Key Takeaways
- Ziptrak® is a spring-balanced system that stops at any height, ideal for large alfresco openings.
- Zipscreen uses a roller cassette and is better suited to windows, doorways and narrower openings.
- Both use a zip-track channel for a sealed, wind-resistant finish.
- Ziptrak® panels go up to 6m wide; Zipscreen typically up to 4.2m.
- Many homes benefit from both: Ziptrak® on large openings, Zipscreen on windows and side panels.
- Creative Canvas supplies and installs both across Sydney. Book a free consultation to get expert advice.
If you’ve been looking into outdoor blinds for your home or business, chances are you’ve come across two names: Ziptrak® and Zipscreen. Both are popular zip-guided outdoor blind systems that protect your alfresco space from wind, rain, sun and insects, but they’re not the same product, and choosing the wrong one can mean compromising on performance or paying for features you don’t need.
At Creative Canvas, we supply and install both systems across Sydney. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you decide. You can also browse our full range of residential vertical blinds and awnings to see both products in context.
What Is a Ziptrak® Blind?
The Ziptrak® blind is an Australian-designed, spring-balanced system that uses a patented internal zip-track mechanism to guide the fabric from the top to any position along the track and stop there, hands-free. No cords, no ropes, no zippers to pull. It glides up and down with a gentle push or pull, and holds wherever you leave it.
Because the fabric is guided on all sides by a sealed zip-track channel, it creates a tight seal that keeps wind, rain and insects out when fully closed. Ziptrak® can be motorised for even greater convenience, and is available with a wide range of fabrics, from open-weave mesh to clear PVC and blockout options.
Key features include:
- Spring-balanced: no ropes or cords, stops at any height
- Patented zip-track channel for a clean, sealed finish
- Panels available up to 6m wide
- Manual or motorised operation
- Available in 100+ fabrics including clear PVC and blockout
- Suitable for residential and commercial use
What Is a Zipscreen Blind?
The Zipscreen is a different zip-guided external blind system. Like Ziptrak®, it uses side tracks with a zipped edge to keep fabric taut and sealed, which makes it excellent at blocking wind and providing a clean, gap-free look. However, Zipscreen operates differently: the blind rolls up and down from a cassette at the top, rather than using a spring-balanced mechanism.
Zipscreen is often chosen for smaller or narrower openings, windows and doorways where a neat, compact cassette housing suits the space. It offers strong wind resistance and a very tidy appearance when rolled up.
Key features include:
- Roller-style operation from a top cassette housing
- Full-length zip-track for excellent wind and weather resistance
- Panels typically up to 4.2m wide
- Manual or motorised operation
- Available in mesh, PVC and blockout fabrics
- Ideal for windows, doorways and smaller openings
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ziptrak® if you have a large alfresco area, a wide opening, or you want the flexibility of stopping the blind at different heights throughout the day. The spring-balanced system makes it incredibly easy to use, especially if you have kids or elderly family members who need to adjust the blinds regularly.
Choose Zipscreen if you have a smaller opening, a window or doorway application, or you prefer a compact cassette housing that tucks away neatly when the blind is up. Zipscreen’s sealed zip track also makes it a strong performer in exposed, windy locations.
In many homes and commercial spaces, we install both: Ziptrak® on large outdoor entertaining areas and Zipscreen on windows or narrow side openings.
Still Not Sure? Talk to Creative Canvas
With over 30 years of experience designing and installing outdoor shade solutions on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and beyond, the team at Creative Canvas can assess your space and recommend the right system for your budget and lifestyle. Visit our Warriewood showroom or contact us to book a free consultation.