Zip screens for a holiday home on the Costa Blanca

Why choose this solution?

Screens block solar heat before it reaches the glass while retaining some of the outward view during the day. In a well-designed system, the fabric, cassette, guides and motor work together as one unit.

The best choice is the solution that people use naturally. We therefore discuss who will operate the system, when protection is needed and how much visibility, ventilation, privacy or blackout effect should remain.

Technical checks before ordering

We check the wall construction, recess, opening dimensions, wind load, cable route and the clear movement of windows or sliding doors. A zip screen keeps the fabric in the side guides, making it more stable than a free-hanging fabric.

A made-to-measure product can function properly only when the measuring method is suited to the system. We record the width, height, projection, installation side and operation, and check doors, window sills, roller-shutter boxes, downpipes and other obstacles.

Specific considerations for the Costa Blanca

Homes and projects with easy operation and reliability during periods of vacancy have a wide variety of façades and window frames. A property may be sheltered, but it may also be fully exposed to sun or wind. That is why we do not base a proposal on a photograph alone. A local survey prevents an attractive solution from being applied incorrectly from a technical perspective.

From La Nucía, we schedule projects throughout the Costa Blanca as part of our regular service area. For multiple products, measuring, power supply, installation and operation can be combined into one plan.

Colour, fabric, mesh and finish

Fabric colour and openness factor together determine visibility, light and heat reduction. Dark fabric generally provides a better outward view, while lighter colours create a softer appearance on the façade.

We prefer to view samples next to the window frame, façade brickwork and interior. Bright Spanish light changes colours significantly. Neutral shades may appear warmer or cooler, and dark materials become hotter; we take this into account without turning personal taste into a technical myth.

Manual, electric or solar

Manual operation is simple, but electric operation can be much more convenient for large or frequently used systems. Solar is particularly interesting when cabling is difficult. The dimensions, weight, frequency of use and available position for a solar panel determine whether it is a sensible choice.

For motorised systems, we discuss wall switches, remote controls, optional sensors and operation per product or group. A wind sensor helps, but does not make sun protection indestructible; responsible use remains necessary in strong winds.

What determines the price?

The price depends on the size, system, profile colour, fabric or mesh, motor, accessibility and mounting surface. Installation on a straight, easily accessible façade is different from working at height, above a terrace cover or on a surface requiring additional anchoring.

After measuring, you will receive a proposal in which the product and installation are considered together. This means you are not comparing a bare online price with a complete, installed made-to-measure product.

Maintenance in a coastal climate

Sand and salt require regular but gentle maintenance. Carefully rinse profiles and guides, remove dirt before it starts to cause abrasion and do not use aggressive cleaning products. Moving parts should not be treated with grease or spray at random; follow the system’s maintenance instructions.

Do not leave a product rolled up or folded while wet for long periods, and check after strong winds that everything moves freely. Early attention to noise, uneven movement or stiffness often prevents more serious damage.

Common mistakes with made-to-measure sun protection and insect screens

A common mistake is ordering based on rough wall-opening measurements. Window frames are not always straight, tile edges may protrude and a roller shutter or door handle may sit exactly within the movement area. Wind resistance is also sometimes treated as an absolute figure, even though size, installation, façade position and correct use together determine what is safe.

A second mistake is choosing the cheapest system first and considering power, installation and operation only afterwards. This can result in visible cables, an awkward crank or a cassette that obstructs the door. With made-to-measure products, the complete usage situation should be established before production.

Combining solutions for a cooler, more comfortable home

External sun protection is most effective when it stops heat before it enters through the glass. This can be combined with internal sun protection for atmosphere and privacy. Insect screens then make it possible to ventilate during cooler hours without an invasion of mosquitoes. The products therefore fulfil different functions and can enhance one another.

Different systems do not have to be used on every façade. A zip screen may be the logical choice for a large glazed opening, a roller shutter for a bedroom and a pleated insect screen door for a frequently used terrace door. Coordinating the colours and operation keeps the overall appearance calm, while each opening receives the technically appropriate solution.

Checklist for a good quotation

• Are the exact dimensions, system type and installation position specified?
• Are the profile colour, fabric or mesh type and operation confirmed?
• Are the motor, transmitter, sensors and electrical connection included?
• Is it clear who will dismantle and dispose of existing products?
• Are lifting equipment, accessibility, mounting materials and adjustment included?
• Will you receive an explanation of operation, wind precautions and maintenance after installation?

These points make quotations easier to compare and prevent essential components from appearing as surprises during installation.

From advice to installation

1. Discuss the opening, sun exposure and intended use.
2. Have the dimensions and mounting surface checked.
3. Choose the configuration, colour and operation using actual samples.
4. Receive a complete price for the made-to-measure product and installation.
5. Have the system installed, adjusted and explained.

Advice from Port of Altea

Would you like to know which configuration is right for you? Contact us or visit our showroom in La Nucía. Also view the main page about external sun protection on the Costa Blanca.