What are Side Channel Outdoor Blinds?
Betta 6000 Awnings
By Betta Blinds and Awnings - 25th July 2022
In cooler months leaving your outdoor spaces unprotected can reduce the comfort you feel when entertaining outdoors. Cool drafts can easily make an outdoor space feel cold and uncomfortable. One of the best ways to make your space more comfortable is to use Side Channel Outdoor Blinds.
If you have been looking into the different options for protecting your outdoor spaces, you may feel a sense of confusion with all the different options available. In this article, we will help you decide if our Betta 6000 Side Channel Awnings are the right choice for you.
Why Should I Consider Betta 6000 Awnings?
Side Channel Outdoor Blinds are a great option for those looking for high-performing and durable shading solutions for their outdoor spaces. They are a desirable option that helps to improve privacy and protection without stepping into a more upmarket option.
Side Channel Outdoor Blinds Takeaways
Pros
Cons
- More affordable than some other options
- Can be stopped at selected positions along the side channels
- Crank or motorised operation
- Slide bolts allow the awning to be locked in place
Cons
- Not side retensioned
- Fabric can move more in the breeze than Ziptrak or Zipscreen
- A gap can be present between the fabric and the side channel
What are the Key Features?
Looking at the design and features of Side Channel Outdoor Blinds will help you to determine if they will be the perfect solution for your outdoor spaces. Like most Outdoor Blinds available on the market, our Betta 6000s features a fabric skin attached to an aluminium tube.
A heavy-duty bottom rail is added which helps keep the fabric tracking correctly and fits neatly inside the side channels, which are installed on both sides of the awning to help guide the fabric throughout operation. Finally, a crank handle or motor is added to allow operation of the awning.
The durable design and heavy-duty bottom rail allow the Betta 6000s to span distances up to 5m. This makes it more suitable for larger applications than the smaller Betta 3000 which spans up to 3.8m.
Slide bolts are integrated into the bottom rail, allowing the awning to be locked in different selected positions along the side channels. Other Betta Awnings such as the Betta 1000 cannot be set at various positions. The slide bolts create more stability and allow you to apply a small amount of back tension to reduce fabric wrinkles.
Our Side Channel Awnings come with a large variety of fabrics to ensure that there will be an option that best suits the design and colour palette of your outdoor area.
Mesh fabrics are fantastic for daytime privacy and allow a soft breeze to pass through. Acrylic fabrics are great for softening the light entering your outdoor living zones and come in many stylish colours and patterns.
A heavy-duty bottom rail is added which helps keep the fabric tracking correctly and fits neatly inside the side channels, which are installed on both sides of the awning to help guide the fabric throughout operation. Finally, a crank handle or motor is added to allow operation of the awning.
The durable design and heavy-duty bottom rail allow the Betta 6000s to span distances up to 5m. This makes it more suitable for larger applications than the smaller Betta 3000 which spans up to 3.8m.
Slide bolts are integrated into the bottom rail, allowing the awning to be locked in different selected positions along the side channels. Other Betta Awnings such as the Betta 1000 cannot be set at various positions. The slide bolts create more stability and allow you to apply a small amount of back tension to reduce fabric wrinkles.
Our Side Channel Awnings come with a large variety of fabrics to ensure that there will be an option that best suits the design and colour palette of your outdoor area.
Mesh fabrics are fantastic for daytime privacy and allow a soft breeze to pass through. Acrylic fabrics are great for softening the light entering your outdoor living zones and come in many stylish colours and patterns.
Optional Extras
The style of Side Channel Awnings can be modified to suit your needs, through a range of different upgrades. A Semi Cassette can be added to conceal the top tube and is recommended if you choose to motorise your Awnings. It will help to protect motors and the fabric from the elements, additionally, the Semi Cassette features a modern design that not only performs well in our harsh Australian conditions but also looks amazing.
The Cassette allows more fabric to sit in the side channel (on the gearbox side) which will help reduce the appearance of gaps between the fabric and the side channel.
The addition of a weather strip can provide increased protection to the Awning. Weather strips are fitted to the base of the bottom rail and are designed to add protection to the base of the blind.
The Cassette allows more fabric to sit in the side channel (on the gearbox side) which will help reduce the appearance of gaps between the fabric and the side channel.
The addition of a weather strip can provide increased protection to the Awning. Weather strips are fitted to the base of the bottom rail and are designed to add protection to the base of the blind.
Limitations to Consider?
One limitation of Side Channel Outdoor Blinds is that they do not have side retention. This allows them to be more affordable while still using high-quality materials, it also means that there are small gaps between the fabric and the side channel. Because of this design, the fabric may tend to have a bit more movement and be less secure in the breeze.
If you are looking for an Outdoor Awning that provides the best protection consider our Ziptrak or Zipscreen Awnings.
If you are looking for an Outdoor Awning that provides the best protection consider our Ziptrak or Zipscreen Awnings.
What Maintenance is Required?
We recommend regular cleaning to ensure surfaces are free from dirt, dust, and grime. You can use a soft brush to remove larger dirt particles.
After the blind is clear of abrasive materials you can apply soapy water to remove any remaining dust and grime. Follow this with a rinse using a hose to ensure all cleaning products are removed and allow to dry before retracting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Side Channel Awnings any good?
They are an affordable solution that will help to keep your outdoor spaces shaded and comfortable.
Are Side Channel Awnings worth it?
If you want to make the most of your outdoor living zones, Side Channel Awnings are a smart choice that will help to keep your space sheltered and protected from the elements.
Do Side Channel Awnings block out the sun?
Side Channel Awnings can be manufactured with fabric designed to reduce the amount of light that enters your home, but they will not provide a complete block out solution.
Do Side Channel Awnings block rain?
Side Channel Awnings can reduce the impact of rain. Mesh and acrylic fabrics can help to reduce the amount of rain entering your outdoor entertaining areas.
They are an affordable solution that will help to keep your outdoor spaces shaded and comfortable.
Are Side Channel Awnings worth it?
If you want to make the most of your outdoor living zones, Side Channel Awnings are a smart choice that will help to keep your space sheltered and protected from the elements.
Do Side Channel Awnings block out the sun?
Side Channel Awnings can be manufactured with fabric designed to reduce the amount of light that enters your home, but they will not provide a complete block out solution.
Do Side Channel Awnings block rain?
Side Channel Awnings can reduce the impact of rain. Mesh and acrylic fabrics can help to reduce the amount of rain entering your outdoor entertaining areas.
The Bottom Line
Side Channel Outdoor Blinds are a more affordable solution than Side Retention Awnings while still using high-quality materials with a durable construction. The locking pins help to keep the awning secure and by providing back tension you can reduce fabric wrinkles providing your outdoor space with a finished look.
The heavy-duty bottom rail and purpose-built side channels allow the Awning to span up to 5m in width, making them a great option for those looking to protect outdoor living spaces without stepping up into our Zipscreen or Ziptrak Awning ranges.
The heavy-duty bottom rail and purpose-built side channels allow the Awning to span up to 5m in width, making them a great option for those looking to protect outdoor living spaces without stepping up into our Zipscreen or Ziptrak Awning ranges.
