Externals updated

Ricky Richards

Ricky Richards’ external blinds from its Sun Control division encompass Outlook mesh, Docril, Australian-made Barrington canvas and Solterior FR, all of which are ideal for a variety of residential and commercial projects. This curated range of textiles hosts functional benefits unique to each of the fabric types, while ensuring longevity in the harsh Australian climate. 

The company’s Outlook Mesh is created for year-round protection against the elements, privacy and style, Outlook mesh is the perfect choice when it comes to blinds and awnings.

The Outlook collection is available in three types of openness for uninterrupted views and air circulation: 1%, 5%, 12%. For those looking for visual block out, Mode Zero is typically selected.

“Three of the four Outlook categories are manufactured using Dow Ecolibrium, bio-based plasticisers which are lead and phthalate free, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40% with 98% of the plasticisers used being sourced from non-fossil fuel feed stock. For every 10 square metres of Outlook mesh 1%, 5% and 12% used litre of petroleum is saved. Mode Zero is the only exclusion. 

“Supported by 10-years warranty, plain and striped options are available, along with a selection of colours inspired by Colorbond for a blind or awning. The Outlook range ensures a seamless update to any existing outdoor theme.” 

Meanwhile Docril fabric options bring bold pops of colour and classic striped designs to domestic, commercial, and architectural projects. Ideal for protection against harmful UV rays, Docril fabrics reduce solar heat gain by up to 90%, creating a cool and comfortable in-door living environment, while aiding in the potential reduction of energy costs.

Crafted in Spain from100% solution dyed acrylic, the solution-dyeing process incorporates the pigment into the molecules of the fibre, creating a stronger bond than what would be achieved by dyeing the thread or the fabric itself. 

“That means the colour doesn’t sit on the surface, it penetrates the fibre itself. This ensures an extremely high resistance to fading, making the fabric ideal for applications such as external blinds, external awnings, outdoor upholstery, and marine projects in Australia.” 

Docril is available in a variety of widths: 120cm, 150cm, 200cm and 250cm. They are coated with Dupont Teflon for durability, easy care, and cleaning, ensuring long lasting protection from dust, soil and stains. In addition to its easy-care properties, Docril is both water and oil repellent. This collection of fabrics has exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemical reaction, corrosion, and stress cracking. 

The fabric is available in colours including a selection inspired by Colorbond, and is supported by a 10-year warranty. 

Ricky’s Barrington Canvas is described as “a set of stylish fabrics that offer a modern flair whilst incorporating traditional aesthetics.” 

“This Australian made poly/cotton painted canvas is made up of three ranges: Colours, which host the same colour on both the front and reverse side. Artisan is a set of striped designs with a unique grey backing, and Jubilee comprises striped designs with a traditional green back.

“Barrington fabrics will reduce solar heat gain by up to 95% which means they can assist with indoor climate control, ultimately assisting in saving on energy costs. Barrington fabrics have a high resistance to fading and are supported by a full 10-year warranty.

“Solterior FR is a solution-dyed polyester manufactured in Japan by Izumi. Ideal for folding arm awnings and market umbrellas in both a commercial and residential setting, this textile is RoHS compliant, fire retardant, waterproof and UV stabilized. 

“Solterior FR is made with yarn that is produced out of used PET plastic bottles, giving a second life to a product that is not biodegradable and would otherwise end up as landfill. By using recycled bottles in the yarn, Solterior FR saves both energy resources and the environment while delivering the same high-quality features as other Ricky sun control products. 

“A percentage of sales from all Ricky Sun Control fabrics is donated to Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA). The funds support vital research and help MIA reach their goal of zero deaths from melanoma.

Blinds by Peter Meyer

“With people still looking to enjoy their Alfresco dining areas all year round thanks to the pandemic bringing their focus closer to home and the cost of raw materials starting to decline and returning to a more affordable level, we predict that the demand for outdoor blinds will rise again,” Blinds by Peter Meyer Managing Director Simon Meyer tells WFA. 

“With this in mind, Weinor’s VertiTex II exterior Roller combined with the Plaza Viva Patio Roof is a complete system that will give customers the seamless look and all-round weather protection they are searching for.

“Designed for all seasons of the year, the VertiTex II is a great exterior blind to offer you privacy and protection from the ravages of the Australian weather. With its tiny 75mm and 92mm cassettes, it can span up to a massive 6m wide without being obtrusive. Moreover, the Zip systems come with a 112mm cassette, allowing longer drops. You can also choose from square and round profiles for the cassettes and guide rails.

When combined with Plaza Viva II’s wind-resistance and ability to integrate subtly into the overall design, you end up with an overall patio solution that is both visually appealing and highly functional. Plaza Viva II can have a maximum width and projection of 6m x 5m. Innovative features such as OptiStretch, integrated LED lighting and gear handle-operated Valance Plus leave little to be desired.

“With Weinor Opti-Flow System, the fabric position is always perfect.  It is constructed with a floating fabric roller bearing and specially coated glide profile to ensure that the fabric is kept in the correct position and has long-term protection, even on fabrics up to 6m wide.”

Meanwhile, Meyer says a significant impact has been caused by changes made to the National Construction Code by the Fire Regulations. 

“Projects have become more challenging because anything above the first floor that is in Building Class 2 to 9 needs a performance solution. The interpretations have varied from state to state. In NSW, for example, compliance has progressed much faster than in Victoria. Previously, we did not have to do any of this work. 

