All systems go

PINZ

“Window awnings really are one of the best ways to create a cooling effect on the inside of a home,” says Kate Bessell, Pinz National Sales & Marketing Manager. “When paired with a block-out fabric such as a polycotton canvas, an awning is designed to stop the sun from hitting the window while still allowing for air circulation under the awning and through an open window if required.”

“Over the years we have seen a shift in demand towards more modern fabric selections such as acrylic canvas and outdoor mesh in awnings, however every summer we are always surprised by just how much block-out canvas in those traditional stripes and heritage colours still flows through the factory every day, which shows us that the product does its job very well.”

“The window awning segment never ceases to impress us with its consistency and demand. Given that this is definitely a seasonal product category, with sales spiking dramatically as soon as the sun really starts shining and the weather heats up, the volume of awnings that we fabricate during the summer season is up there with the total volume of some other products where sales are consistent all year round.”

“We see selection trends for awnings vary between the more traditional window awnings such as the auto (lock-arm) awning in classic fabric selections and heritage colours, right through to our European designed and very contemporary full cassette Ravi drop arm awning, which looks absolutely stunning in acrylic fabrics, paired with on trend exterior powder coat colours such as Monument or Surfmist. It’s fantastic to be able to offer a product range that is so functional and has options to suit all budgets and design preferences.”

ZIPSCREEN

Andrew Robinson, National Sales Manager, Rollease Acmeda confirms a key development for the company’s growing external range of products has been optimising the functionality of its external universal open brackets to ensure greater installation flexibility.

“Our new square open bracket has been introduced for any face or top fix open style installation, to assist with side-channel alignment when producing a Zipscreen system. The new round open bracket is now compatible with all wire guide terminals and eliminates the need for space adaptors previously required for spring controlled Veue Wire Guide systems.

“The F72 Heavy Duty Weight Bar is now more versatile than ever with a Plain End Cap solution for Veue Straight Drop and Wire Guide shades, featuring a screwless, yet secure design. Using the F72 weight bar for Zipscreen and Veue systems allows users to achieve longer spans while maintaining a consistent visual aesthetic.”

“We offer a comprehensive choice of Australian made bubble seals for our Zipscreen outdoor shade solution, to accommodate uneven floor levels. These range from rigid lengths to flexible rolls all varying in size and slide or press into a groove allocation within the bottom of the weight bar. We provide all these options to ensure you find the right fit and solution for each customised application.”

“The growing number of Zipscreen installations has also resulted in a good amount of customer feedback on how we can make small changes that can make a big difference. When motorising Zipscreen systems you must drill a hole in the cassette for the in-line connector to exit from, which was being filled with silicon (or left open) and was seen as a sub-standard solution. We introduced a cable grommet to our range which provided a quick and easy water-resistant solution, designed to keep the motor protected. Keeping our clients satisfied and saving them time and money is of the utmost importance to us.”

“Our latest Automate AX30 & AX50 motors offer a complete motorised solution for our Extreme Zipscreen and wire guide solutions. Featuring impact detection and precise limit adjustment, these motors are versatile enough to be used on any of our external roller and folding arm awning systems.”

“We have also just launched some exciting updates to our Zipscreen website, where to buy page. Each retailer now illustrates the type of business they offer to clients, whether they have a showroom in which the customer can see the product or whether they simply offer a mobile service to quote on-site, and even if they offer repairs to existing installed system.”

“The user can refine the customer listing by entering a postcode, selecting preferred distance, and whether they are after a new product or repair. Retailers can also now be emailed directly from the site and any new prospective customers wishing to be featured on the Zipscreen retail network can register their interest online.  We are committed to ensuring our online and product support evolves to better serve the needs of our customers.”

WEINOR

Exclusive Weinor distributor, Blinds by Peter Meyer confirms Weinor has recently released the Plaza Viva Retractable Roof with the VertiTex II Vertical Awning.

“This combined system allows you to create an outdoor environment that is protected from all sides,” says BBPM Managing Director Simon Meyer. “Both the roof and sides are retractable, giving you complete control of your environment and protecting you from the harsh Australian external elements.”

“Our Pergotex II with Vertitex can enclose all four sides of a space and span seven metres in width with a 6.5 metre projection – rendering it completely weatherproof. Our new Plaza Viva with Vertitex II is a more cost effective, stepping stone product to the premium Pergotex system.”

