NewHoo ZIP Screen Frequently Asked Questions

NewHoo provides customized ZIP screen, outdoor roller blind and shading-system solutions for residential, commercial, pergola and architectural projects. The answers below cover product selection, fabric options, wind exposure, custom dimensions, installation requirements and OEM/ODM support.

1. What types of roller blind systems does NewHoo manufacture?

NewHoo manufactures project-specific outdoor and indoor roller blind systems for residential, commercial and architectural applications.

Our product range includes outdoor ZIP screen systems, indoor guided roller blinds, pergola and pavilion ZIP screens, standard residential and commercial ZIP screens, extra-wide ZIP screen systems, extra-high ZIP screen systems, connected ZIP-screen configurations, dual-layer roller blind systems and customized shading systems for non-standard project conditions.

We also provide retractable screen doors, awnings and indoor window-covering systems.

The suitable system depends on the opening size, installation structure, wind exposure, fabric requirements, operating method and intended use.

2. How do I choose the right ZIP screen system for my project?

Start with the actual installation environment rather than choosing only by appearance or maximum size.

The most important factors include the opening width and height, indoor or outdoor use, wind exposure, fixing conditions, fabric requirements, privacy expectations, desired outward view, power supply and preferred operating method.

A standard balcony opening, a large commercial façade, a high-rise terrace and a pergola side opening should not automatically use the same cassette, roller tube or guide-rail configuration.

Please send your opening dimensions, installation photos, project location and main requirements. NewHoo can review the project conditions before recommending a suitable ZIP screen system.

3. What is the difference between a standard roller blind and a ZIP-guided roller blind?

A standard roller blind normally has free fabric edges. This means the fabric can move more easily in wind or airflow, and gaps may remain along the sides of the opening.

A ZIP-guided roller blind uses fabric edges retained inside side guide rails. This helps control side-to-side fabric movement and provides more stable coverage across the opening.

ZIP-guided systems are especially useful for balconies, patios, pergolas, large windows and outdoor openings where reduced side gaps, better fabric stability and more reliable performance are important.

A ZIP screen is a shading and screening system. It should not be treated as a hurricane shutter, security barrier or fully watertight wall.

4. Can ZIP screens be used on balconies, patios and pergolas?

Yes. NewHoo ZIP screens can be configured for balconies, patios, terraces, pergolas, aluminum pavilions, outdoor dining areas and framed commercial openings.

The suitable configuration depends on the opening width and height, wind exposure, wall or post structure, fixing conditions, power-supply availability, fabric requirements and preferred operating method.

For pergola projects, it is best to coordinate the blind dimensions, cassette location, guide rails and fixing positions before production or before the pergola structure is finalized.

5. Are ZIP screens suitable for high-rise balconies or coastal locations?

ZIP screens can be suitable for high-rise, coastal and exposed locations, but these projects require more detailed system selection.

Wind performance depends on the complete configuration, including screen width and height, total blind area, roller-tube stiffness, cassette, guide rails, fabric, bottom rail, fixing method, building height and local wind exposure.

A wind-resistance figure should always be checked against the actual blind size and installation conditions. Do not rely on a general wind-speed claim without confirming the system model, tested dimensions, fabric type, guide configuration and mounting method.

For high-rise, coastal, open-terrace or building-corner projects, please provide the location, floor level, opening dimensions, installation photos and fixing-structure details before selecting a system.

6. Can ZIP screens help reduce heat, glare, insects and wind-driven rain?

ZIP screens can help reduce direct sunlight, glare and heat gain through glazed openings. They can also improve comfort in balconies, patios and pergolas by reducing fabric movement and helping limit some wind-driven rain.

Depending on the selected fabric and guide-rail configuration, a lowered ZIP screen may also help reduce insect entry through the opening.

However, ZIP screens are not completely waterproof or airtight. Mesh screen fabrics are not watertight walls, and water may still enter through the fabric, bottom edge, side gaps or surrounding structure during heavy rain and strong wind.

7. What fabric openness factor should I choose for a ZIP screen?

Fabric openness should be selected based on sun exposure, privacy needs, outward visibility and daylight requirements.

A 1% openness fabric is often considered for strong direct sun, close neighbours and glare-sensitive spaces. It usually provides stronger solar control and daytime privacy, but reduces outward view and natural light.

A 3% openness fabric is a practical starting point for many residential balconies and patios. It provides a balanced combination of solar control, daytime privacy and outward visibility.

