Pergola ZIP Screen Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right System Based on Size, Wind, Fabric and Motor Configuration

• selecting a screen that is too large for the structure
• choosing fabric based only on appearance
• ignoring wind exposure
• selecting a motor system without considering operation requirements

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Opening Size Determines Tube, Motor and System Configuration

The first step in selecting a ZIP Screen is understanding the opening dimensions.

Width and height influence:

• fabric weight
• roller tube load
• motor torque requirement
• guide track stress
• fixing requirements

A common mistake is treating a large screen as simply a small screen with more fabric.

In reality, increasing the size changes the mechanical load of the entire system.

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Example 1: Residential Pergola

Opening:

2.5m W × 2.5m H

Typical application:

• backyard pergola
• protected patio
• individual screen operation

A standard ZIP Screen configuration is usually suitable.

The load remains relatively controlled because:

• fabric area is limited
• wind exposure is lower
• operating frequency is moderate

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Example 2: Commercial Pergola

Opening:

6m W × 3m H

Typical application:

• restaurant terrace
• hotel outdoor area
• large pergola enclosure

This is not simply a larger version of the residential example.

The system needs additional consideration:

• stronger roller tube
• higher torque motor
• reinforced guide tracks
• improved fixing structure

For wider openings, connected ZIP Screen systems can distribute the load more effectively and provide more stable operation.

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Typical Tube Selection Reference

Tube selection depends on:

• screen width
• screen height
• fabric weight
• motor torque
• wind exposure

Typical application range:

Opening Type	Typical Tube Range
Small residential ZIP Screen	50–63mm
Medium outdoor openings	63–78mm
Large ZIP Screen systems	78–100mm+

Tube diameter is one of the first indicators of system capacity.

However, final selection should also consider fabric weight, screen height, motor capability and installation conditions.

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Quick Selection Example

3m × 2.5m opening

Usually:

• single screen
• standard motor
• standard guide system

5.5m × 3m opening

May require:

• reinforced tube
• stronger motor
• upgraded guide structure

8m × 3m opening

Often requires:

• connected ZIP Screen design
• structural evaluation
• customized configuration

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Wind Exposure: Match the System With Real Operating Conditions

Wind is one of the most important factors in outdoor shading.

A ZIP Screen installed behind a building and a ZIP Screen installed on a rooftop terrace experience completely different wind loads.

Wind evaluation should consider both:

• Beaufort scale
• actual installation environment

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Protected Outdoor Area

Typical:

• backyard pergola
• enclosed patio
• garden surrounded by buildings

Wind reference:

Beaufort 3–4

Approx:

12–28 km/h

Typical requirement:

Standard ZIP Screen configuration.

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Open Residential / Terrace Area

Typical:

• open garden
• exposed terrace
• suburban outdoor space

Wind reference:

Beaufort 5–6

Approx:

29–49 km/h

Typical requirement:

• correct screen sizing
• suitable guide structure
• proper fixing method

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Coastal and Rooftop Applications

Typical:

• seaside property
• rooftop terrace
• open landscape

Wind reference:

Beaufort 7

Approx:

50–61 km/h

Consider:

• stronger fixing points
• corrosion-resistant components

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Strong Wind Exposure

Typical:

• highly exposed coastal areas
• open rooftop projects

Wind reference:

Beaufort 8–9

Approx:

62–88 km/h

At this level:

• operation should be evaluated carefully
• supporting structure becomes critical
• screens should not be left extended during severe wind conditions

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Storm Conditions

Beaufort:

10+

Approx:

89 km/h+

Outdoor screens should be fully retracted during severe weather.

ZIP Screen systems improve wind stability by controlling fabric movement, but they are not storm protection systems.

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Why Test Data and Real Projects Can Differ

Laboratory wind tests measure system performance under controlled conditions.

Real installations are affected by:

• bracket strength
• pergola frame rigidity
• fixing surface
• installation accuracy
• wind turbulence around buildings

For example:

Two identical ZIP Screens installed on different pergola structures may perform differently.

The weakest point is often not the fabric.

It may be:

• the fixing connection
• the guide track attachment
• the supporting structure

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Single ZIP Screen vs Connected System: When Do You Need More?

For smaller openings, a single screen is usually the simplest solution.