“The Plaza Viva system doesn’t include the integrated water management and gutter system of the Pergotex 2  but if you can achieve a 14 degree pitch in the roof, it will allow the water to be directed to the front.” 

HUNTER DOUGLAS – TURNILS

The Alpha M Awning from Turnils is described as Australia’s first and only magnetic retention awning system, delivering 200kg^{^} of pull force keeping fabric taut & neat inside channels.

“The Turnils Alpha M Awning has been engineered and tested in Australia to specifically handle our diverse and unforgiving conditions all year round. Independent testing by James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, in accordance with AS 4040.2, has shown that the Turnils Alpha M Awning (at 3.5m opening span width) is able to withstand pressures up to 185kph*.

“Alpha M has the smarts to self-correct fabric blow outs back into position without a service call. The powerful magnets effortlessly return the Stance Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric into the channel and pull it tight, eliminating the appearance of creases or folds. The patented technology is hidden within the side channels allowing Alpha M to outperform standard zip systems.”

“It also features an inner tube-in-tube design for unrivalled strength. This is specially engineered design enables the awning to hang straight at ultra-wide sizes extending up to 6.5 metres wide.”

“Alpha M is available exclusively with Stance Fibreglass External Sunscreen which remains taut and beautiful at any interval during operation.  Stance fabric is tested for Australian conditions blocking out high levels of solar heat and harmful UV rays. Stance Fibreglass features ‘European’ Enduris® Enduris® Enduris Glass Core technology providing exceptional tear resistance and higher tensile strength compared to polyester fabrics, making it the perfect partner for use in any side retention awning system.”

“The Turnils Alpha M Awning the strongest Straight Drop awning that has been wind tested in Australia. Alpha M is also Australia’s first and only magnetic retention system, delivering up to 200kg of pull force keeping the fabric taut and neat inside the channels.”

“With most of us spending more time at home now, our backyards have become increasingly important in providing a haven and entertaining area. The demand in external products, especially Awnings is maintaining momentum due to its quality and performance.”

“Awnings that can close off alfresco areas and protect against harsh UV and debris are in high demand. But it’s often hard for awning products to maintain taut skins due to fabric stretch over time. The Alpha M partnered with high performance fibreglass screen solves this issue.”

_{^{*Report No. TS1166 of James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, College of Science and Engineering dated 12 March 2020. Despite the Turnils Alpha M Awning’s performance in high wind loads, it is recommended that all awnings be retracted during wet or high wind conditions. Refer to our manufacturer’s guide for full limitations, width, projection and wind rating information. Performance is dependent on adequate fixing to a solid structure.Tested in accordance with AS 4040.2 with constant wind pressures held for 1 minute. Before relying on the representations made relating to the Alpha M Awning, please read our disclaimer at turnils.com.au/AlphaM# Results based on a single storey, brick veneer home on a concrete slab using ducted air-conditioning and equally distributed windows.}}

SHAW

Shaw’s Ben Hayek confirms the company’s awning system releases are relaunching online with a new series of brochures. The Habitat range is a program of seven external vertical awnings including: the Habitat Deep Channel Awning, along with Habitat Straight Drop, Habitat Wire Guide, Habitat Multi Stop, Habitat Automatic, Habitat Fixed Guide and Verso Pivot Arm awnings.

“The Habitat range of products was designed locally specifically for the Australian climate, with a range of models to suit shading requirements, building aspects and window design style,” says Hayek.

The range features interchangeable components, which are universal across all the Habitat systems, including tubes, brackets, pivot pin and plates, and gearboxes, in an extensive colour range. These common parts mean stock holding efficiencies.”

“Listening to customer feedback, Shaw has nominated Monument as a standard colour option for hardware, with new Monument gearboxes and brackets. This shortens the turnaround time from point of order to installation.”

The range also comes with options for motor or crank control, and can be installed with or without hoods.

“All the systems are quick and easy to install, and supplied with clear installation instructions; perfect for a manufacturer whether experienced in the outdoor market or launching into outdoor products this season.”

“This comprehensive program offers interchangeable components and a solution for all types of window aspects.”

The company describes the market for these products as “buoyant and growing.”

“Prior to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 Australia was already experiencing trend of bringing the inside outside. This continues on an upward curve. Expenditure has increased due to no overseas travel and excess disposable income and there is increasing demand to expand the residential footprint.”

ZIPTRACK

Ziptrak’s new product releases include the Ziptrack XHD Bottom Bar and Guide, Ziptrack 2021 Track and Ziptrack Track Prep Tool, says Marketing Officer Laura Osorio.

