Zip Screens for Windy, Exposed and Upstairs Decks

Upstairs decks, balconies and lakefront alfrescos have the best outlooks in the house, and they also cop the most wind. A southerly change, a nor'easter off the coast or a breeze with a long run across the lake can make an exposed deck unusable just when you want to be out there.

This guide covers what works on windy decks around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, why side channels matter so much, and when any outdoor blind should be raised.

Why are exposed decks so hard on outdoor blinds?

Height and open ground both add to the wind. An upstairs deck sits above the fences and trees that shelter the rest of the yard, and a waterfront deck has nothing between it and the water.

• Southerlies arrive fast, often in the late afternoon, and can swing the wind around in minutes.
• Nor'easters build through summer afternoons on coastal and lakeside blocks.
• Gusts push loose fabric in and out, which wears straps and fixings and lets rain in at the sides.
• Damp and salty air near the lake and the coast is hard on hardware.

Why do side channels matter in the wind?

Zip screens run inside aluminium side channels from top to bottom, with the edge of the fabric locked into the track the whole way down. Because the fabric is held along its full height, it stays tight and quiet instead of billowing, flapping or slapping against posts.

Blinds that hang free, or are strapped at a few points, only take the load where they are held. On a windy deck that means noise, wear and gaps at the sides where rain gets in. That is why zip screens are the usual choice for exposed spots, and why our zip screens vs cafe blinds comparison comes down so heavily on wind.

What about awnings on a windy deck?

Folding arm awnings give lovely open shade over a deck, but they should be retracted in strong wind. They suit decks where you want shade overhead and someone is home to wind them in when the weather turns.

Straight drop awnings suit sheltered sides and windows where full side tracks are not needed. On the most exposed face of an upstairs deck, a zip screen is the stronger choice.

When should you raise a zip screen?

Side channels make zip screens far better in wind than loose blinds, but no outdoor blind is meant to stay down through every storm. As a general rule:

• Leave screens down on normal breezy afternoons. That is what they are for.
• Raise them when a severe storm or damaging winds are forecast.
• Raise them before you go away and nobody is home to watch the weather.
• Follow the operating advice that comes with your screens, and ask at the measure if you are unsure.

Is motorised worth it upstairs?

On a raised deck or balcony, the top of a screen can be hard to reach safely, and a crank takes time when a southerly is already arriving. Motorised zip screens run from a remote, wall switch or your phone, and several screens can be grouped to move together, so a whole deck can be raised or lowered in seconds from inside. Spring and crank operation are available too. If you want the screens to respond to the weather while you are out, ask Kyle about automation options at the measure. Our motorised vs manual zip screens guide covers the trade offs.

Which fabric suits a windy deck?

Sunscreen mesh cuts glare and heat, lets air through and keeps the view, so it suits most exposed decks. Waterproof fabric blocks rain completely but does not breathe, so it is often used only on the side that takes the worst of the southerly. Darker mesh colours such as charcoal are the easiest to see through, which matters when the view is the reason you built the deck.

What hardware should you ask for near the water?

Ask for powder coated aluminium tracks and stainless fixings. They cope with moist and salty air far better than bare steel, which keeps the screens running smoothly on lakeside and coastal homes. A careful measure matters too, because fixing into a deck frame, a balcony or a raised beam needs to be planned properly.

How long does it take to get zip screens installed?

Every zip screen is made to measure, so allow about 3 to 4 weeks from measure to install. Christmas orders cut off in early December, so book early if you want the deck sorted for summer. Every screen comes with a 5 year warranty.

CBI Blinds is based in Warners Bay and fully mobile across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter, and Port Stephens. Book a free in-home measure and quote and Kyle will look at how your deck faces the wind, check the fixings and give you a fixed written quote.