Yes. Although zip screens are designed for outdoor use, they also work indoors: on site we mostly fit them inside offices and under the glass roof of winter gardens (Sky Zip). As they are motorised, the power supply and a solid fixing surface should be planned from the start.
Short answer
Yes. A zip screen is designed for outdoor use, to withstand wind and rain, but it is also used indoors. On site we see two indoor uses most: inside the large glass façades of offices, and as a roof blind under the glass roof of winter gardens (Sky Zip).
Where is it used indoors?
| Place | Why a zip screen? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Office glass façades | Flat, taut, clean look; cuts the sun while keeping the view | Offices mostly use them indoors, without printing |
| Winter gardens and under glass roofs | Reduces summer heat from the glass roof | Roof model Sky Zip (roof blind guide) |
| Large openings | Up to 4500 mm wide × 3000 mm high per screen | Wider façades are split into several screens |
Advantages indoors
- No gaps at the edges: the fabric is zipped into the side rails; it doesn't hang loose or ripple like a classic roller blind.
- Doesn't black out the room: the micro-perforated fabric cuts glare and heat while keeping the view. Denser fabrics are available for more shading.
- Motorised, with remote: Somfy-motor screens can be linked to smart-home systems. Wind or sun sensors are not fitted to zip screens.
- Corporate look: profiles can be painted in RAL colours and the fabric can carry a logo (logo printing).
Planning points
- Power: it is a motorised system; where the power comes from is decided at the survey.
- Fixing surface: concrete, plasterboard or aluminium; a solid surface that holds screws is needed.
- Cassette space: the cassette holding the rolled fabric sits at the top; suspended ceilings and the space above the window are taken into account.
- Manual or motorised: manual models can be made but we don't recommend them (motorised or manual?).
Indoors or outdoors?
If you want to stop solar heat before it reaches the glass, an outside screen is more effective; if the façade cannot be touched, or the aim is mainly glare and privacy, an indoor installation is chosen. Comparison with shutters and roller blinds: zip screen, shutter or roller blind? Fabric and colour options: zip screen materials and colours.
For use under a glass roof, the screen is planned together with the winter garden project. To choose size and fabric for your office or home, request a free survey.