“Based on the feedback from the Ziptrak network, the latest consumer trends on the Australian market and as part of our continuous improvement process, Ziptrak has launched various product features in the last 12 months. These include the XHD (Extra Heavy Duty) Bottom Bar and Guide and the 2021 Track with its very own Track Prep Tool.”

“The new XHD Bottom Bar was engineered for superior performance with larger blind applications of up to six metres wide. Its exceptional shape makes the bottom bar 50% stronger and capable of maintaining rigidity for extra-large applications. The new design reduces valuable fabrication assembly time as it allows placement of the centre-lock handle directly into the recess.”

“Customers with modern style residences prefer structures that allow them to keep the space open, without needless visual obstructions. The new XHD Bottom Bar gives them that, an open plan with uninterrupted views, no permanent columns or posts are needed. The new XHD Bottom Bar robust design is the perfect solution for blind applications up to six meters wide.”

Osorio says the new XHD Guide was created in conjunction with the XHD Bottom Bar to achieve a stronger system. The new guide has integrated fabric clamps that increase the system robustness and ease of installation as well as aesthetically pleasing clip-on screw-covers that provide enhanced weather protection.

Meanwhile the design of the 2021 Track delivers an even smoother and weightless system. Its internal shape was engineered to increase the blind ease of operation by 30%, allowing the skin to glide effortlessly. “The preparation process for installation of the new track has also been vastly improved with the new Track Prep Tool.”

“Opening or closing a Ziptrak blind requires minimum effort. The Super Springs and Track-Guided System do all the work. It’s that weightless and smooth operation combined with the timesaving aspect of closing/opening multiple blinds in seconds that customers love. The Ziptrak system has always been characterised for its easy operation; the new 2021 Track is simply raising the bar to an even smoother generation of blinds.”

“Track preparation is a crucial process that determines blind longevity. The new Track Prep Tool was developed specifically for installers to facilitate faster and easier onsite preparation of the new 2021 Track. This time-saving deburring tool, re-shapes the track inner edges with simple swings of a hammer, delivering consistent and outstanding results every time.” 

“The valuable feedback from our Ziptrak network is what drove this development. The new Track Prep Tool is easy to use, durable, and capable of replicating the same results each time. It was created to assist installers with the track preparation process.  The new tool removes any ambiguity and reduces preparation time for the new 2021 Track.”

“We are expecting a strong upcoming season for the blind industry and have been working on manufacturing componentry to ensure supply to the vast network of Ziptrak retailers to meet this demand,” says Osorio.

THE SHANN GROUP

“Proudly Aussie made, strong and robust, Urban Track was one of the first track guided blind systems on the market over 10 years ago and keeps going from strength to strength,” says Melissa Vine, National Product Manager – Window and Industrial Fabrics.

“Unlike many of its competitors, Urban Track can be manufactured with motorised, spring, or crank operation, to suit more installations and more client budgets.  It’s quick and easy to install, and the unique central locking system can be accessed from inside or outside.”

“It’s also the attention to detail that sets Urban Track apart from its followers, like the new weather seal that fills in gaps where the ground or base area is uneven, finishing off the system with style.  Another example is the new componentry being added to the system that uses the existing head box and base bar on straight drops and wire guides, allowing a uniformity and synergy of blinds all around the home.  The head box profile offers a sleek look while still accommodating large drops.”

“Tracking systems have been steadily performing this year, for winter and summer seasons, as consumers continue to invest and renovate their spaces,” says Vine. “Urban Track offers privacy, cool breezes and heat reduction, or rain protection, depending on your fabric selection, a stunning external mesh like Atmosphere or crystal clear PVC like Prime. Urban Track offers a superior solution that works so well in all conditions without being clunky and obtrusive.”

DALEKIT AWNINGS

The Covered Retractable Roof System Range by Dalekit Awnings, offered to the Sydney market, is designed to enable home and property owners and users to reinvent exterior spaces.

“At Covered Australia, we offer several exciting options for you to expand your entertainment area to the outdoors through our versatile range of retractable roof systems in Sydney. Do you have a porch with a magnificent view but can’t utilise the space due to unpleasant weather conditions always killing the buzz of your social events? It doesn’t have to be a concern.

