A GUIDE TO ZIP-RETENTION BLACKOUT BLINDS
The concept of zip-retention is a relatively simple one. While with some blackout blinds the fabric hangs free inside channels, zipped edge blinds automatically lock the fabric into the side channel as they close.
The technology behind a zipped edge blackout blind was created by Seizo Hayashiguchim in the 1990s.
These blinds utilise a zipper, similar to that which you might find on a coat, welded to the edge of the blind fabric. This pairs with an insert in the side channel itself that holds the fabric a lot more effectively than any zipless alternative.
UK based companies that offer zipped edge blinds include the likes of Yewdale, Shy, Silent Gliss, and Umbra. These systems are a lot more versatile than traditional blackout blinds, and as a result have an array of potential uses.
WHY ZIPPED EDGE BLINDS?
The sheer versatility of zipped edge blinds means that they can be used in many projects to great effect.
REDUCED MAINTENANCE
The main (and most obvious) benefit comes from the fabric being held in place much more securely than in other systems. With non zipped alternatives, fabric has a tendency to come out of of its side channels at the drop of a hat. This causes annoyances ranging from bug bears waiting to happen in residential projects, to a maintenance nightmare in the hospitality sector.
However, with zipped systems, this headache disappears. Just ask our marketing team, who take great and frequent pleasure in launching suitcases at unsuspecting blackout blinds.
Understandably, projectile hand luggage isn’t the main menace to blackout blinds. That title can be reserved for factors such as open windows, open doors, or even accidental nudges, which can all cause blind fabric to come loose from its side channels.
In short, zip-retention means that you won’t have to waste any more time meticulously slotting fabric back into it’s side channels.
SMALLER SIDE CHANNELS
Thanks to zip-retention, side channels can be made a lot smaller. This is due to the fact that on a non-zipped edge blind, fabric sits deeper in the side channel to achieve a full ‘blackout’ effect. We provide zipped fabric blinds with side channels at slim as 24mm, while our non-zipped blackout blinds require a 56mm side channel.
Slimmer side channels make for a much cleaner finish and overall aesthetic. As they say, less is more.
FULL BLACKOUT
Blackout blinds without zipped edges generally use brush inserts to achieve a good blackout effect. However, zipped edge blinds would still provide a more efficient blackout effect and can even have brushes inserted for what we like to call ‘Ultimate Blackout’. Maybe a touch melodramatic, but it gets the point across.
Full blackout is one of the most useful features that blinds can offer. From use in bedrooms, to creating a home cinema experience in rooms with windows, full blackout blinds do indeed have a lot to offer.
ANY ANGLE
Finally, fabric being held in the side channel by a zipper allows your blind to operate on sloping or horizontal windows. Zipped edge systems mean that the maximum size of our rooflight blinds leaps from 4m2 to 18m2. Another welcome benefit is that the need of guidewires is removed, making the overall aesthetic a lot cleaner. This is great news for anyone wanting to shade large horizontal areas.
WHO MAKES THE BEST ZIPPED EDGE BLINDS IN THE UK?
This is all very well, but where can you get your hands on a some quality zipped blackout blinds?
To help you answer this very question, we’ve compiled a list of the top providers of zipped blackout blinds in the UK.
SHY
Shy can tout the achievement of being the first brand to bring zipped-edge technology to the UK. Having brought zip blinds over from Japan in the 1990s, it’s fair to say that they have built up a vast amount of experience with the product.
It’s not just Shy’s experience that is vast, the sizes of their solutions themselves are something to marvel at. If you need an oversized blackout system and have the space for a 150mm cassette, Shy’s systems are well worth considering.
Controls:
Shy blackouts come in both manual (chain or crank), or motorised options.
Max Sizes:
Width: 6000mm | Depth: 10000mm | Surface Area: 50m2
Cost:
Shy blinds are a well balanced option, cheaper than top end options like Silent Gliss, yet also of a higher quality than budget alternatives like Yewdale.
Warranty:
5 Years
YEWDALE
Among other things, Yewdale are known for providing cost effective solutions. This also rings true with their blackout systems. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Yewdale are the people to talk to.
Yewdales blackout blinds can go up to 3.6m drop and/or width, and have a maximum surface area of 10.8m2.
Controls:
Yewdale systems accommodate chain or crank operation, and for their motorised solutions they either use Somfy motors, or their own ‘Yewdale’ Motors.
Max Sizes:
Width: 3600mm | Drop: 3600mm | Surface Area: 10.8m2
Cost:
As previously mentioned, Yewdale’s systems shine when it comes to cost. Being one of the best low-cost options on the market, they’re a really good option if your budget is on the tighter side.
Warranty:
Yewdale’s products all have lifetime warranties.
SILENT GLISS
Silent Gliss are known far and wide for their high quality, top of the range products. While their systems will end up setting you back more than some other alternatives, you can be rest assured in the quality of their products.
When it comes to zipped edge blinds, they offer a Dim-Out system that spans up to 3×3 metres.
Controls:
Silent Gliss offer chain operated blinds, along with an electric range kitted out with their own ‘SG’ line of motors.
Max Sizes:
Width: 3000mm | Drop: 3000mm | Surface Area: 9m2
Cost:
It’s not for nothing that Silent Gliss are known for their high quality, but it does tend to come at a cost. Their blinds will set you back in budget, but you can be rest assured that you’ve purchased some of the best blinds on the market.
Warranty:
Silent Gliss products have a 5 year warranty as standard. This does not include fabrics, which have varying warranties.
UMBRA
And finally, there’s us. Now we could wax lyrical about how great our stuff is but instead of letting this blog rapidly devolve into a marketing piece, lets save some time and have a look at the stats shall we?
Controls:
For our motorised options, we offer Somfy, Nice, or Lutron Motors. We also provide chain and crank for manual options.
Max Sizes:
Width: 4000mm | Drop: 6000mm | Surface Area: 24m2
Cost:
In terms of cost, we sit in a similar range to that of Shy. While not being as expensive as top of the range Gliss blinds, we provide better quality and more features than budget options.
For reference, one of our standard motorised zipped blackout blind systems would have an RRP of around £1,250: (1600mm x 1600mm, Somfy Sonesse 40 RTS, Ex VAT)
Warranty:
KuroLok – 12 Years
KuroLok RL – 5 Years
FAQs
There are some alternatives on the market, such as studs fixed to the fabric and bars running across the fabric.
Neither of these options are as effective as zipped edges though, as they create points of pressure on the fabric which causes a lot of wear and eventually damage. Neither solution completely stops fabric escaping side channels as the fabric isn’t completely locked in.