A 5% openness fabric is often suitable for scenic balconies, garden-facing patios, pool areas and spaces where preserving the outward view is more important. It generally provides a more open feeling but less privacy and solar control than 1% or 3% fabrics.

Higher openness fabrics are usually selected when view and airflow are the main priority. They should not be expected to provide the same privacy, glare reduction or heat control as lower-openness fabrics.

A 0% blackout or opaque fabric is more suitable for bedrooms, media rooms or applications requiring full light blocking and stronger privacy. It does not provide outward visibility.

For many sheltered residential balconies, a dark 3% screen fabric is a useful comparison starting point. For strong west-facing sun, compare 1% and 3% samples. For scenic locations, consider approximately 5% openness or another suitable option after reviewing physical samples.

8. Can people see through ZIP screens during the day and at night?

Daytime privacy and nighttime privacy are different.

During the day, the outdoor environment is usually brighter than the space behind the screen. This often makes it harder for people outside to see inward while still allowing users inside to see outward.

At night, the lighting relationship can reverse. If a room, balcony or patio behind the screen is brightly lit while the outside is dark, people outside may see silhouettes, movement or some interior detail.

Screen mesh should not be treated as a complete nighttime privacy solution.

If full privacy at night is important, consider combining the ZIP screen with indoor curtains, an opaque or blackout blind, or a dual-layer roller blind system.

9. Which ZIP screen fabric color gives the clearest outward view?

Dark fabrics such as charcoal, dark grey and black usually provide a clearer outward view because they may create less visible surface reflection from inside the space.

Light colors such as white, beige and light grey can make a balcony, patio or interior space feel brighter. However, the fabric itself may appear more visible when looking outward.

Choose darker colors when outward visibility and glare reduction are the priority. Choose lighter colors when a brighter interior or softer architectural appearance is more important.

Fabric color alone does not determine total heat performance. For projects with specific solar-control requirements, request the technical data for the selected fabric and glazing combination.

10. What fabrics and frame colors can be customized?

NewHoo offers fabric and aluminum-profile options for project-specific requirements.

Fabric selection can be based on openness factor, solar control, glare reduction, daytime privacy, outward visibility, blackout requirements, color and intended indoor or outdoor application.

Aluminum cassettes, guide rails, bottom rails and other visible components can be selected in different finishes and project-based colors.

For OEM, distributor and architectural projects, NewHoo can coordinate fabric and profile selections across multiple blinds to support a consistent appearance.

Final color availability depends on the selected system, finishing process, order quantity and project requirements.

11. What operation methods are available?

Depending on the selected system, NewHoo ZIP screens may be available with motorized operation, solar motorized operation, manual crank operation, spring-assisted hand-push operation, bead-chain operation, remote control, wall-switch control and group control for multiple blinds.

Not every operating method is suitable for every blind size or system configuration.

Manual operation is generally suitable for smaller openings and occasional use. It is simple and does not require electrical wiring, but it may be less convenient for large blinds or screens that are operated frequently.

Motorized operation is usually recommended for larger openings, frequently used blinds and multi-screen projects. It provides more convenient daily operation and can support remote controls, wall switches, group control and selected automation functions. A suitable electrical power supply should be planned before installation.

Solar motorized operation can be a practical option for retrofit projects where electrical wiring is difficult or where no power cable was reserved. It reduces cable-routing work, but the solar panel must receive sufficient daylight. Panel orientation, shading from roofs or trees, local climate and expected operating frequency should be checked before selection.

Manual crank operation is suitable for medium-size screens where a motorized system is not required or no power supply is available. It offers practical manual control, although it may be less convenient for repeated daily operation.

Smart control is suitable for high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects that require remote operation, group control or automated control of multiple blinds. Smart-home compatibility depends on the selected motor, control platform, gateway and project electrical planning.

The final operation method should be selected together with the blind dimensions, roller-tube configuration, intended frequency of use and available power supply.

12. Can NewHoo ZIP screens connect to smart-home control systems?

Motorized NewHoo ZIP screen configurations can be matched with different control systems depending on the selected motor, gateway and project requirements.

Compatible configurations may support remote controls, wall switches, mobile-app control, group control, scheduled operation, voice control and selected smart-home integrations.

Compatibility should be confirmed before production because available functions depend on the selected motor brand, control platform, gateway, electrical planning and project requirements.

For smart-home projects, please provide the preferred control ecosystem and the number of blinds that need to operate together.

13. Do ZIP screens need electricity, or can I choose solar power?

Motorized ZIP screens normally require a suitable electrical power supply. Solar-powered motorized options may also be available for retrofit projects where running cables through walls or ceilings is difficult.

