Cool summer

Ricky Richards

Ricky Richards has released new colourways for the Docril Collection, available through the brand’s new sample books.

“For 20 years, Docril has been Australia’s number one choice for outdoor awning textiles. The collection combines superior performance with a comprehensive range of colours and designs to provide a perfect solution for solar protection. 

“Docril is manufactured by the world renowned textile pioneer, Citel based in Spain. Since 1875, Citel have been the benchmark for outdoor technical fabrics. Their state-of-the-art facility is vertically integrated, controlling the entire process from spinning through to finishing. Citel has a deserved reputation for innovation and stringent quality control. 

“Direct from Europe, and with the help of the Ricky team, the new colourways have been carefully selected to fit into the existing Docril Collection. As Australia’s exclusive supplier of Docril fabrics, the team is proud of the choices and looking forward to the release which adds a lovely lift to the extensive range of options already available. From a rustic linen to yellow and white designs, these brand new Docril options guarantee your customers will find an on-trend option for their next external blind, awning or umbrella project.”

“The entire Docril Collection is stylish, durable, and easy to clean. Along with a UV treatment, the solution-dyeing process contributes to the fabric’s resistance to fading. To produce Docril the colour is placed directly into the fibre molecules at the start, rather than only on the outside of the finished fabric. This ensureslong lasting colour even when placed under the harsh Australian sun.

When used for external blinds, awnings or outdoor umbrellas, Docril provides outdoor comfort and assists in lowering energy costs as it will keep the temperature down inside. The collection is coated with Dupont Teflon which means that they have exceptional resistance to high temperatures, water, chemicals, corrosion and stress cracking. 

Shaw

Shaw’s latest external blind systems releases are available under the recently launched umbrella brand ShawScreen Shelter and Shade. 

Ben Hayek, Head of Division, Shaw Performance Hardware, tells WFA ZipGrip is at the core of the range. “this is the side retention system within the ShawScreen range, where the mechanics are neatly hidden in elegant channels, with no unsightly zips or spline obstructing the view,” he says. 

“ZipGrip design smarts include a robust, yet invisible, central locking system with handle for effortless operation when the awning is spring loaded, as an alternative to motorisation. The mechanics of the new central lock are totally hidden from view and the harsh elements to increase longevity and style. It is straightforward to assemble, and quick to install with no need for laser-levels on site. ZipGrip provides a large shading area of 5m width x 3m drop (15sqm) and will fit into and complement most modern homes.” 

Also included in the ShawScreen program are four blind systems which suit different installation scenarios. 

DeepSides is positioned as “the ultimate in wide span awnings”. The wrinkle free finish is achieved by through the design of the weighty bottom bar, which locks into the channels to create tension in the fabric. 

WireSides is a wire guided system with a contemporary design and a minimalist edge. Stainless steel wire cables ensure the bottom bar tracks perfectly during operation.  The system is designed for use in coastal areas. 

FreeSides is a minimalist, straight drop shading solution designed for situations where DeepSides or WireSides are not practical. 

“Customers can select from seven stylish and durable stock colours or Shaw’s mill finish products to complement the exterior finish perfectly. They can then choose to operate the system with either a crank handle or motorisation.

“From a manufacturer’s perspective and to create a uniform look across the ShawScreen program, Shaw utilises interchangeable components. This reduces stock holding for Shaw’s manufacturing partners which is particularly beneficial on higher value items such as cassettes and bottom rails.”

All ShawScreen products are designed for installation with Shaw’s Dayscreen 1% and 5% external screen fabric, available in multiple widths and 17 colours.

“The program is developed to withstand the rigours of the Australian climate, shading and protecting from the elements,” says Hayek. “The systems create an all year round space providing heat and light control. Homeowners have greater capacity to work, relax and entertain at home.”

He adds that each component of the ShawScreen program has been engineered to maximise the benefit to the end user, but remain simple to install, be durable and cost-effective. 

“The Shawscreen program eliminates barriers of entry to all manufacturers of outdoor blinds by offering great products at a cost-effective rate.”

