Ziptrak® Outdoor Blinds — Sunshine Coast
Ziptrak outdoor blinds are the original track-guided outdoor blind system — a smooth, no-zip, no-rope way to weather-seal an alfresco, patio or balcony. As an authorised Ziptrak installer on the Sunshine Coast, Kawana Blinds has been custom-making and installing Ziptrak blinds from our Warana factory for over 40 years. Manual or motorised. Coastal-rated for QLD conditions.
What is a Ziptrak blind and how does it work?
Ziptrak is an Australian-designed outdoor blind system that runs on two side guide tracks instead of cords, ropes or zips. The fabric is held under constant spring tension, so when you let it go it stops at any height — no clutch, no chain, no jerking.
The bottom bar slides up and down the tracks effortlessly with one hand on a manual blind, or to the millimetre with a motor. When fully lowered, it weather-seals against wind-driven rain, blocks 90%+ of UV, and keeps mosquitoes out.
Ziptrak is the longest-running track-guided outdoor blind brand in Australia — first patented in 1996, now installed on hundreds of thousands of homes nationally. We've been installing them on the Sunshine Coast since they launched.
Manual vs Motorised Ziptrak
Choose the operation method that suits your space and budget.
| Feature | Manual Ziptrak | Motorised Ziptrak |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Push/pull bottom bar, brake at any height | Remote, wall switch, app, sensor |
| Best for | Single blinds, daily use, sheltered patios | Multi-blind setups, hard-to-reach openings, smart-home automation |
| Wind/sun automation | No | Yes — Somfy or Lynx |
| Battery option | — | Rechargeable (Somfy SOLI / Lynx LiFePO4) |
| Approx. cost premium | — | +$400–$700 per blind |
We install Ziptrak with both Somfy and Lynx motors and can wire them into Google Home, Alexa or HomeKit alongside the rest of your smart-home setup.
Fabrics, Colours & Track Finishes
The Ziptrak frame holds the blind, but the fabric you choose decides what it actually does.
Tracks and head-boxes are powder-coated in 13 standard colours — Monument, Surfmist, Shale Grey, Woodland Grey, Pearl White, Black and more. Custom Dulux/Interpon colours by request.
Common Ziptrak Problems & How to Fix Them
After 40 years installing track-guided blinds on the Sunshine Coast, here are the issues we see most:
Blind won't stop at the height you want
Almost always a spring tension issue — the spring needs re-tensioning, a 30-minute service call. We do this regularly under our blind repairs service.
Bottom bar feels heavy / sluggish on the way up
Tracks need cleaning. Salt and dust build up in the channels — wipe with a damp microfibre, then a dry silicone spray (not WD-40). Detailed steps in our coastal care guide.
Fabric flapping in wind
Usually means the bottom bar is sitting above the bottom stop — drop it the last 50mm so the spring keeps tension on the fabric. If it still flaps, the fabric may have stretched and need a panel re-tension.
Mesh has white "frosting" or stains after rain
Coastal salt spray. Hose down with fresh water 2–3 times a year — see coastal care for outdoor blinds.
Motor stops mid-travel
Check the motor's wind sensor and limits. If a Somfy motor has paired itself wrong with the remote, we can re-program on site.
Blind drifts down on its own
Spring is at end of life (typically 8–10 years). We replace springs in-place, no need to remove the blind.
If you bought your Ziptrak from another installer and need a service, we service all brands of track-guided outdoor blinds across the Sunshine Coast, not just our own installs.
Ziptrak Installations Across the Sunshine Coast
Explore our recent custom-made Ziptrak projects.
Ziptrak outdoor blind installation, Sunshine Coast
Patio enclosure with Ziptrak blinds, Sunshine Coast
Outdoor kitchen with Ziptrak blinds, Sunshine Coast
Alfresco living area, Sunshine Coast
Outdoor blind installation, Sunshine Coast home
Residential outdoor blind installation
Beachfront alfresco, Sunshine Beach
Pool deck, Mooloolaba
We also service Ziptrak Gold Coast projects — get in touch if your install is south of Caloundra.
Reviews from Sunshine Coast Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ziptrak blinds.