Choosing The Right Blinds

Choosing on the type of outdoor blind could be a daunting task as it varies from pricing to functionality. It largely dependent on some of the following consideration so that you can make the right choice to more importantly serve its function and meet your expectations without paying over the top for item that you may not even need. 

1. Understanding the Purpose

It is important to know the functionality of each type of blind and how they can assist you. 

All outdoor blind primary function is to providing shade (varies with fabric which will be discuss below) and covering light rain.

The biggest misconception when ever we speak to disappointed customer who bought their blinds (not from us) is that they are not well informed that the blind are not able to take up strong wind loading. The fabric tend to have a 'sail up' effect and in worse case fabric got torn. It is important to allow more wind to pass through by raising the blind at the minimum half way mark to reduce tension stress on the fabric.

At the end, there is a summary presented to understand the characteristic of each type of blind. 

2. Ease of Operation

Manual of motorized?

The raising and lowering of entry level blind is usually manual by pulley. They are the most economical and provides all the necessary function. In most cases the force is quite proportion to the size of blind hence it is advisable to have clutch or spring chain system to assist. However, for manual system, one bigger disadvantages is that the maximum permissible width is 2500 mm or less. 

While some consider motorized system a luxury, we feel it absolute necessary for some outdoor area especially when there are a few sets of them. It may be quite a chore if you have to raised and lowered it frequently. However, for smaller area like the service yard, it makes more economical sense to have it manual instead. 

With a touch of a button, the motorized blind can be selected to individually or collective raised or lowered. These definitely save the hassle of rushing or even splattering with rain when a sudden downpour arises. 

3. Type of Fabric

We probably have to discuss this in two perspective, Shade and material compositions. 

The amount of shade coming into the area varies from colour of blinds and perforation of fabric. Generally a darker shade will give a darker hue to the entire area while the bigger the perforation, the more light is able to pass through. Hence it really boils down to individual preference. You may find a wide range of colours from ours and there will definitely something to match you or in many recent case, the developer. 

The type of fabric chosen can be from PVC/Polyester to bamboo chick to even canvas.

PVC/polyester is gaining its foot hold in the industries for its properties of being environmentally friendly as oppose to it predecessor of using fiber glass. Some company goes the extra mile to obtain a green label certification. Good quality PVC/Polyester have very little shrinkage and they are able to hold their shape under conditions. Colour durability is definitely a plus point when making consideration for these fabrics. 

Another selection for PVC/Polyester is the mesh type or common known perforation type. This is an ideal and versatile fabric that offers the best of both worlds. It is available in several different grades that can block out the effects of the sun and keeping out winds and rain.

Bamboo strip used in traditional bamboo chicks are commonly known for its durability and the ability to absorb heat better. Although the bamboo serve well to withstand rain, prolong moisture plus poor ventilation may cause the bamboo to bloat and rot. Bamboo chicks needs to be lowered to dry after a downpour to air dry the bamboo before rolling up the blinds. 

Canvas is the least popular material option which offers a high level of UV protection and durability, much like acrylic fabrics. They works like a opaque blind and doesn't create a alfresco feel to the entire area. They definitely cannot take strong wind as no wind is able to pass through. These fabric blinds tend to flap a lot more than the perforated series.  

In a nutshell; 

Outdoor Manual Roller Blind

Ease of operation  : Moderate
Rain permissible   : Light 
Shading                 : Good
Wind permissible  : Moderate
Wind loading         : Average (varies with fabric)

Child safety           : Average

Outdoor Motorized Roller Blind

Ease of operation : Excellent
Rain permissible  : Light 
Shading                : Good
Wind permissible : Average ( varies with fabric )
Wind loading        : moderate

Child safety          : Good

Outdoor Zip Blind

Ease of operation : Excellent
Rain permissible   : moderate ( varies with fabric )
Shading                 : Good
Wind permissible  : Average ( varies with fabric )
Wind loading         : Excellent

Child safety           : Good

The above serves as a general guides for your knowledge. We welcome you to call us for more enquiries, alternatively we can meet to discuss on sites too.