How Much Do Ziptrak Blinds Cost?

Ziptrak® blinds are blinds developed with tracks on either side. This unique design prevents any gaps, making these blinds not just an aesthetic addition to your home but also a sturdy shield against wind, insects, cold air and even your curious neighbourhood cat. So, if you’re considering installing them on your windows, here are a couple of things you need to factor into your decision-making process.

Factors Affecting Ziptrak® Blinds Cost

When considering installing Ziptrak® blinds or any blinds in your home, it’s essential to recognise that costs can vary significantly depending on specific factors such as the fabric type, size and number of windows, customisation options and other installation charges such as materials and labour.

Material

While Ziptrak® only sources their window covering materials from other suppliers, they use three main types in general – mesh fabric, PVC, and Polyweave, each with its own set of benefits.

Fabric

A popular choice for residential installations is Mesh fabric, the chameleon of the material world. Mesh offers an impressive range of visibility options, enabling you to decide just how much of the outside world you want peeking in while you’re soaking up the sun in your outdoor area. High-quality mesh materials also provide excellent UV and glare reduction. And if privacy ranks high on your list, choose a tighter weave.

Clear PVC

The other contender for outdoor spaces such as patios or outdoor cafes is Clear PVC. Think of it as the next best thing to an invisible barrier. Clear PVC is all about preserving your view while providing a robust shield against wind and rain. You can enjoy watching the rain sweep across your garden from the comfort of your snug sunroom. However, keep in mind that PVC may require a bit more TLC when it comes to maintenance.

Polyweave

Lastly, we have the Polyweave fabric. As the name suggests, Polyweave is a fabric woven from specialised polymer threads. It’s flexible by nature, meaning it might not have a completely smooth finish like a fixed glass panel would. Still, this flexibility enables it to stand up to even rough weather conditions.

Often, you can find Polyweave fabric in different levels of ‘openness’, such as 1% or 5%; this percentage essentially dictates how tight the weave of the fabric is. A tighter weave means less visibility but better protection against elements like rain. For instance, a 1% Polyweave fabric would have a tighter weave, offering more privacy and keeping out more rain compared to a 5% Polyweave.

Size

The most important factor to know about is that larger blinds generally require more material, which can increase the cost. Also, installing larger or wider blinds can often involve additional labour, further increasing the overall cost.

Customisation Options

The customisation options you choose can indeed have an impact on the final price of your Ziptrak® blinds. Let’s go through them one by one:

• Motors: Adding a motor to your blinds is like upgrading to an automatic transmission in a car — it makes for smoother operation and just a touch more luxury. But, as with car upgrades, this comes at an additional cost. Based on general information on motorised shades, it’s reasonable to expect that adding a motor to your Ziptrak® blinds may significantly increase the overall price.
• Automation: Let’s move onto automation. This is where your blinds become ‘smart’, giving you the ability to control them using a remote control, mobile app, or even through voice command. Such a feature, while beneficial for ease-of-use and overall accessibility, often comes at an extra cost.
• Headbox Option: Headboxes provide a neat and tidy housing for your blinds when they’re rolled up. This adds to the aesthetics and can also protect the blinds from weather damage. The inclusion of a headbox might up the final cost of your Ziptrak® system, but it would also contribute to a longer lifespan for your blinds.

Comparing Ziptrak® Blinds Cost with Other Blind Types

A general estimation for Ziptrak® blind installation, which would apply to most types, including Ziptrak® blinds, suggests that homeowners may spend anywhere between $210 and $1,300, averaging around $700. Installation costs can also be viewed in a per window perspective, which typically falls within the range of $30 to $200.