However, larger openings create additional mechanical challenges.

Increasing width increases:

• fabric tension
• roller tube load
• motor torque requirement

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Single Screen System

Suitable for:

• residential pergolas
• smaller terraces
• standard openings

Advantages:

• simpler installation
• easier maintenance
• lower system complexity

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Connected ZIP Screen System

Consider when:

• opening width becomes large
• wind exposure increases
• wider coverage is required

Advantages:

• distributes load
• improves stability
• supports larger applications

A wider opening does not always require a connected system.

Selection depends on:

• width
• height
• fabric type
• wind condition
• structure strength

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Fabric Selection: Choose Openness Factor Based on Climate and Usage

Fabric selection affects:

• heat control
• visibility
• privacy
• ventilation

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West-Facing Pergola

Problem:

Strong afternoon sunlight.

Recommended:

1–3% openness factor

Best for:

• reducing solar heat
• controlling glare

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Landscape View Priority

Example:

• garden pergola
• pool area

Recommended:

5% openness factor

Provides:

• balanced shading
• better visibility
• privacy

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Hot and Humid Climate

Recommended:

10% openness factor

Provides:

• improved airflow
• reduced heat accumulation

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Fabric Material

Fiberglass-coated fabrics are widely used in outdoor ZIP Screens because they provide:

• dimensional stability
• low stretching
• better shape retention
• outdoor durability

The correct fabric depends on the environment, not only the appearance.

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Motor Selection: Choose Control Based on Project Scale

Motor selection affects operation experience and automation.

It does not determine wind resistance.

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1–2 Screens

Typical:

Residential pergola

Recommended:

• remote control motor
• individual operation

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3–8 Screens

Typical:

Multi-side pergola enclosure

Recommended:

• group control
• synchronized operation

Possible systems:

• Somfy RTS
• io-homecontrol

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Commercial Projects

Examples:

• restaurant
• hotel
• smart building

Requirements:

• multiple zones
• automation integration

Possible systems:

• KNX
• Zigbee gateway
• building management integration

Choose the protocol according to:

• number of screens
• automation requirements
• existing smart system

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Real Cost Factors: What Actually Changes the Budget?

The final cost difference usually comes from system complexity, not only material quantity.

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Larger Tube and Motor System

Cost impact:

High

Because larger systems require:

• stronger components
• higher torque motors
• additional engineering

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Connected ZIP Screen System

Compared with the same-size single screen:

Typical increase:

Approximately 30–50% higher system cost

Reasons:

• additional guides
• extra components
• more installation work

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Recessed Installation

Compared with surface mounting:

Typical impact:

20–40% higher installation complexity

Reasons:

• construction preparation
• accurate measurements
• additional labor

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Solar Motor

Compared with wired motor:

Typical impact:

15–30% higher equipment cost

Main benefit:

• easier retrofit installation
• reduced wiring requirements

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Coastal Protection

Cost impact:

Medium–High

Depending on:

• corrosion requirements
• material selection
• surface treatment

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Real Installation Problems From Project Sites

Uneven Pergola Columns

A retrofit pergola may have alignment differences.

Example:

Two posts have a 15mm deviation.

If tracks are installed directly:

• fabric movement may become uneven
• bottom bar may not close correctly
• zipper engagement may be affected

Professional installation requires checking alignment before final fixing.

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No Electrical Preparation

Many existing pergolas were not designed for motorized shading.

Solar motor systems provide a practical option when electrical wiring is difficult.

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Uneven Ground

Outdoor floors often have small height differences.

Possible results:

• bottom gaps
• light leakage
• reduced sealing

Solutions include:

• bottom sealing design
• track adjustment
• correct installation positioning

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Technical Information a ZIP Screen Supplier Should Provide

Before production, a professional supplier should provide:

System Drawing

Including:

• installation dimensions
• mounting position
• component layout

Technical Specification

Including:

• recommended size range
• tube information
• motor specification
• fabric options

Installation Guidance

Including:

• fixing requirements
• adjustment methods
• maintenance recommendations

A supplier should help evaluate the project, not only provide a product quotation.

NewHoo specializes in ZIP-guided windproof roller blind systems, supporting customized sizing, fabric selection and technical guidance for residential and commercial outdoor shading projects.

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