The world is getting hotter and hotter and it seems that just running the air-conditioning harder isn’t always the right solution. Many new buildings (and some existing ones) nowadays are designed (or retrofitted) to use external shading devices. There are three different types of external shading devices: venetians, shutters and zipscreens.
But – what are zipscreens?
If your first thought is that of a giant zipper running down the middle of a mesh tarp you’re not alone
Thankfully, that’s not what they are.
A zipscreen is a highly engineered outdoor roller blind. What makes it a “zip” screen is how the fabric is held in place. Instead of hanging loose at the sides like a traditional roller blind, the edges of the zipscreen fabric are welded with a hidden, zipper-like spline. This spline locks securely into aluminium guide rails on either side.
Zipscreens are highly effective at reducing the solar gain inside a room while being very wind resistant. They offer a good view to the outside during the day while they do not offer privacy at night (except if a total blackout fabric is used).
The solar gain the fabric allows inside the room can be chosen:
- 5%: standard fabric with a good compromise of solar gain and view to the outside
- 10%: more view to the outside with reduced solar gain reduction
- 1%: very high solar gain reduction with reduced view to the outside
- 0%: total blackout
Best use: Living areas without privacy requirements. North, East and West facing
