Do Outdoor Blinds Stop Rain? What to Know Before You Buy

Outdoor blinds can keep most rain off your patio, but not every type does it the same way. A blind that looks great on a calm day can let water pour in once a southerly storm rolls across Lake Macquarie. Here is what actually keeps water out, and what to check before you spend money.

Why does rain get past some outdoor blinds?

Rain rarely falls straight down onto a covered patio. It usually gets in when wind blows it sideways, around the edges of a blind. That is why the way a blind is held at the sides matters more than almost anything else.

Blinds that hang free, or are strapped down at only a few points, leave gaps down each side. Wind pushes the fabric in and out, those gaps open up, and rain follows. Even a heavy fabric will not help much if the edges are loose.

Do side channels matter more than fabric?

In most cases, yes. Blinds held in side tracks the full height have no side gap. Zip screens are the best example: the edge of the fabric is locked into a channel on each side, so the screen stays taut and sealed from top to bottom.

That design stops wind-driven rain far better than blinds that hang free. It also keeps the fabric from flapping and banging in gusty weather, which helps the blind last longer.

If you are comparing options across our range of outdoor blinds, ask first how the sides are secured. It tells you more about rain performance than the brochure photo.

Should you choose mesh or waterproof fabric?

Zip screens are made with either sunscreen mesh or waterproof fabric, and each suits a different job.

• Sunscreen mesh blocks most rain in normal conditions, lets air through and dries fast. In a heavy storm some fine spray can come through.
• Waterproof fabric blocks rain completely but does not breathe, and can trap heat when the sun comes back out.

Most people want mesh for everyday comfort. It keeps the space usable on warm days, cuts glare and still handles the typical afternoon shower. If your home takes a beating from southerly storms, ask about waterproof fabric for the most exposed side only. Mixing the two is common and gives you the best of both.

Can a blind handle the wind as well as the rain?

A blind that keeps rain out but cannot handle wind will not last. Wind and rain usually arrive together, so the two have to be considered as one problem.

Ask how the blind is held at the sides and bottom, and whether it suits your exposure. A patio facing open water in Redhead or Nelson Bay sees very different conditions to a sheltered courtyard in Kotara. The right answer depends on where your blind will actually sit.

How does the bottom of the blind keep water out?

A weighted bottom bar that sits flush on the floor or a sill stops water running under. Without a good seal, rain can blow in along the ground even when the sides are tight.

Uneven tiles or decking may need a small adjustment at install. This is one of the reasons a careful measure matters. Kyle personally measures and installs every job, so the person checking your floor levels is the same person fitting the blind.

Is it worth motorising outdoor blinds?

Storms on the coast can arrive quickly. A blind only keeps rain out if it is down when the weather hits. Zip screens can be operated by spring, crank or motor, and a motorised screen lets you drop it in seconds without stepping out into the wind.

For large openings, or blinds that are hard to reach, motorisation often makes the difference between a blind you use every time and one you leave rolled up.

What else can keep rain off an outdoor area?

Blinds are not the only option. If your space has no roof at all, a folding arm awning or straight drop awning may suit better for sun and light showers. For the best protection on a covered alfresco, a zip screen with a solid roof above is hard to beat.

What questions should you ask before you buy?

• Are the sides held in a track the full height?
• Which fabric suits my exposure: mesh or waterproof?
• How does the bottom seal against my floor?
• Can it be motorised so I can drop it quickly when a storm hits?
• How long from measure to install? For zip screens it is about 3 to 4 weeks, and Christmas orders cut off in early December.

Who can measure and install outdoor blinds near me?

CBI Blinds is a family and veteran owned business based in Warners Bay. We measure and install zip screens and outdoor blinds across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter, and Port Stephens. We are fully mobile, so there is no showroom to visit. We bring the samples to you.

Ready to keep the rain off your patio? Book a free in-home measure and quote. Kyle will show you fabric samples on site, explain what suits your space and give you a fixed written quote.