“Shaw’s experienced sales team offer their partners full manufacturing and installation training and on-going support via the state BDM. They assist with marketing materials, technical knowledge and listen to feedback on how Shaw’s products could be improved. Continuous improvement has been a major part of Shaw’s culture for 75 years in the industry and Shaw’s hardware division is no exception. Shaw always looks ahead, keeping on trend, and ensuring Shaw offers their partners the best products for the market.”

The program is supported by a nationwide network of distribution centres, a centralised call centre, warranties and a wealth of supporting manuals and guides. 

Rollease Acmeda

Rollease Acmeda confirms that the latest advancement to the Zipscreen range is the Top Hardware system upgrade, promoting safe, fast, and easy manufacturing and installation. Several key components have been redesigned, in particular, the new Zipscreen Spring Control. Users can easily adjust the tension of their Zipscreen while keeping their shade in place. A convenient integrated pre-turn counter provides an accurate indication of the shade’s current tension level, and a locking mechanism safely holds the spring tension.

“Other upgrades include a more secure fit between the Reducer and Aluminum Tube with integrated screw allocations. Improved snap-lock designs have been incorporated into the Bearing Idler, Crank Adaptor and Reducer to improve the assembly process with simple click and connect. A fabric groove has been added to the Reducer which allows the fabric to be added at the end of assembly. All these Top Hardware upgrades mark a substantial advancement in achieving safer, faster, and more efficient installation and manufacturing for Zipscreen outdoor shades.”

Zipscreen continues to evolve its support program to retail partners and offers a Zipscreen Carry Case, a convenient and portable sales support tool, assisting with on-site appointments. The case houses key products that set Zipscreen apart from the competition, including; z-lock side channels showcasing Ultra-lock, extruded aluminum cassette and weight bars, our robust bearing idler, colour swatches and brochure material.

“We recently launched the new Zipscreen Visualiser, an online tool to help users visualise how an outdoor shade system looks in a typical residential home. Take consumer consultations to the next level by demonstrating the Zipscreen colour range and fabric tones in numerous combinations. Users can experience the effect different fabric tones have on indoor and outdoor spaces in terms of privacy and light. Interface settings include ‘blind position’ which allows users to see how blinds will look when open or closed. ‘Frame colours’ reflect the entire Zipscreen frame colour range, while ‘fabric tone’ showcases the effect light and dark fabrics have on a space. Additionally, users can experience the changing ambience with indoor/outdoor views plus natural and artificial light.”

Somfy

Somfy Oceania Marketing Manager Mary Ladu tells WFA demand for external blinds is rising with the arrival of the summer peak season. 

“The premature start to the warmer weather across Australia has seen interest and enquiries for external products rise earlier than we typically see,” says Ladu. “Website traffic on our external blinds landing pages, search volumes and even leads we’re receiving and sharing with our Somfy Retail Expert Partners for external products started ramping up from June, when we wouldn’t typically see that rise until October.

“In anticipation of El Niño and the summer ahead, we are seeing consumers prep their homes for the much-loved Aussie tradition of outdoor entertaining, while keeping sun-safe and protecting family, friends, pets and furniture safe from the harsh sun.”

External blinds provide a multitude of benefits for consumers, from adding value to the home, increasing outdoor entertaining space, and creating an ‘outdoor room’ by enclosing an alfresco area.

In addition, when external blinds are added to windows, they can block heat from entering the home before it reaches the window, easing pressure on cooling systems at a time when rising energy costs are front of mind for consumers.

“External blinds give you the opportunity to create an extra room in your current backyard, which is probably why we are seeing more external screens in retrofit or new construction projects, whether they are commercial or residential,” says Mohamed Ourdjini, National Retail Manager at Somfy Oceania.

“The external screens also tend to be bigger, some with a span of up to 8m wide, which explains the increase we are seeing in motorisation rate.

“Connected external screens will also continue to increase in popularity, with the ability to operate them through an app or on an automated schedule.

“Somfy’s Maestria 50 RTS is the perfect solution for all types of external screens, including zip systems, and as it is available in different torques, starting from 6Nm, its innovative obstacle detection feature can work on even small screens.”

Somfy’s external blind motor, Maestria 50 RTS, provides a flexible solution for the growing external segment. 

