian invention designed to make outdoor living more comfortable.

Unlike channel-only outdoor blind systems, the Ziptrak^® Outdoor Track-Guided blind system uses vertical tracks within a channel on each side to guide and secure the fabric. This track-guided design prevents the sides of the blind flapping in the wind and creates a sealed barrier to help keep out dust, dirt, and insects from outdoor areas. The sealed barrier also enhances comfort by trapping warmth in winter or blocking heat in summer, making outdoor areas usable all year round.

• Manual, non‑motorised blinds are spring‑balanced, making them lightweight and easy to operate via the bottom bar. When fully lowered, spring‑balanced blinds lock securely into place.
• Motorised operation is also a popular choice, offering the convenience of controlling blinds with the touch of a button via a remote control or wall switch.

Blinds can also be stopped at any height along the track allowing users to fine‑tune their protection from the sun, rain, wind as well as controlling the airflow, privacy, and views from their outdoor area. When retracted, blinds roll neatly into a protective pelmet at the top, or the roll can be left exposed without a pelmet if preferred.

No. Every Ziptrak^® blind is custom-made to the exact measurements of your opening with specialised components. To achieve the best fit, performance, and appearance, Ziptrak® blinds must be installed by an experienced installer of our products.

Installers in our Retailer network receive specific training in the Ziptrak^® system and bring years of experience to ensure your blinds are robust and reliable. A professional installation is also essential to achieve light-blocking or light-filtering benefits of a Ziptrak^® Interior blind, or the wind resistance and smooth finish of a Ziptrak^® Outdoor blind.

By choosing professional installation, you can enjoy a high-quality product that lasts for years and requires minimal maintenance.

The maximum dimensions of the Ziptrak^® Outdoor Track-Guided blind system are:

• 6000mm wide by 3500mm high for Sunscreen Mesh blinds.

• 5500mm wide by 3500mm high for PVC blinds

If an outdoor space is wider than the maximum size for a single blind, a Ziptrak^® removable post solution allows you to place two or more track-guided blinds side by side. Removable posts are easy to use and can be removed in under 60 seconds, creating a completely open expanse whenever you need it.

The maximum dimensions of the Ziptrak^® Cable-Guided blind system are:

5500mm wide by 3500mm high for both Sunscreen Mesh and PVC blinds.

The colour of your Ziptrak^® Outdoor Blind can be personalised to suit your style and requirements.

Component Colours

Ziptrak^® offers a standard range of 7 colours for tracks, channels, bottom bars and pelmets for its Outdoor Track-Guided system, or for a totally individual look you can choose to tailor these components with a customised powder-coat colour.

Please note custom powder-coating usually incurs an additional cost compared to the standard range.

For the Outdoor Cable-Guided system, Ziptrak^® offers a standard range of 4 colours for the bottom bar and pelmet.

Customised power-coat colours for the Cable-Guided blinds may also be offered by your Retailer; this usually incurs an additional cost compared to the standard range.

Fabric Options

Once you’ve selected your fabric type—Sunscreen Mesh or PVC—you’ll have further choices to consider.

Sunscreen Mesh Fabric

• Available in a wide variety of colours, weaves and brands.
• The colour and weave openness of the mesh affects:
  • Visibility & Privacy – balance your view of the outdoors with desired privacy.
  • Weather Protection – tighter weaves block more wind and rain.
  • Ventilation – open weaves allow greater airflow.
  • Dust Control – tighter weaves help reduce dust entering your space.

PVC Fabric

• Available in clear or smoke tint.
• Provides:
  • Full outward visibility
  • Weather protection
  • No privacy
• High-quality, dimensionally stable (DS) PVC is recommended to prevent issues such as yellowing, cloudiness, brittleness, or changes in shape from environmental conditions such as heat and humidity.
• Achilles Roll Clear is a leading high quality Japanese DS PVC fabric for Outdoor Blinds.

Important Note

The fabric used in a Ziptrak^® outdoor blind is not manufactured by Ziptrak^® itself. Your retailer will guide you in selecting the right type, colour and weave to meet your needs from the outdoor fabric range that they offer.

The Ziptrak^® Outdoor Track-Guided blind system offers two pelmet styles: Streamline and Traditional.

Streamline Pelmets have square design with a modern sleek appearance, available in two sizes – 135mm and 165mm.

Traditional Pelmets, with a multi-angle style profile, are also available in two sizes – 135mm and 175mm.

The correct pelmet size for an Outdoor Track-Guided blind is determined by a Fabricator. Selection is based on the blind’s opening height, width, and fabric choice (Sunscreen Mesh or PVC), the pelmet size is not affected by the type of blind operation (manual or motorised). If you have multiple blinds of different sizes, your Retailer will discuss matching pelmet sizes to ensure a consistent appearance across all blinds.

The Ziptrak^® Outdoor Cable-Guided blind system is available with a Streamline 135mm pelmet only.