Zip track shades · Portland, Oregon
Zip screens that hold in the wind
Motorized roll-down screens whose edges zip into side tracks, so the fabric stays taut against wind, sun, rain and bugs, then disappears into a slim headbox. SummerSpace FlexShade systems, sized and installed by our crew.
- Up to 25 ftWide, FlexShade Zip 127 XL
- 5-inchHeadbox on the 127 series
- Side-lockedEdges held in the tracks
Zip screens, explained
What is a zip screen?
A zip screen is a motorized roll-down shade whose side edges are locked into tracks, so the fabric stays taut instead of billowing. Rose City Awning & Flag installs SummerSpace FlexShade zip screens from window size up to 25 feet wide on the Zip 127 XL, for patios, porches, pergolas and restaurant seating.
By the numbers
Why the zip matters
A loose screen flaps, lets bugs in at the edges and has to come up in a breeze. A zipped screen stays put.
- 25ftWidest single screen, FlexShade Zip 127 XL (up to 15 ft tall)SummerSpace spec
- 1⅝inLow-profile side channels that hold the fabric edgesSummerSpace spec
- 99%Of solar heat transmission the screens can block, per SummerSpaceManufacturer claim
- 10yrFrame and fabric warranty, with a 5-year motor warrantySummerSpace spec
Figures are SummerSpace’s published FlexShade specifications. Heat-blocking depends on the fabric you choose; we bring samples to the consultation.
The FlexShade family
FlexShade zip screens, by opening
SummerSpace makes FlexShade zip screens in four systems, from a single window to a 25-foot patio side. We match the system to the opening.
3½″ headboxWindows & small openings
FlexShade Zip 92 (opens in a new tab)
A compact headbox that nearly disappears, for windows and smaller openings. Gear operation is available on smaller sizes.
- Size
- Windows, small openings
- Headbox
- 3½″, square or curved
- Edges
- Zipped in tracks
Most openingsPatios & porches
FlexShade Zip 127 (opens in a new tab)
The everyday patio screen: custom fit to the opening, with square, curved or angled headbox styles and six frame colors.
- Size
- Up to 16′ × 16′
- Headbox
- 5″
- Edges
- Zipped in tracks
Our wide pickExtra-wide openings
FlexShade Zip 127 XL (opens in a new tab)
For the long side of a covered patio or a restaurant’s open wall, without a post in the middle.
- Size
- Up to 25′ × 15′
- Headbox
- 5″, curved or angled
- Operation
- Motorized only
OverheadPergolas & skylights
FlexShade Tension Zip (opens in a new tab)
Mounts flat or at an angle to shade a pergola or skylight from above. Units can be nested to cover larger areas.
- Width
- Up to 16 ft
- Fabric
- 1, 3, 5 or 10% open
- Extra
- Optional rain sensor
Sizes and specs from SummerSpace’s product pages. Photos: SummerSpace (manufacturer photos), shown for each system’s typical use.
Choosing
Zip screens vs. drop screens
Both roll down from a slim headbox. What differs is how the edges are held, and that decides whether the screen can stay down when the weather turns.
| Feature | Zip screenFlexShade Zip | Drop screenFlexShade Non-Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Edges | Zipped into side tracks | Side channels or cables; not side-secured |
| In wind | Edges stay in the tracks; certified for strong winds, per SummerSpace | Light breezes only; raise it in wind |
| Bugs | Closes the edges against insects | Not intended for insect control |
| Widest | 25 ft (Zip 127 XL) | 16 ft (Non-Zip 127 XL) |
| Hem bar | Optional self-leveling hem bar (Zip 92 and 127) | Weighted, cable-guided hem bar |
| Best for | Open patio sides, restaurants, pergolas | Sheltered windows, decks and porches |
For windows and porch openings we also install Futureguard Vivista shades. Comparing every screen we offer, including exterior solar screens? See motorized patio screens and patio enclosures.
Screen fabric
Openness: how much you see through
Screen fabric is rated by openness, the share of the weave that’s open. Lower numbers give more privacy and glare control; higher numbers keep more of the view.
- 1%Most private
The tightest weave: the most privacy and glare control, the least view out. Good for a TV wall.
- 3%Balanced
Strong glare and heat control with a softened view. A common choice for west-facing patios.
- 5%View-friendly
More of the view and more airflow, still cutting harsh afternoon sun.
- 10%Most open
The most visibility and breeze, with lighter shading.
The Tension Zip comes in 1, 3, 5 and 10 percent openness; the zip systems offer dozens of mesh colors and opacities. Futureguard Vivista uses Phifer 4500 mesh at 5 percent open, or awning fabric. We bring samples so you can look through them on site.
Our work
Screens around Portland
Restaurant patios, a stadium concourse, homes and studios. Every photo here is a Rose City job.
Restaurant patioScreens closing a covered dining area 
Providence ParkAlong the open side of the concourse 
Brick patioAround a restaurant patio 
StudioOver a garage-door opening 
PorchFrom inside, screens partly down 
Covered patioScreens lowered on a large home
For business
Keep the patio seats full into fall
Portland’s patio season is short when the sides stay open. Zip screens close the open sides of a covered patio against wind, drizzle and low sun, so tables stay in use longer, then roll away when the weather is good.
- Up to 25 feet per screen on the Zip 127 XL, so a long open wall can close without a post in the middle.
- Pairs with an awning overhead. Screens close the sides; the roof or a commercial retractable awning handles the top.
- Screens, not walls. They cut wind and drizzle while the space stays open to the air; heaters and glass are separate projects.
What customers say
In their words
“Custom install of patio screens with a couple tricky components. Better than I thought it could possibly be.”
“They put three retractable screen on our outdoor patio… After they were done hanging the screens, they walked us through the operation and maintenance instructions.”
“Our home is southern facing and we needed a solution to protect our hard wood floors, furniture etc from the sun… They were very thoughtful in the placement of the shades and helped us select the best product for the price.”
Zip screen questions
What is a zip screen?
A zip screen is a motorized roll-down screen whose side edges zip into tracks, so the fabric stays secured and taut. SummerSpace’s FlexShade zip screens roll into a 3½-inch or 5-inch headbox and range from window size up to 25 feet wide on the Zip 127 XL.
How wide can a zip screen be?
Up to 25 feet wide and 15 feet tall on the FlexShade Zip 127 XL. The Zip 127 goes up to 16 by 16 feet, and the compact Zip 92 is sized for windows and smaller openings.
Do zip screens work in the wind?
Zip screens are built for it: the side tracks hold the fabric so it doesn’t billow, and SummerSpace says certified test data shows they withstand strong winds. Non-zip screens aren’t side-secured and should come up in wind.
Do zip screens keep bugs out?
Zip screens close the edges, so they help keep insects out of a covered patio or porch. Non-zip screens are not intended for insect control.
What is the difference between a zip screen and a drop screen?
Both roll down from a headbox. A zip screen locks its edges into side tracks; a drop or non-zip screen is held more loosely by channels or cables, so it’s for sheltered spots and calm days.
How much do zip screens cost?
It depends on the width and height of each opening, the system, the fabric and the controls, so Rose City Awning & Flag quotes after a free consultation. Photos and rough measurements of each opening usually get you a ballpark first. What sets the price.
Get a zip screen estimate
Measure the width and height of each opening and snap a photo of each. That’s most of what we need for a ballpark.
- Call
- (503) 226-2761
- Showroom
- 2728 NW Nela St, Portland
Send us your project
Photos and rough measurements are often enough for a ballpark.