The motor can be linked to a range of RTS automation controls including Somfy’s sun and wind sensors and Somfy’s latest connected solution, TaHoma switch.

Somfy also recently launched Ø40mm ABS wheels available in Left-Hand and Right-Hand options.

“We were excited to be able to respond to customer feedback and meet demand with the launch of this innovative solution,” adds Nicki Beggs, Product Manager for Somfy Oceania.

“The solution allows for RTS or RS485 Ø40mm motors to be enhanced with obstacle detection, providing consumers with added peace of mind and preventing damage to their fabric zip systems.”

When an obstacle is detected by the Ø40mm ABS wheel on the downward motion, the motor will stop, as it backs off the electronic limit switch and cuts out the motor.

Uniline

Uniline External Category Manager Damien Crew tells WFA the company has made some key upgrades to its Protecta Premium Awnings offering.

“Our team has streamlined the design, making it simpler with fewer components. This not only makes the manufacturing process smoother but also results in cost and storage savings $$$. Even with these changes, our prestigious quality remains uncompromised.”

Crew confirms the company has also added “two dazzling new systems” to the Protecta range – Protecta Plus Track Awning System and Protecta Deep Channel Xtreme.

The Protecta Deep Channel Xtreme System features side cover with bracket and a one-piece cast aluminium design. The bottom rail of the product is also fitted with locking benefits while remaining sleek in design. End users can set multiple locking positions within the side channel. Additionally the system is available in the new XL full, standard full or half hooding options, and in spring, gearbox and motorisation configurations.

The Protecta Plus Track System also features a side cover with bracket, and a one-piece cast aluminium design, channel track, and a range of outer fixing sections – one for gearbox, one for motors and one for spring operation, enabling multiple operation modes. The system features a side tension zip designed zip/kedar built to last in extreme conditions. Designed guides and stoppers also help guide the Zip/Kedar into the extruded aluminium channels and stop the zips from feeding out at the top channel. The system also offers bottom rail options of central locking bottom rail or weighted bottom rail.

“With these two additions, our range now flaunts a total of eight awesome systems, making it one of the largest awning systems in the market today,” says Crew. 

Meanwhile, in addition to the Protecta Awning System Uniline also offers a cost-effective option, Tru-style Awning Systems. Crew says it’s no surprise that Tru-style awnings, first launched in 1999, continue to attract significant recognition in the Australian market due to their durability against the harsh Australian climate.

“In recent years, we have introduced a new addition to our Tru-style systems, the Multi-roll hooding and hood ends,” Crew tells WFA. “With this new addition, our Tru-style systems now offer a remarkable selection of three hooding styles to choose from: Over-roll hood, Under-roll hood, and Multi-rollhood. These hoods can be easily applied to any of the Tru-style six systems.”

Crew adds that there are a total of six Tru-style Awning Systems to choose from, all designed to provide protection against sun, wind, rain and insects and to provide a consistent ‘unified’ look around the whole property

Other benefits of the range include reduced energy costs, the awnings’ ability to cover areas up to 5.8m wide and 3.6m drop; face fit or reveal fit options and headbox options including basic, over-roll, under-roll and multi-roll, as well as operation options: from motorisation to spring or gearbox.

Tru-style hoods and hood ends are galvanised steel and powder-coated in a range of 10 Colorbond colours.

Crew adds that the range is supported by comprehensive marketing packages. 

“These packages are carefully curated to help you make a lasting impact and drive business growth and include a co-branding option, brochures, product sheets, Bill of Materials (BOM) sheets, media images and a social media guide.”

Blinds by Peter Meyer

Blinds by Peter Meyer is highlighting the benefits of two key ranges of external blinds; the WeinorVertiTex II External Roller Blind and the Solare Teknica external blind range, designed to cater to your specific needs.

Managing Director Simon Meyer describes the Weinor VertiTex II External Roller Blind a a game-changer in the world of exterior shading solutions. The VertiTex II is engineered to perfection with tiny 75mm and 92mm cassettes that allow blinds to span widths of up to six metres. For longer drops on VertiTex Zips, the 112mm cassette ensures a sleek and stylish appearance. Available in two architectural profiles, square and round, the VertiTex II effortlessly adapts to all building facades.

