When it comes to enjoying outdoor spaces, you often find yourself at the mercy of the weather. Whether it’s harsh sunlight, heavy rain, or gusty winds, you will always have that constant desire to enjoy the outdoors all year round.
In some areas of Australia, such as the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the Central Coast or Perth and all of the Western Australia region, winds can be stronger during the colder months, making it harder to have a nice moment on your patio or alfresco area. However, this is an issue that outdoor roller blinds can help to solve.
In this blog, we delve into the performance of outdoor blinds in windy conditions, assessing their ability to withstand some winds while maintaining their functionality and aesthetics.
Understanding Outdoor Blinds:
Outdoor blinds, also known as patio blinds or exterior shades, are versatile and practical additions to any outdoor area. Their main benefit is that they protect you and your outdoor furniture from the elements such as UV rays, rain, and wind, letting us enjoy our outdoor spaces throughout the year.
Moreover, outdoor blind shades come in a wide range of styles and materials, including PVC, mesh fabric, and aluminium, providing choices to suit your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
The Impact of Wind on Outdoor Blinds:
It is fair to say windy conditions are a significant challenge for outdoor blinds. Strong gusts can apply considerable force on the blinds, potentially causing damage to the structure or compromising other functionalities that external blinds offer like providing shade and privacy.
For that reason, it is important to choose outdoor blinds specifically designed to prevent strong winds from damaging your outdoor living and ensure a durable and long-lasting solution.
Factors Affecting Wind Resistance:
1. Material Selection:
The choice of the correct materials plays a crucial role in determining the wind resistance of outdoor blinds. For example, sturdy and durable materials like PVC or aluminium can protect your alfresco area or balcony from wind and rain.
On the other hand, blind fabrics with high tensile strength, such as heavy-duty polyester or acrylic, are also good options as they offer a better level of durability and flexibility.
2. Construction and Design:
The construction and design of outdoor roller blinds contribute significantly to their wind resistance. For example, Ziptrack blinds have reinforced frames, strong seams, and reliable fastening mechanisms which are essential features to look for when evaluating the performance of ziptrack roller blinds.
However, although outdoor ziptrack blinds can resist strong winds, we recommend you roll your blinds all the way down until are blocked, in windy conditions of over 50km per hour or more. In fact, we recommend avoiding letting the ziptrack blinds midway because in that position they are more vulnerable to damage.
3. Installation and Maintenance:
Professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial for ensuring the optimal performance of outdoor patio blinds. Adequate tensioning, secure fastening, and periodic inspections can help identify any potential weak points or damage that may compromise the blinds’ resistance.
Exterior Blinds Can Resist Windy Conditions in Australia:
So if you live in Adelaide, Perth or Central Coast and you’re planning on getting outdoor patio blinds for your space, you might want to consider their performance in windy conditions to ensure their durability and functionality first.
Moreover, keep in mind to choose ziptrack blinds, cafe blinds and bistro blinds made from durable materials, robust construction, and proper installation and maintenance practices, you can significantly enhance their wind resistance. Besides, outdoor roller blinds will not only protect you from the elements but also provide a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor living experience throughout the year.
So, make an informed choice and invest in outdoor roller blinds that can stand up to the strong Australian weather, allowing you to create an outdoor space that’s protected, stylish, and windproof.