A zip screen withstands winds up to 120 km/h because the fabric is locked into the side rails by zips on both edges. It blocks most sun and rain, but it is fabric, not glass, so it does not insulate. We answer the seven most common questions one by one.
Short answers
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Wind-resistant? | Yes, up to 120 km/h |
| Does it stop the wind? | Yes, when closed it covers the whole opening |
| Does rain get through? | Most rain is blocked; full waterproofing depends on the fabric |
| Does it block the sun? | Yes, it filters sun and UV according to the fabric's openness |
| Does it keep the cold out? | It cuts wind chill, but does not insulate like glass |
| Does air pass? | Screen fabrics are micro-perforated, so air keeps circulating |
| Can people see in? | Hardly by day; at night, with lights on inside, silhouettes can show |
Why a zip screen doesn't flap in the wind
In a classic roller blind the fabric edges are free, so wind bellies the fabric and pulls it out. In a zip screen a zip is welded to both fabric edges and locked inside the side rails. The fabric stays taut, which is why SkyArt zip screens withstand winds up to 120 km/h. In very strong storms we still recommend retracting it.
Rain
A closed zip screen stops most side rain. Screen fabrics are micro-perforated, so some moisture may pass in heavy horizontal rain; Serge Ferrari fabrics come in series with different light and water properties. If you need full waterproofing, choose the fabric with us during the site visit. See our fabric guide.
Sun and heat
The screen stops the sun outside, before it hits the glass, so the space heats up much less than with an indoor blind. The lower the fabric's openness, the deeper the shade and the less you see outside.
Cold
To be honest: a zip screen is fabric and does not insulate like glass. It cuts wind and rain, which noticeably reduces the chill on a terrace or under a pergola. For a warm room in winter, close the side with guillotine glass or another glass system and use the zip screen for shading.
Privacy
With screen fabrics you see out by day while people outside hardly see in. At night, with lights on inside, this reverses. For night-time privacy choose a denser (blackout-type) fabric.
Maximum size and warranty
- A single zip screen is made up to 4500 mm wide × 3000 mm high; wider openings are split into several screens.
- SkyArt zip screens carry a 2-year warranty.
Disadvantages
- No thermal insulation; not enough on its own for winter.
- Should be retracted in very strong storms.
- Manual versions are harder to use and more trouble-prone, so most people choose motorised (motorised or manual).
- Fabric and rails need occasional cleaning (cleaning guide).
Request a free site visit to choose the right fabric on site.
