Zip screens for a villa on the Costa Blanca

Why choose this solution?

Screens block solar heat before it reaches the glass while preserving some of the view outside during the day. In a good system, the fabric, cassette, guides and motor work as one unit.

The best choice is the solution that is used 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, clear opening, wind load, cable route and the unobstructed movement of windows or sliding doors. A zip screen keeps the fabric in the side guides and is therefore more stable than a free-hanging fabric.

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

Specific considerations for the Costa Blanca

Homes and projects with large openings, facade finishes and multiple connected spaces have a wide variety of facades and 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 photo alone. A local survey prevents an attractive solution from being applied incorrectly from a technical perspective.

From La Nucía, we schedule projects across the Costa Blanca as part of our established service area. For multiple products, measuring, power supply, installation and operation can be combined in a single plan.

Colour, fabric, mesh and finish

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

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

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 size, weight, frequency of use and available position for a solar panel determine whether it is a sensible choice.

For motorisation, we discuss a wall switch, remote control, optional sensors and operation per product or group. A wind sensor helps, but does not make solar shading 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 facade is different from working at height, above a patio cover or against 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 basic internet price with a complete installed made-to-measure product.

Maintenance in the 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 randomly with grease or spray; follow the system’s maintenance advice.

Do not leave a product wet and rolled up or folded for extended 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 solar shading and insect screens

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

A second mistake is choosing the cheapest system first and considering power, installation and operation only afterwards. This can result in visible cables, an inconvenient 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 solar shading works most effectively when heat is stopped before it enters through the glass. It can be combined with internal shading for atmosphere and privacy. Insect screens then make it possible to ventilate during cooler hours without an invasion of mosquitoes. The products therefore serve different purposes and can reinforce one another.

With multiple facades, the same system does not have to be used everywhere. A zip screen may be the logical choice for a large glazed facade, a roller shutter for a bedroom and a pleated insect screen door for a frequently used patio 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, fixings and adjustment included?
• Will you receive instructions on use, wind and maintenance after installation?

These points make quotations comparable 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 specification, 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 specification is right? Contact us or visit our showroom in La Nucía. Also view the main page about external solar shading on the Costa Blanca.