A standout feature of the VertiTex II is the patented Weinor Opti-Flow System, which guarantees the fabric’s perfect positioning at all times. Unlike traditional External Roller Blinds with bulky cassette housings, the VertiTex II offers a more refined and space-saving solution for patios, windows, and balconies.

“We have begun to see a significant uptick in sales of the VertiTex II due to its remarkable capability in meeting the requirements of customers seeking to recess it within outdoor cavities,” says Meyer. “Unlike traditional External Roller Blinds with a two-part hood that typically demands more cavity space for installation, the VertiTex II offers a unique advantage. When face fitting it, you can achieve an impressively compact recess of just 80-90mm, allowing for a much more streamlined installation of your VertiTex II External Roller Blind.”

He adds that one of the advantages of the VertiTex II is its versatility in installation. The unique cantilever guide rail mounts enable blinds up to 2.5 metres wide to be installed without the need for cumbersome cassette brackets. Whether for windows or external shading systems, the VertiTex II is a suitable alternative to Roller Shutters and can be used both inside and outside.

For areas prone to high winds, the VertiTex II with Zip is the perfect choice. This system securely holds the fabric captive on both sides, ensuring high stability and smooth operation even in winds of up to 49 km/h. Additionally, it eliminates light gaps, keeps insects at bay, and minimises noise in windy conditions.

Meanwhile, Blinds by Peter Meyer’s Solare Teknica external roller blinds are “designed to offer the utmost in performance and protection.” 

“These blinds are competitively priced and built to shield you, your loved ones, and your outdoor furniture from the harsh elements, including wind, heat, and damaging UV rays from the sun. With a reassuring 5-year warranty backing these blinds, you can trust in their exceptional quality and durability.

The Solare Teknica range offers a variety of modern outdoor blinds at competitive prices, allowing end users to choose the style that best suits their outdoor space. The selection includes:

T1000 Straight Drop: This sleek and simple design boasts a modern aesthetic and is suitable for traditional window frames. It offers an elegant and effective solution for controlling light and heat.

T2000 Cable Guide: With an industrial look, this blind style provides privacy while allowing ventilation. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a combination of style and functionality.

T5000 Side Retention: The Side Retention System (SRS) is perfect for areas prone to higher winds. This exterior blind design encloses outdoor areas completely, leaving no gaps for dust and dirt to enter, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment.

Meyer tells WFA the external awning market has experienced significant shifts in recent years, with a surge in demand for exterior shading solutions, especially during the pandemic. As people sought to create comfortable and enjoyable outdoor living spaces while confined to their homes, external blinds and awnings became a popular choice.

“However, the market’s dynamics are continually evolving. Factors such as travel desires and rising interest rates influence consumer decisions and budget constraints. Although the pandemic is no longer as dominant, the interest in home improvements, including awning installations, remains high. Blinds by Peter Meyer’s Solare Teknica External Roller Blinds provide cost-effective solutions to meet the growing demand for quality outdoor shading options and Weinor offers a range of superior quality awnings and blinds for those looking for that next level of excellence.”

PINZ

Pinz general manager Kate Bessell tells WFA the company’s best performers in the external blinds category remain those in the side retention or track guided categories.

“This summer season is shaping up to be no exception with strong pre-season sales,” she says. “As a wholesale fabricator of the two largest brands in this category – Ziptrak and Zipscreen – we see significant ongoing support for these systems with the large brands holding up exceptionally well against other market entrants.”

“The last few months have been exciting and busy working with our product partners on the introduction of some fantastic new product developments for both systems including the game changing spring and top hardware update for Zipscreen, and the new Streamline bottom bar for Ziptrak, to name just a few of the most recent updates. Both these new releases were on display at this year’s Super Expo on the Gold Coast and have created renewed interest from retailers and really set these products ahead of the curve with continuous improvements from aesthetic, performance, installation, and price point perspectives.” 

