Tips & Tricks – Outdoor Blinds

 

Ziptrak® outdoor blinds are designed to operate simply and smoothly, gliding without resistance in the vertical tracks.

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Operation
  • For hand-operated manual (spring-balanced) Ziptrak® outdoor blinds, always operate the blind from the centre. This will ensure the material rolls evenly onto the top tube.
  • Motorised Ziptrak® blinds should be supervised whilst in motion. Avoid operating the blind in high winds, as the motor will have difficulty moving the blind whilst wind pressure is against the material.
  • During high winds Ziptrak® blinds should be left either fully retracted onto the top tube, or fully down and locked at the bottom. During extreme weather events, Ziptrak® blinds should be fully retracted onto the top tube.
  • Blinds may have difficulty operating whilst in windy conditions, due to pressure against the blind material. Use your hand to push against the blind material to reduce this pressure and then operate the blind.
  • Avoid rolling up blinds when they are wet or have condensation on the surface. Moisture within the rolled up blind material may cause mould to form.
  • Ziptrak® outdoor blinds should always be smooth and simple to operate. If the blind is difficult to operate for no obvious reason, please contact your installer.

 

Cleaning
  • Keeping the Sunscreen mesh or PVC clean is an important part of maintenance to the blind.
  • Clean the blind with a soft cloth and soapy cold water or Swiftee. Allow to dry before rolling up.
  • We recommend VuPlex® for PVC blind cleaning and maintenance. Depending on the type of PVC installed, there may be manufacturer instructions on how to best maintain that specific PVC.
  • PVC will show marks more readily than fabric, so ensure you are treating the surface with care. Be careful to avoid scratching the PVC material.
  • Ideally, PVC blinds should be dried with a cloth for the best cleaning results.
  • Never apply full strength detergents, cleaning fluids, soaps, insecticides or garden sprays to the blind material.
  • Never use bore water to clean the material, or allow bore water sprinkler systems to hit the blind.
  • Never allow petrochemicals or solvents to touch the blind surface.
  • Do not use a high pressure hose to clean the blind.
  • Do not use window cleaning detergents to clean the blind.
  • Do not allow bird droppings, dirt or stains to remain on the material.

 

Smooth Operation
  • In general, Ziptrak® blinds do not require maintenance for smooth operation. However, in dusty environments sometimes you may wish to add lubricant to assist in the continued smooth track-guided operation of the blind. You must use a food grade silicone spray such as Helmar H4000. To apply, lower the blind all the way to the ground, and apply the silicone spray in the groove between the spline tape and the track. Lubricate the entire height of the track, from top to bottom, taking about 10 seconds. Only a small amount of spray is required. Spray both the left and right tracks, on only one side of the blind. Open and close the blind several times after application in order to spread the silicone evenly within the track.
  • It is very important that you do not use any oil based lubricants such as WD40, as they will damage the spline tape and clog the dust inside the track.

 

 

Spare Parts
  • Ziptrak® outdoor blinds should last for many years without issue or replacement of parts. If a part of your blind breaks, please contact the retailer you purchased from. Alternatively, please contact us.

 

 

Level the Bottom Bar
  • Ziptrak® outdoor blinds should always be operated from the centre. If you operate from one side, over time the blind may start to retract onto the top tube unevenly. This will cause the bottom bar to not be level. You will notice that the bottom bar is not level when the blind is fully retracted and the bottom bar is stored at the top.
  • The issue is not a product malfunction or issue with installation. It occurs only due to improper operation. Please contact your installer for assistance in rectifying the issue.