The heat is on

It seems this summer is set to be hot in more ways than one, with suppliers predicting that the season – after the headwinds that have beset the sector – could be one of the strongest of the past few years for exterior blinds 

Somfy

According to Somfy, “the busy season over the last couple of years has looked a little different, with lockdowns and travel restrictions forcing many Australian families to shift their holidays and festivities to their homes. 

“As high season kicks in this year and the weather starts to heat up, Somfy predicts that investments in external blinds and window solutions will continue to rise. 

Somfy has found that the focus on outdoor entertaining and exterior shading solutions continues to grow for most homeowners, resulting in a spike in home improvement spending – particularly for outdoor and backyard spaces. 

“External blinds and shades are still very popular. Essentially it allows you to close off an alfresco area, keeping the flies and mosquitos out, so that you can enjoy the additional space,” Somfy Oceania’s Head of Marketing, Paul de Salis, tells WFA. 

“The trend in indoor/outdoor functionality has also seen dramatic change in the design of new houses in recent years, with outdoor spaces being incorporated under the roof of the house – generating a demand for external blinds. 

“Having the ability to enclose your outdoor space with motorised external blinds and essentially creating an extension of your home has become extremely popular in new builds,” says de Salis. 

“We’ve seen motorisation rates increase dramatically in this segment as a result of homeowners wanting to seamlessly extend their living space.”

Somfy’s innovative external blind motor, Maestria 50 RTS, provides a flexible solution for the growing external segment. The Maestria 50 RTS is a universal solution that boasts a range of innovative features and functionalities, including smart obstacle detection and automatic limit setting.

“Adding Maestria 50 RTS to external blinds helps to create an outdoor space that can be used all year-round.” The motor can also be linked to a range of RTS automation controls including Connexoon Window RTS and Somfy’s sun and wind sensors.

Dalekit

“Dalekit prides itself on manufacturing a huge range of external blinds, with over 30 listed on the ordering platform and more again we can specially order,” says Dalekit General Manager Joanne De Silva. 

“Whilst we have manufactured numerous side retention systems over the years, Dalekit still focuses on the Rollease Acmeda Zipscreen for its aesthetics and – based on installers’ comments – ease of installation, easy adjustment on site, and customers happy that the skin sits flat at any position. 

“Given that Rollease Acmeda offers wire guide and straight drop awnings in the same system, you can find the right blind to match different applications anywhere on your property and add an element of class to your environment.

“Traditional window applications often call for an automatic awning on ground level or pivot arms on higher storeys. These traditional systems, which can be manufactured in mesh, acrylic and canvas, give the benefit of keeping the sun off the windows, helping reduce cooling costs by up to 30% but as they stand out from the window still allowing airflow into the home.

“Shopfront awnings and Fixed Café awnings have been a staple in the industry for many years and still hold their place in responding to specific needs, being able to screen print and advertise at the front of your store whilst providing shade is an added benefit. The simplicity of both styles allows for additional weather resistance; and they can generally be left in a ‘set and forget’ position.”

“As alfresco areas became more popular in recent years, straight drop awnings have become prominent and a cost effective alternative to zip systems. From Cord and Reel awnings, Veranda Straight Drops, Alfresco Straight Drops, Stainless Steel Cable Guides and Multistop channels, our wide variety of bottom fixings creates even more versatility in these standard awnings.”

“Folding arm awnings and retractable roof systems round off the ranges that Dalekit has to offer. These products create a shelter from the harsh UV rays when required but can be retracted back to enjoy the night sky of an evening.

“By offering so many versions of each type of awning range, we believe we are able to cover any end user’s needs. Dalekit also prides itself on being able to customise the customisable when needed for a tricky install.”

Pinz

“As a customer focused company Pinz has always been demand driven, allowing our customers to drive our product offering,” says Kate Bessell, Pinz National Sales and Marketing Manager

“This approach currently sees us presenting a broad collection of external blind and awning products ranging from traditional awnings which remain ever popular such as Auto Awnings, Straight Drop blinds and canopies, to more performance-based products such as folding arm awnings and side retention systems including both Ziptrak and Zipscreen.

“We work very closely with our suppliers on new product developments and improvements, and continue to be impressed with the focus and consideration that our suppliers invest in innovation and R&D.  

“From a wholesale sales and fabrication perspective, our focus more recently has been on highlighting product and fabric options that deliver tangible and functional benefits, and that give the consumer a better experience from their investment. 

“We encourage retailers to really think about how each product can be specified to improve the quality of life of the end user, the little things that make the blinds more functional such as doorways for ease of access or by using a combination of different fabrics in the one blind to provide privacy, ventilation or to maintain their view. 

