ScreenAccess by SOPROFEN: The new Screen-ZIP accessible to all budgets without compromising on quality and reliability

The ZIP screen market driven by thermal comfort

Energy renovation projects are increasingly incorporating the issue of summer thermal comfortAccording to data provided by SOPROFEN, 37% of housing renovation projects focus on improving summer comfort.

This development can be explained both by the increasing frequency of heat waves and by regulatory requirements of the RE2020, which reinforce the consideration of solar protection in the overall performance of the building envelope.

In this context, ZIP screen blinds continue their growth in the market. exterior carpentry and solar protection equipment. These systems limit heat gain while maintaining sufficient interior brightness.

"Sun protection is becoming essential in renovation and construction projects."

A ZIP screen compatible with common configurations

With ScreenAccess, SOPROFEN completes its offering after the launch of Screenamax, intended for large dimensions.

The new model targets the most common types of construction projects, both new builds and renovations:

• internal thermal insulation (ITI),
• double wall,
• facade renovation,
• metal cladding.

The product is offered in two ultra-compact 105 x 105 mm enclosure versions:

• a square model,
• a model with a cut-off corner reserved for the extruded trunk.

Two manufacturing technologies are available:

• folded aluminium, more economical for routine operations.
• Extruded aluminum, intended for more demanding environments or structures requiring greater mechanical robustness.

This distinction may be of interest to design offices and installation companies depending on the constraints of the site, particularly on facades exposed to wind or on large bays.

Dimensions suitable for residential projects

The ScreenAccess can reach a width of 4,50 m and a height of 3,50 m. The system accommodates a steel axle of 70 or 78 mm depending on the dimensions of the screen panel.

Two load bars are also offered in order to adapt the implementation to the configuration of the structure.

In renovation projects, this type of ZIP screen makes it possible to limit overheating behind south or west-facing glazed surfaces, without profoundly altering the existing architecture.

"Micro-perforated screens allow you to maintain a view to the outside while reducing solar gain."

An implementation designed for installers

The manufacturer emphasizes ease of installation, an important criterion for tradespeople and closure companies.

ScreenAccess is available with two types of slides:

• standard or wing-shaped fixed slides,
• removable clip-on slides.

These are compatible with surface or recessed mounting. A 12 mm riser can also be integrated for certain specific configurations.

SOPROFEN also indicates that the finned slides improve the support of the load bar and allow a setting play of ± 5 mm.

This tolerance can facilitate installation on surfaces with dimensional variations, which are common in renovation projects. However, as with all ZIP screens, the quality of the surface and the alignment of the tracks remain crucial to ensuring the system's durability and preventing mechanical stress on the screen.

Finishes adapted to external constraints

The ScreenAccess benefits from a range of finishes designed to integrate with different architectural styles.

The folded aluminum version is available in anthracite gray and bright white with a smooth satin finish. The extruded version adds several matte textured colors as well as an optional RAL color chart.

For buildings located in harsh environments, particularly coastal areas, a "seaside" treatment is offered. This involves reinforced powder coating of the visible aluminum parts to limit corrosion.

This type of finish can be a point of concern in projects near the coast, where exterior joinery and sun protection are subject to significant stresses related to sea spray.

Technical fabrics to filter solar heat gain

The screen is offered with four ranges of fabrics, including a standard collection of 16 colours corresponding, according to the manufacturer, to more than 90% of market demands.

Micro-perforated fabrics claim to filter up to 95% of solar rays. They allow:

• to maintain a natural light supply,
• to maintain outward visibility,
• to preserve the privacy of the occupants.

In practice, the thermal performance of a screen also depends on several parameters:

• facade orientation,
• solar factor of the glazing,
• canvas color,
• quality of the installation.

External solar protection thus constitutes a complement to other thermal performance solutions for the building envelope.

An engine adapted to current uses

Like the Screenamax, the ScreenAccess can accommodate several motorization solutions:

• wired,
• radio,
• autonomous solar power supply.

This last option addresses, in particular, the constraints of renovation projects where the routing of electrical supplies can complicate the work.

The integration of motorized sun protection is also part of the evolution of housing towards more automated management of thermal comfort, in addition to ventilation or energy control equipment.

With this new range, SOPROFEN seeks to offer a ZIP screen compatible with the economic constraints of current construction sites, while maintaining technical characteristics adapted to the current requirements of building and energy renovation.