Assess
Structure, substrate, opening, exposure and intended use.
Ziptrak · Planning and measuring guide
Advanced DIYStructure firstNo universal fixing recipe
Plan the structure before the blind.
A made-to-measure outdoor blind combines a product, a finished opening and a structural fixing plan. This guide helps you gather the right information and recognise when expert assessment is the safer route.
Fixings are project-specific
Fastener type, embedment and spacing depend on the blind, structure, substrate and wind exposure. This guide will not invent a screw schedule for an unseen opening.
Resolve
Posts, packing, framing, flashings and clear track paths.
Record
Finished dimensions, material choices, photos and structural notes.
Confirm
Review the exact build and supplied instructions before fixing.
Step 01
Identify the real fixing structure
Cladding, trim and lining can hide the structure that must carry the blind. Record what sits behind the intended pelmet and track faces, and how you know.
Head or pelmet zone
Confirm a rigid, level support across the full width and note gutters, flashings, lights and services.
Left track face
Identify the continuous structural face and any taper, post movement, cladding or obstruction.
Right track face
Check it independently. Do not assume the opposite post matches.
Bottom travel
Keep the blind path clear and note floors, balustrades, furniture and water paths.
Do not treat cladding as confirmed structure
If you cannot identify a sound substrate behind the intended fixing line, stop. An added post, beam, packing system or other structural work may be needed before the final measurement.
Step 02
Assess the site and intended use
- Record the direction of the prevailing wind and where gusts funnel through the opening.
- Note whether the blind will be sheltered by a roof, walls or adjacent blinds.
- Decide whether the priority is shade, reduced wind, retained outlook or a clearer weather barrier.
- Consider drainage and where water can move when the blind is down.
- Check that people can operate the blind safely and keep its travel path clear.
Large or exposed openings can create higher loads and stricter fixing requirements. If wind exposure is a material concern, choose professional measure and installation.
Step 03
Resolve the finished opening
Complete or fully define any posts, packing, framing and finished surfaces that set the blind width or height. The final dimensions must describe the opening the tracks and pelmet will actually meet.
- Measure width at the top, middle and bottom.
- Measure height at the left, centre and right.
- Check level, plumb and diagonals with suitable tools.
- Record every reading in millimetres and take straight-on and detail photos.
Do not average an uneven opening
This guide does not prescribe an allowance for an opening that is tapered, bowed or out of square. Resolve the structure or send the readings and photos through the enquiry form before ordering.
Step 04
Choose the blind build
Fabric
Mesh is generally chosen to reduce sun and wind while retaining airflow and an outlook. Clear PVC is chosen when a clearer weather barrier is the priority. Compare the exact current materials in the configurator, including their colour and transparency descriptions.
Pelmet
The pelmet option affects the top of the blind and must align with the available head structure and surrounding finishes. Select only after that zone has been resolved.
Frame colour
Choose from the standard colours currently displayed. View colours on a calibrated screen only as a guide and match physical finishes where an exact architectural match matters.
Width and height
Enter the finished product dimensions only after the structure and mounting faces are confirmed. The configurator applies the current buildable envelope; this guide does not repeat limits that can change with the product catalogue.
Step 05
Review before ordering
- Structure identifiedThe real substrate is known along the pelmet and both track lines.
- Finished opening resolvedPosts, packing, framing and finishes are complete or fully defined.
- Exposure consideredThe product and DIY route are suitable for the site's wind and weather.
- Dimensions checkedMultiple readings agree or any variation has been resolved.
- Fabric, pelmet and colour confirmedEvery displayed option is reviewed as a factory build choice.
- Installation plan held separatelyFixings and access are confirmed for the actual structure and exact supplied instructions.
Step 06
Installation boundary
Unpack and inspect the blind before making holes. Check the product, size, colour, material and supplied components against the order information, then read the Ziptrak instructions for that exact build.
The structural fixing plan remains site-specific. If the substrate, exposure, access or opening differs from what was assessed, stop before drilling or cutting.
A safe pause costs less than an incorrect fixing
Use the enquiry form with the order details and a clear description of the site difference. For a professional site assessment and installation, move the job to Phantom Screens.