A zip screen can be motorised or manual, but the price difference between them is small. Because the manual mechanism is harder to use and more prone to problems, motorised zip screens are chosen far more often. We compare the two.
Two options
- Motorised zip screen: a motor turns the roller in the cassette. It works by remote, wall switch or phone app, and wind and sun sensors can be added.
- Manual zip screen: opened and closed with a crank; no power needed.
SkyArt installs its zip screens as motorised, remote-controlled systems.
Comparison
| Motorised | Manual | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | One touch; several screens at once | Each screen by crank |
| Wide and tall screens | Easy | Harder |
| Sensors (wind, sun) | Can be added | None |
| Power | Needed | Not needed |
| Budget | Slightly higher; the difference is small | Slightly lower |
| Mechanism | Smooth, trouble-free | Harder to use, more prone to problems |
Why mostly motorised?
The main reason: there is only a small price difference between motorised and manual zip screens. The manual mechanism, meanwhile, is harder to use and more prone to problems. That is why most of our clients choose the motorised system.
- Wind safety: a wind sensor retracts the screen in strong wind even when you are away, extending fabric life.
- With a pergola: the louvres, LEDs and side screens of a bioclimatic pergola can share one control setup.
- Wide openings: lowering several screens with one touch is a big convenience on restaurant and terrace fronts.
Power preparation
A motorised screen needs a power supply at the top corner where the cassette sits. With pergolas, the supply usually comes from the pergola's electrics. For measuring and preparation: how to measure for a zip screen.