Solar motorized ZIP screens can be a practical solution when no wiring was reserved, the building work is already complete or the customer wants motorized operation with reduced cable-routing work.

Solar suitability depends on the solar-panel position, available daylight, shading from roofs, balconies or trees, installation orientation, local climate and expected operating frequency.

For large, heavy or frequently operated blinds, the motor and power option should be selected as part of the complete system review.

14. Can NewHoo manufacture custom-size ZIP screens?

Yes. NewHoo manufactures project-specific roller blind systems rather than limiting customers to a small number of fixed finished sizes.

The available width, height and total blind area depend on the selected system, roller-tube diameter and structure, cassette size, guide-rail configuration, fabric type, motor capacity, wind exposure and installation conditions.

For non-standard, oversized or exposed projects, we recommend reviewing the complete opening dimensions and installation conditions before confirming the final configuration.

15. What are the maximum dimensions of a ZIP screen?

There is no single maximum size that applies to every NewHoo ZIP screen system.

NewHoo provides standard, extra-wide and extra-high ZIP screen configurations for different opening conditions. A conventional residential opening, a wide commercial façade and a tall architectural opening may require different cassettes, roller tubes, guide rails, motors and fixing methods.

The final allowable dimensions should be evaluated as one complete configuration. Important factors include width, height, total blind area, fabric weight, roller-tube stiffness, motor torque, guide-rail structure, fixing substrate, installation height and local wind exposure.

Published maximum-width and maximum-height figures should not automatically be combined into one blind. A configuration that reaches its maximum width may require a lower height, while a very tall configuration may require a narrower width.

Please send your opening width and height, installation photos and project location for a preliminary system recommendation.

16. Can one ZIP screen cover a 6 m wide opening?

A 6 m opening may be possible with an appropriate extra-wide ZIP screen system, but width alone is not enough to determine whether one single blind is suitable.

The opening height, total blind area, fabric weight, roller-tube configuration, motor selection, guide-rail structure, wind exposure, fixing conditions and installation access all affect the final design.

For some projects, one extra-wide ZIP screen provides a cleaner appearance and continuous view. For other projects, dividing the opening into two or more coordinated screens may provide better structural conditions, easier transport, simpler installation and more practical maintenance.

NewHoo can review both single-screen and multi-screen options before production.

17. Can ZIP screens be made for extra-high 8–12 m openings?

Extra-high ZIP screen systems can be designed for commercial, architectural and project applications that exceed the height range of conventional roller blinds.

Depending on the selected system and complete project conditions, NewHoo can evaluate configurations intended for very tall openings, including project conditions in the approximate 8–12 m height range.

The final allowable size depends on opening width, total blind area, roller-tube structure, motor capacity, fabric load, guide-rail system, installation height, wind exposure, fixing structure and maintenance access.

An 8–12 m height range should not be treated as a standard specification for every width or installation environment. Final dimensions are confirmed only after the complete project configuration is reviewed.

18. When should an oversized opening use a connected ZIP-screen system?

A connected ZIP-screen system may be considered when an opening is too wide or too long for a practical single-screen configuration.

Connected systems can be useful for extra-wide patios, long pergola elevations, commercial façades, hospitality projects, outdoor dining areas and large architectural openings.

They can also help when transport or installation access is restricted, such as in high-rise buildings with limited elevator access, narrow stairways, restricted corridors or locations where long aluminum profiles are difficult to handle.

A connected configuration can reduce the length of individual components and make transport, handling and installation more practical.

The decision should be made during the project-review stage, before production begins.

19. Why do roller tube size and stiffness matter on wide ZIP screens?

As a ZIP screen becomes wider, the roller tube spans a longer distance between its support points and carries a greater fabric load.

If the roller tube does not provide sufficient stiffness for the screen width, height and fabric weight, excessive deflection may affect fabric winding, screen alignment, bottom-rail movement, surface appearance and long-term operating consistency.

Extra-wide systems may require a larger-diameter roller tube, reinforced tube structure, double-layer tube design or another configuration intended for greater spans.

The goal is not simply to use the largest possible tube. The correct roller-tube configuration must match the span, blind area, fabric load, motor and overall system design.

20. How are oversized ZIP screens transported and installed?

Oversized ZIP screen projects require transport and site-access planning before production.

Before confirming the system configuration, it is important to review the maximum transportable profile length, container or truck limitations, elevator dimensions, stairway width, turning space, building-floor access, narrow corridors, lifting equipment, installation space and access to the final installation area.

