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Sidetrack & Ziptrak Outdoor Blinds
Sidetrack and Ziptrak outdoor blinds use concealed side-channel systems that lock the fabric edge into aluminium tracks — eliminating gaps, stopping wind ingress, and giving a clean architectural finish. The blind fabric runs inside the tracks from a concealed cassette housing at the top, operated by crank handle, gearbox, or Somfy motor.
Custom Blinds manufactures and installs sidetrack and ziptrak systems across the Garden Route. These are our premium outdoor blind option for patios, verandas, and entertainment areas where wind protection and clean lines matter.
What Is a Sidetrack Outdoor Blind?
A sidetrack blind is a canvas or PVC exterior blind that rolls up into a concealed aluminium cassette at the top. The fabric runs inside extruded aluminium side tracks on both edges. A weighted aluminium bottom bar slides inside the same tracks and locks into the down position using concealed stainless steel sliding rods.
The cassette is fully enclosed front and back, with a removable front cover for maintenance access. The system is operated by a reduction gearbox (7:1 or 10:1 ratio) with a detachable crank handle, or by Somfy motorisation for automated operation.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Side channels | Extruded aluminium tracks — fabric edges housed inside, no gaps |
| Cassette housing | Fully enclosed aluminium cassette protects the roller tube |
| Bottom bar | Purpose-designed aluminium bar slides in tracks, locks with concealed stainless steel rods |
| Operation | Gearbox with detachable crank handle (manual) or Somfy motor (automated) |
| Mounting | Top-fix (concealed brackets) or face-fix (optional) |
| Brackets | Custom-designed, powder-coated cast aluminium end caps |
| Materials | Marine-grade aluminium components, stainless steel locking rods |
What Is a Ziptrak Outdoor Blind?
Ziptrak is a spring-balanced, track-guided outdoor blind system. Instead of a crank handle or motor, the blind is raised and lowered by hand using a spring-balance mechanism — stop the blind at any height and it holds position. The fabric edges zip into side tracks via a continuous spline, creating a sealed edge with no light gaps.
Ziptrak blinds are popular for residential patios and braai areas where quick, tool-free operation matters. The spring-balance system means no cords, no chains, no cranks — just push up or pull down.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operation | Spring-balanced — stop at any height, hands-free hold |
| Side channels | Continuous spline zip-track, sealed edge |
| No cords or chains | Safer for children and pets, cleaner aesthetic |
| Fabrics | Clear PVC, tinted PVC, mesh (5%, 10%, 15% openness) |
| Motorisation | Optional Somfy motorisation available |
Sidetrack vs Ziptrak — Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Sidetrack | Ziptrak |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Crank handle or motor | Spring-balance (hand-operated) |
| Best for | Large openings, heavy-duty wind protection | Residential patios, quick access |
| Wind resistance | Excellent — locked bottom bar | Very good — continuous spline track |
| Fabric options | Canvas, PVC, mesh | Clear PVC, tinted PVC, mesh |
| Motorisation | Gearbox or Somfy | Optional Somfy |
| Stop positions | Fully up or fully down (gearbox); any position (motor) | Any height — spring holds |
| Aesthetic | Concealed cassette, architectural finish | Minimal hardware, clean lines |
Not sure which suits your space? Duncan assesses the opening size, wind exposure, and usage pattern during a free site visit and recommends the right system. WhatsApp to book.
Why Side-Channel Systems for the Garden Route?
The Garden Route’s south-easterly wind drives through any gap in a standard outdoor blind. Drop-down blinds with open edges flap, lift, and eventually damage. Sidetrack and ziptrak systems solve this by housing the fabric edge inside a continuous aluminium channel — wind pushes against a sealed surface rather than catching an unsecured edge.
Combined with marine-grade aluminium components and stainless steel locking hardware, these systems are built for Knysna’s salt air, Plett’s coastal wind, and the humidity that runs the length of the Garden Route.
Coastal Specifications
Every sidetrack and ziptrak system installed by Custom Blinds includes:
| Aluminium components | Marine-grade, powder-coated for salt resistance |
| Locking hardware | Stainless steel — no rust, no seizing |
| Fabric options | UV-stabilised mesh, marine-grade PVC, acrylic canvas |
| Brackets | Cast aluminium, powder-coated, concealed mounting |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty on all components |
Installation Areas
Custom Blinds installs sidetrack and ziptrak outdoor blinds across the Garden Route:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sidetrack and ziptrak blinds?
Sidetrack blinds use a gearbox and crank handle (or motor) with a locking bottom bar. Ziptrak blinds use a spring-balance system — push up or pull down by hand and the blind holds at any height. Both use side-channel tracks to eliminate gaps.
Can sidetrack or ziptrak blinds be motorised?
Yes. Both systems can be fitted with Somfy motorisation for remote, app, or voice control. Motorisation is especially useful for large or high-mounted blinds.
Are these blinds wind-resistant?
Yes. The side-channel design is specifically engineered for wind resistance. The fabric is locked into tracks on both edges, and the bottom bar locks into the down position. This is the primary reason homeowners on the Garden Route choose sidetrack or ziptrak over standard drop-down blinds.
What fabrics are available?
Clear PVC (full visibility with weather protection), tinted PVC (reduced glare), and mesh fabrics at 5%, 10%, or 15% openness (airflow with shade). Canvas options are available for sidetrack systems. Duncan recommends the right fabric based on your exposure and usage.
Do you install in my area?
Custom Blinds installs sidetrack and ziptrak blinds across the Garden Route — Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, and surrounds. WhatsApp Duncan to book a free site visit.
How do these compare to standard drop-down outdoor blinds?
Standard drop-down blinds hang freely at the edges. Sidetrack and ziptrak blinds channel the fabric inside aluminium tracks — no flapping, no gaps, better wind protection. The trade-off is higher cost and more involved installation.
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Related: Outdoor Blinds Guide · Coastal Outdoor Blinds · Outdoor Blinds vs Awnings · Automatic Outdoor Blinds