“Going hand in hand with the ongoing popularity of side retention systems is the ongoing demand for automation innovation. We have seen strong interest in the popularity of motors with obstacle detection features. These can be a great option for track guided blinds, providing some additional insurance against blinds stopping on the way down due to environmental factors or obstacles. Popular brands featuring obstacle detection include Somfy, Automate and Alpha.”

“Along with the rest of the industry we are always happy to see the sun shining and driving strong sales activity in this category, although we are ever mindful of the environmental challenges that the predicted El Nino can bring to our communities. With this in mind we hope the 2023 / 2024 summer season is a safe and prosperous one for everyone.”

Gracetech

Having had a successful wide range distribution of its interior blinds, Gracetch Textiles has launched a new Sorrento outdoor screen range in a 1%, 5% and 10% openness. 

“The launch of an outdoor screen completes our product offering with early success leveraging our relationships and reputation with new and long-standing customers,” says Gracetech Textiles Australia Managing Director Steve Montile.

The range includes a set of core colours in a 3.2 metre width, 1% in three colours, 5% in eight colours, and 10% in eight colours. Sorrento outdoor screen has achieved Oeko-Tex certification, and is UV resistant with a colour fastness to light result of eight, all backed by a 5-year warranty.

“WFA readers may be thinking, another outdoor screen product, how is this any different to current offerings? We acknowledge that the market is well established, that is why we challenged ourselves to develop a high-quality product without the high end price tag,” says Montile. “The result is a range that end users feel confident in working with at highly competitive prices from a responsive and agile supplier. 

Montile says that with a hotter than average summer predicted and a growing focus on energy efficiency “we have seen a promising uptake and customer feedback on the performance and innovative pricing we have achieved on our outdoor Sorrento screen.  

“We have observed consumer buying behaviour in the outdoor screen category to have a greater focus on performance, stability and durability whilst still balancing competitive pricing. Ultimately, the buying behaviour has demanded a balance of performance and quality with an affordable option while cost of living is top of mind.”

Hunter Douglas

Vera Meharg – Group Marketing Executive at Hunter Douglas tells WFA that continued enhancements ensure the 5-in-1 Alpha awning series remains at the forefront of modern awning systems in Australia. “In this range you can select from a range of styles of awning depending on your outdoor awnings needs, including; Alpha M Awnings, Side Retention System, Cable Guide Awnings, Straight Drop Awnings and Pivot Arm Awnings. 

The newest feature for this product category is Motolux Automation – our proprietary and value brand motor program.  This motorisation system allows end userse to take control of their environment by providing the ultimate indoor and outdoor solution. The Motolux motorisation system features a range of motors for indoor roller blinds, curtains as well as straight drop and folding arm awnings (coming early 2024), providing the ultimate connected home. 

Motolux motorisation features a variety of AC and DC motors with torque strength from 1NM to 50NM, there is a motor solution for a large variety of different size of blinds. 

It also offers a range of handheld and wall mounted remote options including single and multi-channel rechargeable remotes, and/or App control with the Smart Hub. In addition, all Motolux motoristaion product also comes with a 5 year warranty. 

The Motolux Smart Hub provides home automation solution that allows you to centralise and simplify your home. It’s clever and convenient as you can group multiple window coverings together via the scenes function for easy one touch app control (Tuya Smart Life App) via your smart phone. The hub has a built-in RF transmitter which can control various different devices for most TVs, air conditioners and other remote-controlled devices around your home (via Wi-Fi and RF).

“This product is designed to provide a solution for allowing you to automate your whole house with just a click of button. The Motolux Smart Hub not only allows you to control your blinds and awnings via the Tuya Smart Life app, the hub’s has a built-in IR transmitter which can control most other home devices including TV’s, air conditioners and other remote-controlled devices around your home.”

“The easy to use app is available on your smartphone or via voice control with Amazon Alexa, GoogleAssistant or Control4 systems for a fully integrated solution. By providing the ability to group multiple window coverings together via the scenes function for easy one-touch app control. 

“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.

Meharg says home automation has fast become the standard and not the exception in Australian homes from lighting to security to entertainment. Window Coverings have also become a key part of the product selection process for home automation. Consumers are looking for automation solutions to control their window coverings and make for easy living. 

“With summer months fast approaching and most of us spending more time at home, 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.”