SHY talks to Blinds & Shutters about its range of Zip dim-out blinds which it believes ‘out performs all others’ thanks to its zip radio-frequency welded to the edges of the cloth

SHY Zip systems have what the company calls an ingenious zip radio-frequency welded to the edges of the cloth. This is then permanently retained in the side channels of the system but still allows the free-running of the blind. Small foam strips in the side channels act as miniature shock absorbers when the fabric is subjected to any pressure.

This would include the typical change in air pressure when a window is left open behind the lowered blind and then a door to the room opened. In most circumstances this is often enough to suck the fabric from the channels compromising both the light seal of the blind and the longevity of the system.

In durability tests SHY says its Zip system was the only one to cope with what was literally thrown at it. According to the company ‘it easily out-performs other systems and the evidence is available on SHY’s website for all to see.’

The benefit of having such a durable system means that SHY can make probably the largest dim-out blinds too, up to a maximum width of 6m and a very long drop of 10m in a single blind. A challenge for installers of long drop systems is to ensure that the channels of the blind remain at perfect right angles to the headbox but SHY says it has thought of that too. A new side channel design has a guide line moulded into the centre of the main channel allowing simple adjustment so they line up with the edge of the zip. Once this is done the channel can be secured in place safe in the knowledge that the blind will run perfectly square. The remaining parts of the new side channel assembly can then be simply clipped into place without the need for any tools.

The SHY Zip system also allows for narrow but long drop windows to be covered as the fabric is guided by the zips, so this means that the industry standard 3:1 drop to width ratio does not apply in SHY’s case.

SHY’s range of Zip dim-out blinds are available in five different head box sizes, with five operating methods and an extensive range of flame-retardant black-out materials.

SHY even has twin systems which can incorporate a screen or translucent cloth with a black-out fabric all in one neat headbox to allow the user the ultimate in control over the light entering the room.

• Shy