Exterior Zip Screens vs. Venetian Blinds: The Pros and Cons

When it comes to external shading for your home, there are two popular options: zip screens and external venetian blinds. Zip screens are a contemporary option that provides both sun protection and privacy, while external venetian blinds offer more flexible coverage. In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of both zip screens and external venetian blinds to help you decide which one is best for your home.

Zip Screens

comparisson of vertical zip screens and external venetian blinds

The main benefit of vertical zip screens is their versatility. They can be installed in a variety of different locations and easily adjusted to any angle or height. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas and ensures the perfect amount of sunlight can be let in or kept out.

One of the biggest advantages of zip screens is their ability to provide privacy when needed. By using special blackout fabric, you can ensure that your windows are completely covered and provide excellent privacy for your home or office.

Overall, zip screens are a great way to protect your space from the sun's harsh rays while adding a touch of style. Whether you’re looking for external shade options or something more internal, zip screens offer an effective and attractive solution.

For those looking to take their zip screen shading to the next level, solar zip screens are a great option. These specially designed screens feature integrated solar technology which allows them to be powered by the sun's rays, meaning they don't need to be plugged into a wall outlet or battery pack. Solar zip screens are perfect for superior energy efficiency.

External Venetian Blinds

A great feature of external venetians is that they are incredibly easy to maintain. External Venetian Blinds have wider than standard slats (80-90mm) to allow maximum view-through. Also adjusting the angle of the blinds is easy and efficient.

These blinds have either cable guiding or tracks which will maintain stability even in stormy weather - although it is advisable to install a wind sensor override for when the wind speed passes safe levels.

Venetian blinds are a great addition to the building architecture, giving it modern and contemporary look. The blind slats are offered in wide range of colours.

Which is Better?

Zip screens and external venetian blinds are two popular options when it comes to controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your home. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and can provide different levels of protection from the sun.

Solar zip screens are constructed from PVC or aluminum mesh that is stretched over a metal frame. They can be fitted either internally or externally to windows and doors and come in a range of colours and sizes. Solar zip screens block up to 95% of the sun’s UV rays and offer great insulation, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, they help reduce glare, minimise fading of furniture and fabrics, and protect against insects. However, they can be difficult to clean and may need to be replaced more often than other types of external blinds.

External venetian blinds are made from metal slats that are hinged together with cords. These blinds can be opened and closed, allowing you to control the amount of light entering your home. They also block up to 95% of the sun’s UV rays and offer good insulation. In addition, they are relatively easy to maintain and have a long lifespan compared to other types of external blinds. On the downside, external venetian blinds may not provide as much privacy as solar zip screens and can be more difficult to open and close.

Overall, both vertical zip screens and external venetian blinds have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can decide which type of product is best for you. If you want increased privacy or want to add colour, then consider external venetian blinds. If you want an easy-to-maintain option that provides excellent protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, then solar zip screens may be a better choice.


We hope you found this article useful. For more information on how our external shading products please get in touch with us.


Here are some sustainable and innovative exterior shading products you may want to consider for your home shading solution…

Tiltable Louvres

Exterior louvres are a beautiful feature for new build homes. They provide unique light and shading control…

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Vertical Zip Screens

Vertical screens are a proven, effective way of reducing internal heat gain and are ideal for large glazed patios

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MicroLouvre® Screens

Provide exceptional heat gain reduction, directional light diffusion and glare control. Designed to be installed onto the building’s facade, MicroLouvre® helps diffuse sunlight before it enters the space.

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Awnings

Our range of beautiful awnings are designed for keeping your home cool to enjoying al-fresco dining. We supply and fit patio, vertical and conservatory shading solutions.

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External Louvres

Exterior louvres are a beautiful feature for new build homes. They provide unique light and shading control…

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Vertical Screens

Vertical screens are a proven, effective way of reducing internal heat gain and are ideal for large glazed patios

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Exterior Venetians

Exterior blinds create an optimal environment regarding light and temperature conditions and increase energy savings.

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MicroLouvre® screens

Provide exceptional heat gain reduction, directional light diffusion and glare control. Designed to be installed onto the building’s facade, MicroLouvre® helps diffuse sunlight before it enters the space.

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Solar Powered Pergola

The powerful solar pergola offers a versatile solution for your home and garden space. With its sleek and majestic design coupled with solar powered photovoltaic panels, this pergola is the ‘green queen’ of exterior solar powered technology.

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Awnings

Our range of beautiful awnings are designed for keeping your home cool to enjoying al-fresco dining. We supply and fit patio, vertical and conservatory shading solutions.

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