“A potential customer may also shop around when you tell them that a performance solution is more expensive and look for people who quote cheaper but are not following the code. Despite this, our business in exterior awnings has not declined, in fact it has grown.”

BM Blinds

Michelle Macready, Sales Manager of BM Blinds, tells WFA the eZIP external tracking blind has quickly become the company’s strongest selling awning product. 

“The eZIP is designed to perform in the harsh Australian environment with its robust high density aluminium frame ensures problem free use for the life of the product.

“Designed by an installer, with its patented multi-direction tension setting, the eZIP track blind is a fitter’s dream. The slim and sleek fully enclosed 135mm square head box, either extruded aluminium or Colorbond, the eZIP is the perfect addition to your client’s home.

“Couple the eZIP with your favourite screen fabric for the perfect solution to your outdoor alfresco area. This offers protection from the sun, breeze and even offers some protection against rain. It makes the eZIP system the ideal solution to turn your outdoor area in to a useable space all year round.”

Pinz

“Given the hectic few years that our industry has had, 2023 has started as a time of consolidation for Pinz,” Kate Bessell, National Sales & Marketing Manager tells WFA.

“As we recovered from the pandemic our industry has seen a normalisation of sales which to be honest has given us the opportunity to catch our breath and consider systems and processes which have been stretched to the limit over the past couple of years.  

“This certainly doesn’t mean that we are being complacent around new product identification and development, however as a starting point it has meant a thorough review of our product offering and identification of underperforming lines to allow us the space and capacity to consider what comes next.

“Pinz has always grown and diversified based on customer demand and currently this is having us consider a number of different brands and products for possible introduction into our range.  Also front of mind is our new Sydney manufacturing facility and what products can be brought online to further complement this new site to further support our east coast customer base.

In light of the changes made Fire Regulations of the National Construction Code relating to the installation of Awnings and Blinds on the upper floors of Class Two through Nine Buildings, Bessell says the alteration initially “seemed extremely daunting to navigate when the code was initially amended, however there has been a significant amount of work done particularly by the BMAA to provide suitable work-arounds to allow projects to continue under the required regulations. 

“As a wholesale only fabricator, in most instances we don’t have insight into where the blinds we make are being installed however it does seem that there are still a reasonable number of retailers who remain unaware of the requirements of the code on this subject. 

“We do our best to communicate and assist when this becomes apparent, and the BMAA have been very helpful.”

Somfy

In recent times, Somfy has found that the trend in indoor-outdoor entertaining and exterior shading solutions continues to grow for homeowners, Paul de Salis, Head of Marketing for Somfy Oceania tells WFA, resulting in an increase in home improvement spending – particularly for outdoor and backyard spaces.

“With the warmer weather luring people outside for entertaining and recreational activities at home, external blinds and screens have proven to be the popular choice for the great Australian lifestyle. When combined with a suitable fabric, the application makes it possible to expand your living space by providing year-round protection from the elements.

“We’ve seen motorisation rates increase dramatically in this segment due to the need for easy access to the rest of the backyard,” says de Salis. “External blinds and shades are still very popular. Essentially it allows you to close off an alfresco area, or it provides you with the opportunity to create an extra room in your current backyard.”

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

“Adding a Maestria 50 RTS motor to external blinds helps to create an outdoor space that can be used all year-round”, add de Salis. 

“The universal solution boasts a range of innovative features and functionalities, including smart obstacle detection and automatic limit setting. The Maestria 50 RTS is the perfect option for all types of external screens including zip systems, and is available in different torques, starting from 6Nm, ensuring its innovative obstacle detection feature can work on small screens too.

“By coupling these external solutions with motorisation and Somfy’s sun and wind sensors, users have the ability to operate their external blinds or screens via Connexoon Window RTS app or on an automated schedule. Not only does this preserve the temperature in a home, but it also protects the home from prying eyes and the elements.”

Uniline

Uniline are releasing a new and improved addition to the Protecta range – the Deep Channel System. This is the ninth Protecta system in the range, which will be available soon and on display at the upcoming SuperExpo in June 2023. 

This addition will need No Zips, No Spline, and is easy to manufacture and install.

The new Deep Channel System is also compatible with Colorbond Steel Multi-Roll Hooding, released last year. 

“Protecta Deep Channel System will be available in gearbox and motorised and will run alongside the other eight configurations in the Protecta range of awnings,” External Category Manager – Damien Crew – tells WFA.

“It’s extremely easy to install and a very cost-effective way to enclose your patio area or alfresco area.

“The new Deep Channel offer is a great value for money option that the market has been demanding.  It offers all the privacy and protection from the Harsh Australian environment at a great price. 

Crew tells WFA the window furnishings industry really benefited from Covid, as people worked from home and upgraded their homes, to accommodate their new lifestyles. 

“External awnings are now widely accepted as a valuable asset to extend the outdoor living experience, being able to cover and shade outdoor patios and alfresco areas.

“The industry definitely experienced significant increases in commodity costs, like aluminium and steel, as well as exorbitant freight increases. Uniline adjusted our business model and moved our centralised warehouse to our five local branches and make our product more readily available to our customers. This has been a very positive decision for us and our customers.

In terms of changes made in the Fire Regulations of the National Construction Code relating to the installation of Awnings and Blinds on the upper floors of Class Two through Nine Buildings; 

“As yet we have not seen much of an impact due to the changes of the Fire regulation but would expect this to take effect in the coming months,” he says. “The external category will need to adjust to these changes and implement to technologies to offer to this market.”

“Uniline continue to work closely with our customers and building specifiers to ensure the best and safest product is specified for the project.”