Cheap outdoor blinds – 3 questions to ask

 

Protecting your outdoor living space, patio or verandah with outdoor blinds is a fantastic way to make a new area to entertain family and friends no matter what the weather is doing!

 

There are lots of options for you to consider when choosing which outdoor blinds will work best for your needs. Cheap outdoor blinds may seem appealing at first, but remember if you need to replace them in 2 years due to poor quality, they are 4 times more expensive than a blind that lasts 8 years. Keep in mind, outdoor blinds are exposed to the weather and sun every single day, so you need to make sure you’re buying something that will look great and function properly for years, not just the first few months. Saving a few dollars initially is all well and good, but if you need to replace a cheap product after two years of use, then it’s really costing you double or triple!

 

Are you trying to keep out the weather, provide shade from the sun or stop insects from ruining your party? Do you want the blind to be easily operated and safe for the family? Make the right choice; buying cheap outdoor blinds probably isn’t the best option!

 

1) Is the blind sealed within a track?

The photo below shows a channel blind. The blind material sits freely within the wide side channel, causing it to flap in the wind, or easily fall out of the channel. With a light push, the blind material becomes dislodged.

 

In comparison, track-guided blinds create a complete seal on the left and right side. This means wind, rain and insects aren’t able to pass through. Track-guided blinds won’t flap in the wind and don’t slip out of the track. They can be left down in much higher wind, so you’re not having to raise the blind at the slightest sign of bad weather.

 

Channel guided blinds take up more space, therefore reducing your view outside and “closing in” your entertaining area even when the blind is retracted.

 

 

2) Are there zips, ropes or a crank handle?

Old style outdoor blinds use ropes or pullies to lower and raise the blind, and zips to secure the blind into place. These systems are highly susceptible to damage as many parts of the blind are constantly exposed to the elements and zips often become jammed. The rope system rarely allows the blind to be retracted properly, so the material of the blind ‘bunches up’ and not only looks bad, but causes long-term damage.

Crank blinds require you to spin a handle round and round, typically for at least a minute each blind. Retracting (raising) the blind is slower than lowering the blind and takes more effort. Crank systems normally have exposed componentry susceptible to weather and you’ll have to store the crank stick somewhere.

 

Spring-balanced Ziptrak® track-guided blinds are robust and designed to withstand years of tough Australian weather conditions. With a completely aluminium system and no need for exposed zips, pullies or cumbersome crank handle – they’ll look good and operate well for many years longer than other products.

 

3) How easy is the blind to operate?

Crank blinds are much more time consuming and cumbersome to operate. Some people will also struggle to raise multiple blinds with all the energy and time each blind takes.

When renovating your backyard, it’s important to do your research and make the right investment in outdoor blinds that will last and perform the way you want them too!