Side retention awnings · Traditional awnings Edges held tight. No gaps, no blow-outs.
Side retention systems
Side retention systems hold the fabric's edges in side channels, so the blind stays taut in the wind with no blow-outs or light gaps. Use them for sun, insects, wind, balcony enclosure, privacy and heat control. KC Shade fabricates two: the Alpha Side Retention System (SRS) and Ziptrak® Outdoor.
Alpha Side Retention System (SRS). Premium straight drop for sun, insects, wind, balcony enclosure, privacy and heat control. A floating channel inside a two-piece side channel tensions the fabric, eliminating blow-outs and light gaps.
Specification — Alpha Side Retention System (SRS)
Source: supplier documentation- Side channel
- Locks together with no visible screws or rivets; front channel removable for access
- Floating insert
- Tolerates measurement variance or shrinkage, and moves with the wind to protect welds
- Tube reducers
- Minimise fabric build-up for symmetrical rolling
- Locking bolts
- Channel end cap lifts the floating channel 15 mm for the bolt
Alpha series hardware
- Operation
- Crank to motor; Light Lift; spring (Automatic Straight Drop)
- Hoods
- Alpha hood, open or closed
- Bottom rails
- Alpha (silver pearl)
- Hold-downs
- Dog clips; chain adapters & saddles; bungee loops & hooks; straps & breeching staples
- Fabrics
- Mesh; acrylic; canvas; PVC
- Component colours
- Silver pearl standard. See KC Shade component colour chart. Powder coating on request.
- Hardware & construction
- Alpha Straight Drop, Cable Guide, SRS and Pivot Arm; 2.5 mm 316 stainless cable
- Sizes
- Max width 5 m
Part of the Alpha series: Straight Drop, Cable Guide, Side Retention and Pivot Arm share one hardware system. About the Alpha series →
Ziptrak® Outdoor. A patented, track-guided outdoor blind: the fabric locks into its side tracks, so it stays put in the wind and seals out rain, glare and insects. Australian made.
Specification — Ziptrak® Outdoor (summary)
Source: Ziptrak®- Operation
- Spring-balanced manual pull-down with central locking; motorised with remote
- Fabrics
- Sunscreen mesh (70–99% protection); Achilles PVC 0.75 mm, clear or tinted
- Sizes
- Up to 6.0 m wide × 3.0 m drop per blind (PVC up to 5.5 m wide)
Full Ziptrak® Outdoor details. Gallery, colours, brochure and the cable-guided version are on the Ziptrak® Outdoor page.
Alpha SRS or Ziptrak® Outdoor?
| Alpha SRS | Ziptrak® Outdoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Edge retention | Floating channel inside a two-piece side channel | Fabric locked into side tracks |
| Max size | 5 m wide | 6.0 m wide × 3.0 m drop |
| Operation | Crank to motor; Light Lift option | Spring-balanced pull-down; motor |
| Fabrics | Mesh, acrylic, canvas, PVC | Sunscreen mesh, clear or tinted PVC |
Frequently asked questions
What does a side retention system do?
It holds the fabric edges in side channels, so the blind stays taut with no blow-outs or light gaps. It suits insects, wind, balcony enclosure, privacy and heat control.
How does the Alpha SRS tension the fabric?
A floating channel inside a two-piece side channel tensions the fabric, and moves with the wind to protect the welds.
How large can each system be made?
Alpha SRS up to 5 m wide. Ziptrak® Outdoor up to 6.0 m wide × 3.0 m drop per blind, or 5.5 m wide in PVC.
Can side retention blinds be motorised?
Yes. Alpha SRS runs from crank to fully motorised, including the Light Lift option. Ziptrak® Outdoor is spring-balanced manual or motorised with a remote.
Retailer? Quote it in BUZ.
Homeowner? We'll connect you with a KC Shade retail partner.