The number of installers and the possibility of on-site assembly should also be considered.

Where full-length profiles are difficult to transport, NewHoo may evaluate connected, sectional or multi-screen solutions depending on the selected system.

Transport restrictions should be identified before production, not after long profiles have been manufactured.

21. Can ZIP screens be installed in uneven or non-square openings?

Minor site deviations may be addressed with systems that include adjustable side-rail structures or suitable installation tolerances.

However, significant out-of-square, uneven or non-parallel conditions should be reviewed before production. Forcing a ZIP screen into an unsuitable opening may create alignment problems, visible gaps, difficult operation or reduced fabric stability.

For an accurate review, please provide the top, middle and bottom width measurements, the left, center and right height measurements, installation photos and details of the wall, post or frame structure.

NewHoo can assess whether the opening is suitable for a standard configuration, an adjustable guide option or a different installation approach.

22. Can ZIP screens be installed on existing walls, posts or pergolas?

Yes. Many ZIP screen systems can be installed as retrofit solutions on existing balconies, patios, walls, posts and pergola structures.

Before installation, the project should be checked for fixing-surface strength, available width for guide rails, cassette space, beam and post dimensions, wall material, opening squareness, electrical access, bottom landing position, drainage conditions and future maintenance access.

A strong ZIP screen system still requires a suitable mounting structure. The cassette and guide rails must be securely fixed to a wall, frame, beam or post that can support the operating loads.

23. What information should I provide for a ZIP screen quotation?

For a more accurate quotation and project review, please provide:

Project location
Indoor or outdoor application
Opening width and height
Quantity required Installation photos or architectural drawings
Wall, frame, pergola post or fixing-surface details
Installation height or floor level
Wind exposure or site conditions
Preferred operation method
Available power supply
Fabric openness, privacy or view requirements
Preferred fabric and profile colors
Required delivery schedule
Transport or site-access limitations
Whether the project is standard, extra-wide, extra-high or connected

For oversized, high-rise, coastal or unusual openings, additional technical information may be required before the final system configuration is confirmed.

24. What should I check before ordering a ZIP screen?

Before placing an order, confirm the exact opening width and height, whether the opening is square, whether the structure is suitable for fixing, whether the installation is indoor or outdoor, and what the main requirement is.

Your main requirement may be heat reduction, glare control, privacy, view preservation, wind resistance, rain reduction, insect reduction or coverage of an oversized opening.

You should also confirm daytime and nighttime privacy expectations, fabric openness and color, manual or motorized operation, power-supply availability, surface-mounted or recessed installation preference, wind exposure, transport access, installation access and applicable HOA, building-management or façade-approval requirements.

For larger projects, compare whether one large screen or multiple coordinated screens provide the better technical and installation solution.

The quotation should clearly list the selected fabric, motor, guide-rail system, aluminum finish, accessories, installation scope and warranty terms.

25. How should ZIP screens be cleaned and maintained?

Regular cleaning and correct operation can help maintain the appearance and performance of a ZIP screen.

Remove loose dust, leaves and debris from the guide rails and bottom area. Clean the fabric with a soft brush, clean water and mild soap when appropriate. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, abrasive pads and high-pressure cleaning directly against the screen.

Keep guide rails free of dirt that may affect smooth operation. Inspect visible fixings, fabric edges and bottom rails periodically.

Operate the blind according to the recommended use conditions, and retract the screen during severe weather when required by the selected system and operating guidance.

Arrange a professional inspection if the blind does not move smoothly, the fabric appears misaligned or guide components are damaged.

Specific maintenance instructions may vary according to the selected fabric, motor, system model and installation environment.

Do you support OEM and ODM ZIP screen projects?

Yes. NewHoo supports OEM and ODM cooperation for distributors, shading companies, contractors, retailers, pergola manufacturers and other B2B buyers.

Project-based customization may include system configuration, screen dimensions, fabric selection, aluminum-profile finishes, cassette and guide-rail options, motor and control options, accessories, packaging, branding, product labeling and documentation.

Available customization options depend on the selected product series, order quantity, technical requirements and destination-market needs.

For OEM or ODM inquiries, please provide your target market, product requirements, expected quantity, branding requirements, preferred packaging and technical specifications.

Need Help Choosing the Right ZIP Screen System?

Send NewHoo your project details for a preliminary system recommendation.

Please include your opening width and height, project location, floor level, application type, installation photos, wind exposure, main requirement, preferred operating method, fabric and profile-color preferences, and any transport or site-access limitations.