“With the introduction of our new Sydney factory we are finding significant growth opportunities with products that are popular in the Sydney market.  Large parts of Sydney remain very focused on traditional window awnings, however the uptake of side retention systems including both Zipscreen and Ziptrak is significant and continues to grow. 

“Our Sydney factory located in Wetherill Park in Sydney’s western suburbs has increased our capacity to respond to these opportunities and to be more growth and customer service focused.  We have set up the factory to start slowly, producing one key product initially however the plans are certainly in place to expand this locally manufactured offering to better service this market and our customer base along the East Coast. 

BM Blinds

Since adding external awnings to its internal blind range a few years ago BM Blinds reports a gradual increase in sales, says Phillip Macready Sales representative. “However with the introduction of the eZIP over the past 12 months our awning range has hit new heights.”

“With the support of our suppliers, BM Blinds conducted two training session for our external awning collection in late August, ensuring the clients that attended had been fully trained on the system prior to the beginning of the summer season.

“eZIP’s heavy duty aluminum extrusion and patented multi-directional adjustable side channels ensure years of trouble-free use.”

“Designed by an installer, the eZIP system offers a sleek fully enclosed 135mm headbox in the latest Colorbond colours that adds sun protection to any outdoor area. Easy to install, the eZIP is a robust system that is built to withstand the harsh Australian conditions.”

Ricky Richards

Ricky reports that its Outlook mesh fabric range for external blinds continues to attract strong demand. 

“Outlook mesh fabrics were created by Ricky to suit Australian conditions almost 20 years ago and have always come from the same supplier; Phifer Incorporated USA. 

“These fabrics will reflect up to 95% of solar energy while still allowing air to pass through, helping to create a cooler, more comfortable environment naturally. They are available in three types of openness: 1%, 5% and 12% and a fourth option: Mode Zero, a visual block out mesh. 

“Colours include a selection inspired by Colorbond, which means you can match any existing outdoor theme and all these fabrics are supported by a full 10-year warranty.  

“On top of all the features that Outlook mesh fabrics offer, a percentage of sales is donated to Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) which funds vital research and helps MIA reach their goal of zero deaths from melanoma.”

Hunter Douglas

Continued enhancements ensure the 5-in-1 Alpha awning series remains at the forefront of modern Marketing Communications Manager  Vera Meharg confirms recent range addition the Alpha M Awning is “Australia’s first and only magnetic retention awning system, delivering 200kg^ of pull force keeping fabric taut and neat inside channels. 

“It 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*. 

Meharg says the line has numerous practical benefits, mainly that “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 EuropeanEnduris® 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.” 

“Awnings that can close off alfresco areas and protect against harsh UV and debris are in high demand,” says Meharg. “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.”

“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.”

Abra Aluminium – Widescreen

Widescreen has been developed over the past eight years and has proven itself in the Australian and South African markets with our external blind systems, Tony Hopkins – Widescreen Technical Director at Abra Aluminium in Queensland tells WFA.

“With most customers demanding Australian made products Widescreen is rapidly gaining a strong following. Widescreen has dramatic points of difference, features exclusive to our blinds. Widescreen is produced locally in our own facility at Narangba just north of Brisbane, perfectly located to supply businesses from as far south as Byron Bay thru to The Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Southeast Queensland and north to cover the Capricorn Coast. We also supply businesses in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth with plans to further expand our interstate network in 2023.

“Quality is at the top of our priority list; our network is growing on the back of confidence of efficient supply and distribution of a top-quality product. Widescreen has undergone comprehensive testing with our inhouse engineering team, surpassing all realistic claims made by competitors. We are continually working developing new systems to further enhance our Zip and Cable Guide systems; we have new variations currently being tested to be ready for the 2023 season which are sure to gain attention in the marketplace.”

Hopkins confirms the company’s suite of new products will be released at the 2023 BMAA Super Expo.

Rollease Acmeda 

For its Zipscreen programme,  Rollease Acmeda offers an extensive suite of support documentation ensuring each Zipscreen and Veue system is made to the perform at its best, Andrew Robson – National Sales Manager, tells WFA.

“Our manuals provide an abundance of valuable information including; capacity charts for each control type, cassette and side channel dimensions, powder coating specifications and step by step assembly and installation guides. 

“We recently undertook an update to 17 of our documents within the External Range for Zipscreen & Veue Drop Awnings. Our Product Specification, Assembly & Installation Manuals were updated for Zipscreen, Zipscreen Extreme and each of the individual Veue Awning systems, as well as our all-in-one Externals eBOM.  