“A retractable roof system gives an abundance of coverage and protection against the elements of nature. It is a versatile solution when you want to create space that invites your guests to stay a bit longer. The difference between the Retractable Roof System and say, a Louvred Roof System is that when it’s packed away the Retractable Roof System is almost completely out of sight – compared to a typical louvre roof where the blades stay in position and can only rotate. The outcome is a cleaner, neater and cleaner look when the system is packed away and neat, clean and flat when in use.”

The range on offer meets a wide spectrum of applications.

The Zerro is described as the company’s “flagship” outdoor solution. “The retractable roof has the strength to withstand wind speeds of up to 114 km/h. This option offers the most extensive range of design possibilities, and specific colours and finishes on offer. “As with the rest of the range, the possibilities of coverage sizes are almost unlimited when coupling multiple systems together.”

The Grande is “the perfect solution for that extra-large space that you need to cover.”

“This retractable patio canopy is our largest and is often the preferred choice to install at commercial outdoor spaces such as restaurants and outdoor entertainment areas with up to 10m projections.

“It can be installed between two supporting walls or to aluminium beams for support and can have warm or cool LED lighting built into the structure. It can be the perfect lighting solution to add some ambience and flair to your space. Do you prefer a less modern and more natural appeal? Then you can opt to have the aluminium rafters cladded with timber. This feature adds a natural feel to the outdoor canopy.”

The Compact is said to be “flatter and sharper than any other retractable roof system currently available in Australia” and an effective solution suitable for smaller spaces.

“Have you always been restricted by the size of your available space when you wanted to install a patio canopy? The advanced design of this small retractable pergola roof delivers the unique appeal of being completely flat, yet the design incorporates curved bars. Every other kind of roof requires a fall of a minimum of four degrees.”

“Yet, the unique design of this patio roof eliminates the need for this design requirement, making it a solution for even the most challenging installations. Furthermore, the specific design is one of our latest additions and offers several design features expressing a much more modern appeal. Since the roof is entirely flat, closing off all four sides is straightforward and much more affordable. You can easily add the optional LED lighting to the support beams to create the ideal atmosphere for your outdoor entertainment area.”

The Classic is a cost-effective solution that also earns high ratings as an ergonomically-friendly option. “Although cost-effective, the quality you can expect is still in line with our premium standard as we rely on the same high-grade aluminium and stainless steel for all our structures and fittings. This solution also offers the option of either installing it between walls or on an existing structure or even on an existing pergola. This selection makes for easy installation and perfect protection against various weather conditions.”

A retractable patio roof, The Covered Idea-FL offers the aesthetic charm of an arc-shaped roof. We rely on high-quality aluminium for the beams and pillars and use stainless-steel fixtures to support our sturdy structure which forms the framework of the veranda roof. The result is a strong structure that can withstand wind speeds of up to 114km/h.

It also offers other features such as a built-in gutter system that can collect rainwater and drain it along with the posts already there to support the entire system. The PVC membrane used to cover the structure is completely waterproof and is ranked as some of the most premium quality PVC available globally. We are confident in the quality of all our products and are sure about the many years of usage you’ll enjoy from this specific kind of PVC membrane. Therefore, we offer a five-year warranty on this feature upon installation.

All the company’s roof systems offer a choice between custom powder coat colours or standard White or Anthracite, inbuilt warm or cool LED lights or none at all, gutters or no gutters, front beams and columns or include a cantilevered ‘Air’ system.

“Installing a dynamic retractable roof at your home by far exceeds the monetary worth of the investment you made. From allowing warm winter sun into your home or holding off excess heat in summer – any of which reduce energy use, you can be sure that with the dynamic ability of the Retractable Roof System, your investment will prove its worth at any time of the year.”

CHALLENGER UNITED

Renowned for traditional awning componentry, Challenger United continues to add products to complement its range says Luke Painter – National Sales Manager. “Keeping up with current colour trends, Challenger has recently added charcoal coloured gear boxes and crank handles. This addition will allow manufacturers to further colour match their products taking their quality to another level.”

Challenger has also added motorisation to its range with the Wave RX motors from Cherubini, described as “the perfect alternative for someone looking for a European made product at a more affordable price.”

“With nationwide distribution, sales have remained strong for Challenger. While the pandemic has created its challenges, overseas supply and freight being the obvious ones, we have managed to stay in control of the products we produce in house including tube, hooding and bottom rail.  Challenger has learnt to adapt with the changing landscape; Zoom meetings are becoming the norm but we look forward to getting out on the road and seeing our customers when we can.”