Which moving board mechanism to choose? A guide for those looking for a patio and balcony solution

Wondering which moving board mechanism to choose to enclose your terrace or balcony in a durable and functional way? Find out why a moving board mechanism from the OpenUp System brand is a solution that combines simple installation, wood and aluminium work and vertical and horizontal adjustability.

If you're looking for a moving board mechanism, you're probably wondering which solution really works, gives you flexibility and allows for simple installation. Most systems limit you to one configuration: either wood or aluminium, only horizontal mounting and little adjustability. Meanwhile, OpenUp System moving board mechanism is a solution that works with both wood and aluminium, allows both vertical and horizontal installation and, with the correct sized lamellas, ensures that the blinds are fully closed without a 'Christmas tree' effect.

In this guide, we suggest what to look for when choosing a a system for the construction of a terrace, a canopy or a pergola and why it is worth betting on a solution from a Polish manufacturer - OpenUp System.

Moving board mechanism - what do you need to know before choosing?

The movable board mechanism is a bracket system that allows the angle of the slats installed in the siding of a terrace, gazebo or balcony to be adjusted. This allows for convenient control of the amount of light, ventilation and increased privacy.

Not every system on the market offers this flexibility. Many require you to work with one type of material - usually timber - and do not offer vertical installation. Therefore, if you want to have a say in the appearance and functionality of your built-in, it is worth opting for a mechanism for OpenUp System terrace blindswhich works both vertically and horizontally and with different types of infill.

Wood or aluminium? How do I match the material to the OpenUp System mechanism?

OpenUp System works with both wooden boards (e.g. pine, larch) and aluminium slats. You are free to choose either powder-coated or woodgrain-coated aluminium or opt for natural wood. The only condition is that the correct dimensions of the infill panels are maintained.

  • wooden planks: 9.8 cm x 2 cm,
  • aluminium laths: 9.9 cm x 1.95 cm, with the appropriate profile.

These dimensions ensure that the louvres will lay flat and close tightly to form a uniform surface. Using 'ordinary boards' of random dimensions can lead to a 'Christmas tree' effect, where the louvres do not adhere to each other and the whole looks like a fixed, immovable build-up.

Limitations on the length of infill installations - what is worth knowing?

For the proper functioning of the system, not only the width and thickness of the boards or slats are important, but also their length.
The following maximum fill lengths apply in the OpenUp System:

  • up to 110 cm for wooden boards,
  • up to 200 cm for aluminium fins when mounted horizontally,
  • up to 250 cm for aluminium fins when mounted vertically.

These lengths are due to the properties of the materials themselves. Wood, especially in longer lengths, can deform when exposed to the weather. Aluminium, thanks to its rigidity, allows longer spans to be made without the risk of bending or losing stability.

Exceeding the recommended infill lengths may result in the loss of the slat angle adjustment function and even in play and bowing, which negatively affects the aesthetics and durability of the development.

Why doesn't every solution work with wood and aluminium?

Choosing a mechanism for patio blinds requires an understanding of the differences between wood and aluminium. Wood is heavier and less rigid than aluminium, so not every mechanism is able to work properly with both materials.
Systems designed exclusively for wood often have too small a dimensional tolerance to work with thin, rigid aluminium louvres. This can cause louvre instability or play in the mechanism.

OpenUp System is designed from the outset to work with both materials. The handles made of glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene guarantee durability, high resistance to deformation and work seamlessly with both wood and aluminium.

Vertical and horizontal mounting - a distinctive feature of the OpenUp System

Most terrace blind systems on the market are limited to horizontal mounting. OpenUp System also offers vertical installationThis makes it possible to create a customised development for a terrace or pergola.

If you want to see what this looks like in practice, check out our realisations:

Who is the system not for?

The OpenUp System will not be suitable if you are looking for a permanent installation, without the need to adjust the angle of the slats, or if you plan to use materials with different cross-sections than those recommended. In such cases, the solution will not work and you may not get the desired effect.
If you are looking for a solution that makes it easier to make blinds without a mobility function, take a look at our other product: fixing to angled boards.

What to look for when choosing a mechanism for external blinds?

  1. Durability and robustness of handles
    The OpenUp System uses glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene handles. This solution is resistant to changing weather conditions, moisture and UV radiation.
  2. Compatibility with different materials
    You can use both wood and aluminium, without having to find additional accessories or rework the mechanism.
  3. Infinitely variable adjustment of blade angle
    With manual adjustment, you gain full control over how much light enters the terrace and how much wind protection the enclosure provides.
  4. Ease of installation
    You assemble the mechanism yourself. All you need is a screwdriver and a few hours of work. Vertical and horizontal mounting is possible depending on your needs.
    See instructions:

Where will the OpenUp System moving board mechanism prove its worth?

You can use the system in built-ins:

  • terraces,
  • balconies,
  • arbours,
  • pergola,
  • carports,
  • sliding doors and light partitions.

B2B offer for companies

If you run a company that builds terraces, pergolas or gazebos, we invite you to cooperate with us in the B2B model. We offer favourable conditions, technical support and access to products that will allow you to expand your offer to your customers.
Check out the details: https://www.otwierane.pl/b2b/

Get in touch with us!

Choosing a mechanism for moving boards is not a simple decision. The OpenUp System is a solution that allows you to build a terrace, balcony or gazebo siding to suit your needs. It works with both wood and aluminium, offers vertical and horizontal installation and full adjustment of the angle of the slats.
If you want to be sure that the system you choose will be durable, aesthetically pleasing and functional - bet on OpenUp System.

Check out the offer: https://www.otwierane.pl/produkt/uchwyty-do-ruchomych-zaluzji-zewnetrznych/

Do you have questions? Get in touch with us:
Tel: 530 336 595
Email: wycena@otwierane.pl

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