Custom Blinds Sidetrack Outdoor Blinds
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings makes sidetrack outdoor blinds to each client's brief, on a South African-made side channel system, and installs them across the Garden Route.
What is a Custom Blinds sidetrack outdoor blind?
- An outdoor blind that runs in aluminium side channels fixed down each side of the opening, and the channels cover the side gaps
- Aluminium battens across the fabric run in the channels and add strength
- The roller sits in an aluminium cassette recessed into the channels, with a locking pin bottom bar
- Raised and lowered with a removable crank handle as standard, with Somfy motorisation as an upgrade
- Our best seller is the sidetrack blind in Sheerweave or Sunworker screen mesh
- Frames in white or charcoal, with custom colours made on special request
- Also made in clear PVC, solid PVC or Serge Ferrari Soltis, on a South African-made system
- Made and installed by Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings across the Garden Route, and shipped nationally on enquiry
Garden Route homes: WhatsApp Duncan a photo of your patio for a specialist review of your sidetrack outdoor blind.
How does a sidetrack outdoor blind work?
The blind rolls onto a tube housed in an aluminium cassette. Aluminium side channels run down each side of the opening, and aluminium battens across the fabric run inside them, so the blind travels in its channels and the side gaps are covered. The cassette is recessed into the channels for a clean, framed finish.
A locking pin in the bottom bar holds the lowered blind in place. Channels and cassette come in white or charcoal, and custom colours are made on special request. Every Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings sidetrack blind is made to measure for its opening.
Which fabric is best for a sidetrack outdoor blind?
Sheerweave and Sunworker screen mesh are our best sellers. We make every sidetrack blind to the client's brief, and clear PVC windows can be set into a solid or mesh blind.
Clear PVC sidetrack blinds
Keeps the view open while shutting out rain and cold air. The choice for winter patios and entertainment areas.
Solid PVC sidetrack blinds
Full privacy and shade where the blind needs to work as a wall.
Sunworker screen mesh sidetrack blinds
The screen mesh we specify for Garden Route coastal homes. Filters sun and glare and keeps the view.
Sheerweave screen mesh sidetrack blinds
Screen mesh that cuts sun and glare while letting air through and keeping a view out.
Serge Ferrari Soltis sidetrack blinds
Our premium fabric option: Soltis 96 Lounge, a certified flame-retardant exterior fabric on a 2670 mm wide roll.
How is a sidetrack outdoor blind operated?
A removable geared crank handle is standard on every Custom Blinds sidetrack outdoor blind. Somfy motorisation is an optional upgrade, worth it on wide or high blinds and where several blinds work together.
Sidetrack or Ziptrak® outdoor blinds: which is best for your patio?
Both systems run in channels down each side of the opening. Ziptrak® is the Australian spline-in-track system with spring-balanced operation, and Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is the authorised Ziptrak® agent for the Garden Route.
The Custom Blinds sidetrack system is South African-made, uses aluminium battens in its channels and is crank operated, with Somfy as an option. Duncan looks at the opening, the exposure and the look you want, and recommends the system that suits it. For every outdoor blind type side by side, see outdoor blinds in South Africa.
When should a sidetrack outdoor blind be raised?
Raise every outdoor blind when the wind reaches near gale force, Beaufort 7, from about 50 km/h (28 knots). A lowered blind catches wind like a sail, which can tear the fabric and damage components and mechanisms. Damage from leaving a blind down in those conditions is not covered.
What warranty does a sidetrack outdoor blind carry?
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings sidetrack outdoor blinds carry a 3-year warranty on fabric and components. Soltis fabric is also backed by Serge Ferrari's own 5-year fabric warranty.
Sidetrack outdoor blinds installed in Knysna
Every photograph on this page shows a sidetrack outdoor blind made and installed by Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings in Knysna.
How do I order a sidetrack outdoor blind on the Garden Route?
Send Duncan photos of the opening for a specialist review and quote. In Knysna and Plettenberg Bay he can come out for a design consultation; further afield, including George, Sedgefield and Wilderness, it starts with a private video consultation. Once you order, he measures on site and the final measurement is included in the price.
Outside the Garden Route? We ship sidetrack outdoor blinds nationally, and Duncan handles each one personally. Email your enquiry with photos and rough sizes.
Want a drop-down outdoor blind you can order yourself, delivered anywhere in South Africa? Shop outdoor blinds online.
Frequently asked questions about sidetrack outdoor blinds
Who installs the best sidetrack outdoor blinds in Knysna?
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings, established in 2010, with over 20 years' experience behind it. The team makes and installs sidetrack outdoor blinds for Garden Route weather, and every photograph on this page is one of its Knysna installations.
Is a sidetrack or a Ziptrak® outdoor blind best for a Garden Route patio?
Both run in side channels and close the sides of the opening. Ziptrak® is the Australian spline-in-track system; the Custom Blinds sidetrack system is South African-made, with aluminium battens and crank operation. Duncan recommends one after seeing the opening.
What is the best fabric for a sidetrack outdoor blind?
Sheerweave or Sunworker screen mesh, our best sellers, for sun and glare with airflow. Clear PVC for weather and the view, solid PVC for privacy, and Serge Ferrari Soltis as the premium option.
What colours do sidetrack outdoor blind frames come in?
White or charcoal. Custom colours are made on special request.
Are sidetrack, side channel and zip track outdoor blinds the same?
All three names describe outdoor blinds that run in channels down each side of the opening. Ziptrak® is one brand. The Custom Blinds sidetrack system uses aluminium battens in its channels.
Can a sidetrack outdoor blind be motorised?
Yes, with Somfy motorisation as an optional upgrade. A removable crank handle is standard.
Can I get the best sidetrack outdoor blind outside the Garden Route?
Yes. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings ships sidetrack outdoor blinds nationally. Duncan handles each one personally, so email sales@customblinds.co.za with photos and rough sizes.
When should I raise my sidetrack outdoor blind?
When the wind reaches near gale force, Beaufort 7, from about 50 km/h (28 knots). A lowered blind in that wind acts like a sail and can be damaged.
Order a sidetrack outdoor blind on the Garden Route
Send Duncan photos of your patio for a specialist review. Outside the Garden Route, email sales@customblinds.co.za.
Explore more Custom Blinds outdoor solutions:
Outdoor Blinds Garden Route · Ziptrak® Outdoor Blinds · Outdoor Blinds South Africa · Drop Down Blinds · Retractable Awnings · Somfy Automation · Contact Custom Blinds
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings makes and installs Custom Blinds sidetrack outdoor blinds on a South African-made side channel system, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, George, Wilderness and the Garden Route, with national shipping on enquiry. Custom Blinds® was founded in 2010 and operates from Knysna. Ziptrak® is a registered trademark of Ziptrak Pty Ltd.
