Ziptrak vs Zipscreen - What’s the difference?
When it comes to choosing outdoor blinds for your property on the Sunshine Coast, the options can be overwhelming. Two of the most common systems are Ziptrak and Zipscreen. Both are known for their durability, functionality, and style but there are some subtle differences.
Ziptrak has several key features that give it a significant advantage over Zipscreen, including durability to the Australian weather, price, and functionality. When selecting the perfect blinds for your Sunshine Coast home, you need to consider your budget, style preferences, and it ability to survive the harsh salt air.
If you're struggling to choose between these two leading contenders in the blinds market, here's a comparison of their features and benefits.
Ziptrak: The Australian-made leader
Ziptrak blinds were created by a South Australia company and specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and the Australian Sun. Originally specializing in external sun shading shutters, the company transitioned to focus on locally developing and manufacturing products that were as weather protective as roller shutters but cleaner looking and focused on providing shade.
Following their initial product launch, the company spent several years perfecting and refining the design of the blinds, resulting in the highly functional and modern products available today. The harsh sun and salt air in Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world. Ziptrak has developed their product to remain durable and last in these conditions. Their commitment to delivering high-quality Australian-made products at affordable prices, sets them apart from competitors.
Zipscreen: The international behemoth
Rollease Acmeda, a multinational behemoth with a global reach that includes the US, Australasia, and Europe, Rollease Acmeda provides automated blinds to customers worldwide.
Their Zipscreen design incorporates earlier blind technologies like the ZLock, making them the nearest competitor to Ziptrak in the Australian market. While they faced some initial design challenges, they have since subdued them and now offer a full range of Zipscreen products.
It's worth noting that although Zipscreen blinds have been designed to work accommodate the rugged and unpredictable Australian weather, the company is not Australian like Ziptrak and does not specifically target the Australian market.
How is the fabric held tight?
There is large differences between Ziptrak and Zipscreen in how the fabric is held inside the side channel.
The key to a high-quality and durable outdoor blind is how well the fabric is held inside the channels on either side. If the design is bad, the blind will jam or pull out of the channel.
Ziptrak Blinds use double sided Cordura tape with a Kedar piping insert. The fabric is inserted to the tape and welded on both sides to create a strong join. The join has enough stretch and elasticity that is can move freely and rollup without damaging it.
In comparison, Zipscreen use a single sided zip named Zlock. The 5mm zip is welded on one side of the fabric. Similar to the zipper of a handbag or jacket pocket.
In locations such as coastal regions like the sunshine coast, Ziptraks Cordura tape and Kedar side spline is more durable in salty air.
How do Ziptrak and Zipscreen blinds operate?
Both are comparable here. They both offer spring and motorized variations. The spring versions operate the same. Stopping at the top and locking in at the bottom. Letting go of the blind at any height, it will simply stay at that height. However, Ziptrak blinds do have the option to put stoppers at any height to ensure that it cannot raise regardless of wind.
How should you decide?
To determine which product is suitable for your home, there is couple a things to consider.
If you live near the ocean/salt air the Ziptrak blind is better suited.
The price between the Ziptrak and Zipscreen is very close. If you live in Australia, Ziptrak is generally more competitive on price as its an Australian-made product. If you live in the USA or elsewhere, it will be easier to source Zipscreen.
What design suits your home? The Ziptrak protective pelmet has rounded edges giving it a sleeker look. Compared to the Zipscreen, that has very square edges
Consider the company that will install it. Ziptrak runs training courses that retailers use to become verified installers. Always check to ensure they are verified. Zipscreen does require verified installers.