Start with the side, not only the pergola size
A pergola may have one, two, three or four sides that need ZIP Screens, and each side can have a different opening width, view direction, wind exposure, privacy need or wiring route. Before quoting, identify exactly which sides need screens and whether the project is freestanding, wall-mounted or connected to an existing structure.
Opening width and finished screen width
The finished ZIP Screen width is normally based on the clear opening between posts or structural supports, not simply the total pergola footprint. For example, if a pergola side is 4000mm wide with two 150mm posts, the approximate clear opening may be 4000mm minus 150mm minus 150mm, or about 3700mm. Final drawings should confirm the actual structure and side-track position.
Finished screen height
Finished screen height should consider total pergola height, beam height, cassette position, bottom details and floor condition. One planning example is total height minus beam height plus a small bottom adjustment, such as 2700mm height minus 240mm beam height plus 8mm bottom detail, resulting in about 2468mm. Final project dimensions should always be confirmed before production.
Extra posts can split one side into multiple screens
If a side includes an additional post, that side may need to be divided into two ZIP Screen sections instead of one large screen. This affects screen quantity, motor planning, wiring, side-track layout, cost and installation time. It should be reviewed early instead of discovered after quotation.
Choose the wiring post early
Motorized ZIP Screens require power and control planning. The project team should identify which post or side will be used for wiring, how the cable route will be protected and whether the screen will connect with remote control, app control, smart scenes or weather-response accessories.
Avoid enclosure conflicts
The same side should normally not use ZIP Screen, sliding glass doors and aluminum louver wall at the same time. Each side should have one clear enclosure strategy. ZIP Screens are best for flexible privacy, shade, insect reduction and wind comfort. Glass doors are better for a more room-like enclosure. Louver walls are better for architectural privacy and fixed side screening.
What to prepare before contacting RKOVE
Prepare project city, site photos, pergola width and depth, desired height, post size, beam height, which sides need ZIP Screens, whether any side has extra posts, preferred fabric openness, mosquito-screen needs, color direction and wiring location. This information helps RKOVE recommend the right screen layout before quotation.
FAQs
Common questions about Pergola ZIP Screen Planning Guide
How do I measure a pergola ZIP Screen?
Measure the clear opening between posts or structural supports, then confirm beam height, cassette position, floor condition and side-track location. Final dimensions should be reviewed through project drawings before production.
What happens if one side has an extra post?
That side may need to be divided into two ZIP Screen sections, which affects quantity, motors, wiring, side tracks and price.
Can one side use both ZIP Screen and glass doors?
Normally one side should use one enclosure type. Choosing ZIP Screen, sliding glass doors or aluminum louver wall on the same side should be treated as an either-or decision.
What information helps RKOVE quote ZIP Screens faster?
Send project photos, city, pergola dimensions, height, post size, beam height, screen sides, extra-post conditions, fabric choice, mosquito-screen needs and wiring-post preference.
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