But, to put things in perspective, here’s price comparison of Ziptrak® blinds against other popular blinds options:

Tips for Cost-Effective Ziptrak® Blinds Purchase

Here are some hot tips on how to secure these functional gems without needing to break the bank:

• Measure Twice, Order Once: One of the biggest potential expenses is having to return ill-fitting blinds and reordering the correct sizes. Consider using a professional measuring service, or, if you’re handy with a tape measure, check out guides on how to measure accurately for blinds.
• Consider the Material: Not all Ziptrak® blinds are created equal. Fabric and clear PVC are your main options. If you need the blinds to withstand adverse weather conditions and require clear visibility, PVC might be worth the extra cost. However, if you prioritise privacy and reducing glare, a mesh fabric could be a more affordable choice. Of course, it all depends on where you live, your personal taste, and budget.
• Watch for Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales at your favourite retailers. Signing up for newsletters or setting up Google alerts can also help you grab a great deal as soon as it shows up. Patience, my friend, could save you a pretty penny!
• DIY Installation, A Gamble or a Gain?: Depending on your technical prowess and levels of bravery, doing a DIY installation could save you labour costs. Before you go charging in tool-belt blazing, weigh up the benefits vs. the risks. Messing it up could land you in a more expensive pickle than bringing in the experts from the get-go.
• Multi-Buy Discounts: If your home has several windows or areas screaming out for Ziptrak® blinds, see if discounts apply to buying in bulk. It’s not a guaranteed win, but worth a shot!

Professional Installation Costs

If you’re confident in your DIY skills, there are various resources online providing guidance on how to install Ziptrak® blinds yourself. For instance, Awning Blinds Express has published a detailed installation guide. But do take note that Ziptrak® encourages people to have their product installed by trained and certified installers. They believe that just as you wouldn’t install a carport roller door, connect a toilet or resurface your roof yourself, installing an outdoor blind should also be completed by a trained professional. This way, you’ll have no worries about the warranty.

Here’s how much that’ll cost you:

Warranty and After-Sale Service Costs

The warranty on a Ziptrak® system is pretty solid at a two-year warranty on all components. This warranty is also extended to certified retailers and fabricators.

If ever there’s an issue with your blinds, you just need to get in touch with either the retailer or the fabricator you bought the blinds from. Remember, though, each retailer has their own warranty setup, varying in length and conditions, so make sure you have a good read through those terms before you buy.

Keep in mind that the warranty from Ziptrak® only covers the system parts. And alas, it doesn’t apply to the actual material skin (fabric mesh, PVC, or Polyweave) because Ziptrak® doesn’t make or sell these.

And one last thing, if your Ziptrak® system isn’t put together and installed according to their manuals, then that warranty is voided. So, it’s important to get it done right, either by a certified professional or by yourself, if you’re going the DIY route.

Pros and Cons of Different Ziptrak® Blinds Price Points

The final cost of the Ziptrak® project depends entirely on the add-ons you want to install. Adding a motor for electronic operation, for example, is a popular accessory that can increase the price of your project by $100 or more. Automation hubs, headboxes, and others also play a huge part in the final price point of the blinds you’re buying.

So, assuming that the size is fixed at 1200 mm x 1000 mm, here are the pros and cons of each of the price points:

Solar Motor and Panel with Automation (High-End)

Installing solar motors with automation for your Ziptrak® blinds can significantly enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness.

However, one should also consider the increased upfront costs, maintenance requirements, and the reliance on sunlight availability when making a decision.

Pros:

• Energy Savings
• Eco-Friendly
• Increased Convenience
• Smart Home Integration
• Scheduling

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost
• Maintenance
• Dependent on Sunlight

Motor and Remote (Mid-Range)

If you don’t want all the bells and whistles, you can also go for a simple yet elegant motor and remote-operated Ziptrak® blinds. This option is a little bit more economical, but it still comes with plenty of benefits, such as not having to approach the blinds to operate them.

Pros:

• Convenient Operation
• Consistent Movement

Cons:

• Power Problems
• Increased Upfront Cost
• Maintenance

Basic Spring-Balanced System (Low-End)

You can’t go wrong with the basic spring-balanced system. It’s a reliable and affordable option that’s easy to maintain.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Reliable

Cons:

• Manual Control

So, Ready for Your Ziptrak® Blinds?

Ziptrak® is a household name for a reason. It’s an innovative company that’s dedicated to creating the best products for its customers. So, while it’s pricey, especially when compared to typical blinds like Venetians and Rollers, the track-guided systems are worth the investment.

Plus, there are plenty of ways for you to save money on your purchase, such as buying in bulk or choosing a more cost-effective material.