Absolute Environmental Control
Zip Track Solutions utilize an interlocking "SIR" (Soft Integrated Retaining) zipper principle that secures the fabric edge within specialized side rails. This creates a completely sealed barrier, offering unmatched protection against sun, wind, rain, and insects.
Why Choose a Zip-Guided Solution?
Total Insect Protection
The sealed zipper track creates a bug-proof enclosure, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without the intrusion of pests.
High Wind Stability
Tested to withstand significant gusts, the zip mechanism prevents the fabric from flapping or pulling out of the tracks even in coastal environments.
Full Blackout Capability
When combined with opaque fabrics, zip solutions provide excellent light exclusion, perfect for training rooms or private suites.
Architectural Cleanliness
The slim-line guide rails and fully enclosed cassettes integrate seamlessly into your building's facade or patio structure.
Versatile Applications
Patio Winterization
Convert your summer patio into a comfortable winter dining area by sealing out cold winds and rain.
Sun-Drenched Glazings
Control heat gain and glare on large glass windows while maintaining your relationship with the outdoors.
Private Enclosures
Create an instant private sanctuary on balconies or terraces with the touch of a button.
Structural Shading Excellence
Our Zip Track solutions utilize the Soft Integrated Retaining (SIR) principle, where the fabric edge is welded with a zipper that locks into a specialized plastic profile inside the side rails.
S.I.R System
Patented soft-sliding fabric retention for maximum stability.
Full Seal
No gaps between fabric and rails for 100% insect protection.
Wind Resistance
Certified for European Wind Class 3 (up to Beaufort 6-8).
Versatile Formats
Optimized for vertical, horizontal, or inclined glazings.
Silent Operation
Vibration-free fabric movement even in consistent winds.
Technical Mesh
High-stability textiles prevent stretching or edge fraying.
Somfy® Intelligent Control
Every Zip solution is automated for safety and convenience, featuring:
- ✓Obstacle detection (stops on resistance)
- ✓Integrated sun and wind sensors
- ✓Smartphone & Tablet app control
- ✓Silent-motor technology
- ✓Smart-home ecosystem integration
Sophisticated automation elevates your outdoor experience while safeguarding your screen solution from unpredictable elements.
High-Performance Textiles
Utilizing technically advanced solar mesh from Phifer®, Mermet®, and Ferrari®. These fabrics are engineered to block up to 95% of UV rays and solar heat while preserving your outward visibility.
Why Choose Five Eight Twelve
Our expertise in vertical shading ensures that every Zip Track installation is optimized for your specific micro-climate and architectural needs.
- •Specialized knowledge of wind-load mechanics
- •Direct access to European SIR-System technology
- •Expert specification for insect vs. solar priority
- •Professional installation by certified technicians
- •Comprehensive warranty and local support
Vertical Shading Authority
"We don't just install screens; we engineer complete environmental control solutions that enhance the livability of your home."
Three Ways to Guide a Screen
Zip, magnet, and cable guides all solve wind, each differently. Compare the family, then see what screens usually enclose.
Same familyMagnaTrack Screens
Magnet guides that self-correct instead of jamming in gusts.
Explore >
Same familyCable-Guided Screens
Slim cables where channels won't fit the architecture.
Explore >
Pairs wellPergolas & Louvered Roofs
The louvered roofs these screens most often enclose.
Explore >
Pairs wellBromic Outdoor Heating
Screens hold the warmth radiant heaters make.
Explore >Buying Guides & Expert Advice
Deeper reading from our knowledge base to help you choose the right solution.
Exterior Shade Screens | Zip, Cable-Guided, and Magnatrack Compared
Exterior shade screens stop solar heat and glare before they reach your glass, making them dramatically more effective than interior blinds. This guide explains the three main track types we install (zip, cable-guided, Magnatrack), how they differ, and where each is the right fit.
Read guide →GuideSomfy vs Gaposa | Which Shade Motor Should You Choose?
Somfy and Gaposa are the two motor brands we install most often. Both are tier-one products, but they differ in ecosystem, smart-home integration, and typical pricing. This guide helps you pick between them.
Read guide →GuideThe Best Shade Solutions for a West-Facing Patio in Vancouver
West-facing patios in Vancouver face strong direct sun from mid-afternoon through evening in the summer. This guide ranks the shade solutions that actually work for that exposure, with pros and cons of each for BC's climate.
Read guide →Seal Your Outdoor Space
Ready to plan your project?
Contact us to discuss how our Zip Track solutions can transform your patio into a bug-free, weather-ready sanctuary.
