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Sidetrack Outdoor Blinds
Sidetrack outdoor blinds use a concealed cassette and aluminium side-channel system that houses the fabric edge inside extruded tracks, eliminating gaps and stopping wind ingress. The blind rolls up neatly onto a tube protected inside a fully enclosed aluminium cassette, and is raised and lowered by a removable crank handle or Somfy motor.
Custom Blinds supplies and installs sidetrack outdoor blinds across the Garden Route. This is our premium outdoor blind for patios, verandas, pergolas, and entertainment areas where wind protection and a clean architectural finish matter.
What are sidetrack outdoor blinds and how do they work?
- Sidetrack blinds are clear PVC outdoor blinds where the panel runs inside extruded aluminium side channels on both edges, eliminating the gaps that standard drop-down blinds leave open to wind.
- The roller tube sits inside a fully enclosed aluminium cassette at the top, protecting the blind from weather when retracted. A weighted bottom bar locks into the tracks using concealed locking pins.
- Operated by a detachable crank handle (manual) or Somfy motor (automated). Reinforcement bars prevent panel sag and flutter on wider openings.
- Cassette, brackets, and crank handle available in white or charcoal powder coating. Marine-grade aluminium and stainless steel hardware for coastal durability.
Garden Route installation: WhatsApp Duncan for a free site visit, or request a quote.
What is a sidetrack outdoor blind?
A sidetrack blind (also known as a cassette outdoor blind, patio blind, or patio screen) is an exterior roller blind where the clear PVC panel runs inside extruded aluminium side channels on both edges. This eliminates the side gaps that standard drop-down blinds leave open to wind.
The roller tube sits inside a fully enclosed aluminium cassette at the top, protecting the blind from weather when not in use. A weighted aluminium bottom bar slides inside the same side tracks and locks into the down position using a concealed locking pin system. The fabric is also kept rigid by a reinforcement bar system, preventing sag and flutter across wide openings.
The system is operated by a detachable crank handle, or by Somfy motorisation for automated operation.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Side channels | Extruded aluminium tracks house the panel edges. No gaps. |
| Cassette housing | Fully enclosed aluminium cassette protects the roller tube and panel |
| Bottom bar | Purpose-designed aluminium bar slides in tracks, locks with concealed locking pins |
| Reinforcement bars | Panel stiffening system prevents sag and flutter on wider spans |
| Operation | Detachable crank handle (manual) or Somfy motor (automated) |
| Mounting | Top-fix (concealed brackets) standard. Face-fix brackets available as an option. |
| Brackets | Custom-designed, powder-coated cast aluminium end caps |
| Colours | White and charcoal powder coating on cassette, brackets, and crank handle |
| Materials | Marine-grade aluminium components, stainless steel locking hardware |
Clear PVC panels
Our sidetrack blinds use clear PVC, giving full weather sealing with unobstructed visibility. The clear PVC panels protect against wind, rain, and splash while keeping the view open. Duncan recommends the right panel weight and specification based on your exposure, opening size, and how you use the space.
Manual vs motorised
The standard sidetrack system uses a detachable crank handle. The crank is removable, so it stores away cleanly when not in use. For automated operation, the system can be fitted with Somfy motorisation, giving remote, app, or voice control.
| Factor | Manual (crank handle) | Motorised (Somfy) |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Removable crank handle | Remote, app, or voice control |
| Best for | Occasional adjustment, single openings | Daily use, large or high openings, multiple blinds |
| Stop positions | Fully up or fully down (locked) | Any position |
| Wind sensors | Not available | Optional auto-retract on high wind |
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 setup. WhatsApp to book.
Why sidetrack blinds 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 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, stainless steel locking hardware, and reinforcement bars to prevent panel flutter, 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 system installed by Custom Blinds includes:
| Aluminium components | Marine-grade, powder-coated (white or charcoal) for salt resistance |
| Locking hardware | Stainless steel locking pins |
| Fabric | Clear PVC panels for full weather sealing with visibility |
| Brackets | Cast aluminium, powder-coated, concealed top-fix mounting |
| Reinforcement | Horizontal reinforcement bars prevent sag on wider spans |
| Warranty | 5-year warranty on all components |
Installation areas
Custom Blinds installs sidetrack outdoor blinds across the Garden Route:
Frequently asked questions
What is a sidetrack outdoor blind?
A sidetrack blind is a cassette outdoor blind where the fabric runs inside extruded aluminium side channels. The concealed cassette protects the roller tube, and the side tracks eliminate gaps that standard drop-down blinds leave open to wind. Sidetrack systems are sometimes referred to locally as zip track blinds.
Can sidetrack blinds be motorised?
Yes. The system can be fitted with Somfy motorisation for remote, app, or voice control. Motorisation is especially useful for large or high-mounted blinds, or when operating multiple blinds together.
Are sidetrack blinds wind-resistant?
Yes. The side-channel design is specifically engineered for wind resistance. The fabric is locked into tracks on both edges, the bottom bar locks into the down position with concealed locking pins, and reinforcement bars prevent the fabric from sagging or fluttering. This is the primary reason homeowners on the Garden Route choose sidetrack over standard drop-down blinds.
What material are the blinds made from?
Our sidetrack blinds use clear PVC panels, providing full weather protection with unobstructed visibility. Duncan recommends the right panel specification based on your exposure and opening size.
What colours are available?
The cassette, brackets, and crank handle are available in white or charcoal powder coating.
Do you install in my area?
Custom Blinds installs sidetrack blinds across the Garden Route: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay, and surrounds. WhatsApp Duncan to book a free site visit.
How do sidetrack blinds compare to standard drop-down blinds?
Standard drop-down blinds hang freely at the edges. Sidetrack blinds channel the fabric inside aluminium tracks, eliminating flapping and gaps for superior wind protection. The cassette also protects the fabric from weather when retracted. 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 · Motorised Blinds Guide
