Zipscreen® Wind Rating: Wind Tunnel Tested to 140 km/h at Monash University

When investing in outdoor living spaces across the Sunshine Coast—from the breezy elevations of Doonan to the coastal fronts of Noosa Waters—wind performance is paramount. Zipscreen® outdoor shades combine innovation with sleek, functional, modern design. To definitively test their signature side-fastening solution, their engineers used the largest wind tunnel in the southern hemisphere at Monash University, which serves as Australia's leading automotive aerodynamic test facility.

The Test Results

The results from the Monash Wind Tunnel were exceptional. A standard 2.4m x 2.4m Zipscreen shade withstood the maximum achievable wind speed of the facility: an incredible 140 km/h*.

*Note: Even with these impressive lab results, it is always recommended to raise your Zipscreen shades when the wind may exceed 50 km/h. Real-world performance may vary depending on your specific application, house structure, and the structural installation fixings used.

Beaufort Wind Rating Scale

To put 140 km/h into perspective, we can compare it to the official Beaufort Wind Rating Scale, which meteorologists use to classify wind conditions and their observed effects:

But What Does This Really Mean?

Looking at the scale, you will notice that wind speeds above 118 km/h are classified as Beaufort 12—the equivalent of a hurricane or cyclone causing widespread devastation. Under these extreme weather conditions, it is unreasonable to assume any outdoor shading system, or even some permanent building structures, would survive unscathed. The fact that the 2.4m x 2.4m Zipscreen system successfully withstood 140 km/h in the testing tunnel demonstrates the sheer structural integrity of its design.

Industry Claims and Airbox Testing

When researching outdoor blinds, you may see other products claiming to withstand 200+ km/h. It is important to understand how these numbers are generated. Many manufacturers rely on 'airbox testing'. An airbox is essentially an open-top pressure chamber that simulates wind pressure pushing against the fabric, using mathematical calculations to determine an 'equivalent wind load'.

While useful, these controlled lab calculations do not account for real-world aerodynamic factors like violent wind gusts, swirling vacuums, and flying loose debris that could severely damage the fabric or tracks. This is exactly why Rollease Acmeda opted for real wind tunnel testing at Monash University—it subjects the entire system to actual, turbulent, high-speed moving air, which is far superior and much closer to a real Sunshine Coast storm.

Our Recommendation

Although the Zipscreen system structurally withstood these impressive wind speeds during testing, they are ultimately designed as premium shade and privacy solutions—not structural storm barriers. We strongly recommend retracting your shades in strong winds (above 50 km/h or Beaufort 7). Retracting them before a severe storm hits is the simplest way to protect your investment and ensure your Zipscreen blinds continue to operate flawlessly for years to come.

Testing Specifications & Disclaimers

Disclaimer: The representations made by Rollease Acmeda Pty Ltd in relation to Zipscreen are based on the testing conducted and the report prepared by Monash Wind Tunnel dated 01 March 2022 (Report ID W0002-20). You acknowledge that the findings are based on testing within a controlled laboratory environment and may not accurately reflect extreme weather conditions. Rollease Acmeda does not accept liability for costs, loss or damage in connection with reliance on these results.