“Our Product Specification manual now features updated charts supporting a Zipscreen Extreme system with Box 190 capable of achieving six metre widths and five metre drops and Veue Drop Awning range supporting widths up to five metres. 

A new External Coating specification provides an overview of all external system extrusion and bracket powder-coating specifications in one convenient document.  

Users can download all the latest documentation by visiting the Rollease Acmeda website document library.  

Meanwhile Zipscreen’s team of engineers recently completed comprehensive wind testing of our signature Zipscreen System at the Monash University Wind Tunnel facility. 

“Considered the largest wind tunnel in the southern hemisphere and Australia’s leading automotive aerodynamic test facility, this provided the perfect location to push our shades to their limits. 

“In the testing we did, a 2.4m x 2.4m Zipscreen shade withstood a wind speed of 140km/h, which is the maximum speed achievable. 

“While testing outdoor shades in controlled laboratory environments can clearly depict impressive results, these artificial conditions do not account for the unpredictable nature of real-world factors such as wind gusts, or loose debris acting as projectiles which could damage the fabric, resulting in a costly replacement.  

“Some products within our industry are claiming to withstand winds in excess of 200 km/h. It is imperative to be aware of the test methods used to generate these claims and the associated fine print. One example of a common testing device is an ‘airbox’. An airbox is an open top pressure chamber where a shade is exposed to an air pressure to simulate the effect of wind forces. Calculations are then performed to equate this result to an ‘equivalent wind load’, which is then published in marketing material.  

“Wind speeds above 118 km/h are equivalent to Beaufort scale of 12, which causes widespread devastation to buildings and complete destruction of vegetation. Given this, it is unreasonable to assume any type of outdoor shading system would withstand the immense power of these weather conditions. 

“Although our Zipscreen shades withstood an impressive wind speed, we strongly recommend shades are retracted in strong winds (above 50 km/h) to ensure our customers” investment will last for many years to come. 

Watch the wind tunnel video 

Weinor Australia

The Weinor VertiTex II, from Blinds by Peter Meyer’s Weinor Australia is described as “the perfect weather all-rounder, versatile and discreet”

“For windows, the VertiTex II is a suitable alternative to external shading systems or roller shutters and can be used inside and out. Attaching discreetly to any facade and spanning up to an impressive six metres wide, the 75mm, 92mm and 112mm (for Zip systems and longer drops) cassettes are available in sleek square and round profiles. 

“The fabric positioning is always perfect thanks to the patented Weinor Opti-Flow System that supports the fabric and roller tube along the entire length with its floating fabric roller bearings and specially coated guide profile. 

“Weinor has a wide array of fabrics that will suit any light and privacy needs. For particularly windy areas, the Vertitex II with Zip is a great option. With very high stability and smooth running of the blind in high winds up to 49 km/h, it also has the added benefit of minimising noise, removing light gaps and repelling insects.

“A focus on home improvement and alfresco dining additions has increased sales in this sector over the past few years due to Covid-19,” says Meyer. “However pricing increases due to raw material costs and the impact of the recession, has meant only the more discerning customers are installing these premium outdoor shading solution such as the VertiTex II.”

Ultracut Industries

Garth Jacobs, Director Ultracut, tells WFA the company’s patented Duoweld Impulse welder launched about a year ago and has gained market recognition as the new industry standard when it comes to welding external products.  

“Now with many domestically in each state, we are continuing to grow our export market sending to customers now in NZ, South Africa and USA all with great results.  Many customers opting to buy multiple units to keep up with demand.”

The Duoweld was specifically designed for the externals market and side retention systems in particular, “with one of the key patented features being able to swap from a 10mm wide weld to a 20mm wide weld at the push of a button. 

“This allows customers to easily weld different Kedars and Zips with ease.  Our system comes standard with 6.4 metre weld capacity and we are now developing an eight metre welding capacity model for customers in the US.  

“The second patented feature is the programmable Kedar/Zipper clamp.  Users have the ability to program in many different sizes of Kedar/Zippers and different offsets so changing from one Kedar/Zipper to another is as simple as loading the program.  No need for clumsy custom built jigs that need to be manually moved with every weld change.

“This machine was designed to allow users to weld many different size Kedar/Zippers with minimal setup time as Ultracut established much time was being spend changing jigs and offsets manually on older style machines.  Ultracut is also 100% Australian owned and built. 

External products continue to be a growth sector with many more systems coming into the market, the higher profit margins being the main drawcard for manufactures.

“Side retention systems continue to flood the market as consumers realise the benefits of the relative low cost to enclose outdoors areas and make more space and liveable areas in their homes.

“People have spent more time at home and thus the requirement to expand the living area has become more of a priority.  This is contributing to drive the sales of the external products market higher than before.