Short answer: a ZIP screen is a motorised outdoor roller screen with a continuous zip-type edge welded to both sides of the fabric. The edge runs inside aluminium side channels, which hold the fabric under tension so it resists wind better than a loose roller blind and leaves no side gaps. On a louvered pergola, ZIP screens close the sides against sun, wind, rain and insects while the roof louvres handle the top.
How a ZIP screen works
- Cassette — an aluminium headbox holds the fabric roll and tubular motor. On a VORALEVA pergola it mounts under or inside the perimeter beam.
- Side channels — aluminium guides fixed to the posts. The zip edge slides inside a retention profile so the fabric cannot pull out.
- Bottom bar — a weighted aluminium bar keeps the fabric taut and seals against the floor.
- Tension — because both edges are held along their full height, the screen stays flat in wind instead of flapping.
Fabric choices
| Fabric | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen mesh | Blocks most solar heat and glare while keeping a view out; available in different openness levels | Hot climates, restaurants, poolside |
| Blackout | Opaque coated fabric for full privacy and shade | Bedroom-side terraces, privacy screens |
| Clear PVC | Transparent panel that keeps out wind and rain while keeping the view | Winter use, café terraces, windy sites |
Fabric colour can be matched to the frame RAL. Screens on one pergola can mix fabrics — for example clear PVC on the windward side and sunscreen on the others.
Motor and control
Each screen is driven by a tubular motor inside the cassette and paired with the same multi-channel remote as the louvred roof, so one handset controls roof, screens and lighting. A wind sensor can raise the screens automatically when wind exceeds the set limit, and smart-home or app modules are available.
Fitting ZIP screens to a pergola
ZIP screens are easiest to specify at the same time as the pergola: the cassette, cable routes and post channels are planned into the drawing, and the wind rating is checked with the screens fitted (closed sides increase the load on the structure — see our wind rating guide). Screen width and drop follow the module size; very wide openings are split with an intermediate post or two screens.
Screens can also be supplied for existing pergolas and wall openings, as long as you can send the opening sizes and photos of the mounting surfaces.
Where they are used
- Louvered pergolas on homes and holiday villas — extend use into spring and autumn
- Restaurant and café terraces — close sides in wind and light rain, keep trading (see commercial pergolas)
- Hotel and resort cabanas, pool bars and rooftop lounges
- Insect protection in warm climates
What to send for a quote
- Opening width and height for each side (or the pergola size if ordering together)
- Fabric type and colour per side
- Motorised or manual, and whether you need a wind sensor
- Installation: new pergola, existing pergola, or wall opening
- Delivery market and quantity
Send your sizes and we reply with a price and a drawing. Pergola details are on the louvered pergola page.
FAQ
Are ZIP screens windproof?
They are more wind-resistant than ordinary roller blinds because the fabric is held along both edges, but every screen has a wind limit. Use a wind sensor to raise screens automatically in strong wind.
Can ZIP screens be added to an existing pergola?
Often yes, if the posts and beam can take the cassette and side channels. Send the opening sizes and photos of the mounting points.
Do ZIP screens keep insects out?
Because the side edges are zipped into channels and the bottom bar meets the floor, there are no side gaps — which is why they are popular for insect protection.
What is the difference between a ZIP screen and an outdoor roller blind?
A standard outdoor roller blind hangs free or runs on cables; a ZIP screen locks the fabric edges into channels, so it stays flatter in wind and seals the sides.