Separate the screen mechanism from the fabric
A ZIP system guides the fabric at its side edges. That arrangement does not, by itself, establish how much someone can see through the material. Privacy is a separate selection question from the motor, guide rails and enclosure dimensions.
Ask the supplier to identify the exact fabric reference and colour proposed for your opening. Record whether your priority is reducing glare, keeping an outward view or screening people from view. These are different requirements and should not be reduced to a single claim of “privacy fabric”.
Why a daytime sample can mislead you
Visibility through solar screening changes with lighting on each side. Phifer explains that screening which restricts inward views in daylight can allow inward visibility when the interior is lit at night. Its privacy screening guidance also relates privacy to weave openness. This is a material-selection principle, not a performance claim for a JY Home Shade fabric.
For a dining pergola, assess the view from the garden with the dining lights on. For a terrace beside another property, include the neighbour's likely viewing position. A straight-on fabric photograph does not represent every angle or viewing distance.
Use a repeatable sample comparison
- Label each sample. Record the fabric code, colour and stated openness so the quotation matches the material assessed.
- Choose realistic lighting. Compare daylight, dusk and the intended evening lighting rather than a showroom condition alone.
- View from both sides. Check whether faces, silhouettes or objects remain recognisable at the relevant distance.
- Record the trade-off. Note privacy, outward visibility and glare separately. Ask about airflow rather than inferring it from appearance.
- Confirm the complete opening. Review any perimeter gaps, adjacent clear glass and unscreened sides as well as the fabric.
A small swatch helps shortlist fabrics. Where privacy is critical, ask how the proposed material can be assessed at a more representative scale before approving it.
Write the requirement by opening
A useful brief might read: “The west side needs afternoon glare control; the garden-facing side needs privacy during evening dining with the ceiling lights on.” This is more useful than specifying the same dark fabric on every side without explaining the purpose.
Send numbered opening widths and heights, site photos, viewing directions and the hours of use. Include the mounting surfaces and existing pergola details. Ask the quotation to identify fabric, guides, housing, motor/control scope and installation responsibilities separately.
Review motorized ZIP screen options using this brief. If clear glass is also planned, use the screen and glass comparison to coordinate the two systems.
Questions buyers ask
Does a lower openness factor guarantee complete privacy?
No. It is one fabric characteristic, not a guarantee for every lighting condition. Check the exact material, viewing angle and complete opening against your privacy requirement.
Will clear glass behind the screen solve nighttime privacy?
Do not assume so. Include the glass in the sample review and assess the view from outside with the intended lighting on.
Should every side use the same fabric?
Only if the requirements are similar. Identify which sides prioritise a view, glare control or evening privacy, then confirm available combinations with the supplier.
Next planning step
How to Measure a Pergola Opening for ZIP Screens: Prepare opening dimensions, mounting details, headbox space and cable access before ordering made-to-measure pergola ZIP screens.
Plan your screen openings
Send the opening sizes, photos and when privacy matters most. Include any sample or colour preferences.
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