Zipscreen External Blinds
Track-guided blinds that hold in wind, block sun and insects, and can enclose a patio or deck at the press of a button. The most versatile product we sell in this category.
Shade & Privacy
External Privacy, Shades & Awnings
Stop the heat and the neighbours at the boundary, not at the glass. External shading built to handle FNQ sun, wind and rain.
Internal blinds control light. External shading controls heat — it stops the sun before it hits the glass, which is the only way to make a real difference to how a room feels in February.
The other half of the job is privacy and weather. A Zipscreen or a drop awning turns a patio you avoid into a space you use, and aluminium louvres and slat screens give you privacy from the street without shutting off the breeze.
Practical FNQ benefits
- Shade where the sun actually hits
- Lower indoor heat load and cooling costs
- Privacy from close neighbours and street traffic
- Wind and driving rain protection on verandahs
- Usable outdoor living through more of the year
- Storm and cyclone-season protection with shutters
- Motorisation, timers and sun sensors
- Finishes that suit coastal and high-humidity sites
Product pages
Go straight to the product you're after
Zipscreen External Blinds Cairns
Track-guided external blinds that stay put in the wind, block heat before it reaches the glass and turn a patio into a usable room.
Folding Arm Awnings CairnsRetractable shade with no posts in the way, extended when you want the deck covered and folded back when you don't.
Drop Awnings CairnsStraight drop shading for windows, balconies and patio edges, in mesh or blockout fabric.
Roller Shutters CairnsAluminium shutters that close the opening completely, for security, heat, storm protection and noise.
Aluminium Louvres CairnsFixed and adjustable louvre screens that give privacy and shade while the air keeps moving.
Aluminium Slat Systems CairnsSlat screening for fences, gates, carports and courtyards, in powder coated aluminium that stands up to the tropics.
The range
External shading and privacy range
Folding Arm Awnings
Retractable shade over decks, courtyards and windows, with manual or motorised operation and optional wind sensors.
Drop Awnings
Simple, effective shading for west-facing windows and verandah edges. Keeps low afternoon sun and driving rain out of the space.
Roller Shutters
Heat control, privacy, security and storm protection in one product. Popular through the western suburbs, Mareeba and the Cassowary Coast.
Aluminium Louvres
Fixed or adjustable louvre systems for privacy screening, breezeways and shading, in a finish that matches the rest of the house.
Aluminium Slat Systems
Slat screening for boundaries, courtyards, pool surrounds and air conditioning units. Clean lines, low maintenance, no timber to repaint.
Local know-how
Choosing the right product for the opening
Exposure decides most of it. A sheltered courtyard in Edge Hill can take a straightforward drop awning; a second-storey deck at Trinity Beach or a ridge-top block at Ravenshoe needs a track-guided Zipscreen or louvres that won't flog themselves to death in the wind.
Fabric choice matters too. Sunscreen mesh keeps the view and cuts glare, blockout gives full privacy and weather protection, and each comes in weights suited to different UV and rainfall loads.
We measure on site, look at where the sun tracks across the property, and recommend accordingly. Blinds and awnings carry hardware warranties of five years, motorisation seven, and fabric up to ten.
Residential
Alfresco areas, decks, pool surrounds, west-facing bedroom windows and boundary privacy screening. Often combined with patio screening so the space works day and night.
Residential solutions →Commercial
Café and restaurant outdoor areas, shopfront shading, roller shutters on retail and industrial buildings, and privacy screening for plant, bins and service areas.
Commercial solutions →Warranties
Manufacturer warranties available through Great Barriers, with our workmanship guaranteed on top.
| Product | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Prowler Proof security screens | 10 years full replacement |
| Gate automation | Motors and automation equipment, 2 years |
| Roller shutters | Motorisation, 5 years |
| Blinds and awnings | Hardware 5 years, motorisation 7 years, fabric up to 10 years |
Available across the region
We install this work throughout Cairns and Far North Queensland.
Zipscreen
Try the Zipscreen fabric visualiser
Compare fabric tones, openness and day or night views before you choose. Pick a look you like and we'll match it on site.
Products & systems we supply
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about external privacy, shades & awnings in Far North Queensland.
Trusted across Far North Queensland
Leave a reviewWhat local customers say
Reviews left by Great Barriers customers on Google, where the business holds 110 reviews.
Fabulous customer service. Exceptional workmanship. All at a fair price. If I needed more security screens or doors I would definitely use them again. Thank you Shay and your team.
A really excellent creative carport gate solution. Looks good and works well. Shay has great attention to detail and has the courage to try new stuff. Highly recommend.
Can't praise Great Barriers Security enough. They did a bang on job. Communication with Mia was the best. I would highly recommend them for any security work.
The most wonderful family business. Every person we spoke to was extremely lovely and professional. We are beyond happy with the results.
Arrived next day and job done quickly and professionally when other tradies were unable to fix.
Absolute professional service. Punctual and communicative and competitive. Thanks Mia and Shay!
Free measure and quote, no pressure
We'll come out, measure up, show you the samples and give you a straight recommendation on what suits the property. Then it's your call.