Frequently Asked Questions

A-OK: Pioneering Excellence Since 1998

Established in 1998, A-OK is a trailblazing entity committed to the expert design and precision manufacturing of door and window motors, as well as intelligent control systems. With over two decades of progressive evolution, the company has strategically established various industrial divisions, including Precision Motor, Metal Stamping, and Plastics, fostering a robust groundwork for sustained industry growth.

 

Backed by a formidable R&D team, A-OK boasts sophisticated design solutions that have reached advanced levels of development. Employing top-tier components sourced from renowned global brands, our materials exemplify excellence. Our manufacturing process benefits from the integration of professional equipment imported from esteemed names like Yamaha and Swiss AgieCharmilles, elevating our craft to a level of finesse.

 

A-OK adheres to a refined management model reminiscent of the Japanese Toyota approach. This dedication extends to the strict implementation of the ISO9001 quality management system, ensuring our products offer exceptional operability and long-term stability.

Phifer USA: Innovation and Excellence in Screening and Fabric Solutions

Founded in 1952 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Phifer Incorporated began as a producer of aluminium insect screening and has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminium and fibreglass insect screening products. With a longstanding commitment to quality and service, Phifer has expanded its product line over the decades to include innovative interior and exterior sun control fabrics that reduce heat and enhance comfort in commercial and residential settings.

 

Phifer also offers a stylish selection of high-performance fabrics for outdoor furnishings, along with a broad range of specialty woven products for various industries, including pet care, automotive, and marine. Dedicated to sustainability, Phifer’s products, such as GREENGUARD Certified and 100% recyclable fabrics, reflect its commitment to environmental responsibility and energy conservation.

Time for the classic Q&A rundown!

Our zip blinds are made up of perforated fabric with tiny holes which do not allow air to pass through easily. This preserves the cold air within the area and lets you stay cool in Singapore’s sweltering heat!

Absolutely! Feel free to keep your zip blinds fully down or retracted – that’s completely doable. Just be sure to avoid leaving them in a half-retracted state, as that particular position exposes them to the highest vulnerability.

 

When raising or lowering your blinds, exercising caution is paramount. Keep in mind that our blinds might not function as seamlessly during windy conditions, especially the smaller panels which are lighter compared to their larger counterparts. To navigate this, you can gently apply pressure to the panel with your hand while operating the blinds. This extra support helps alleviate any excessive pressure and ensures smoother operation.

 

Alternatively, another effective approach is to shut your balcony’s sliding door before operating your blinds. This strategy minimizes air drafts and suctions on your balcony, resulting in a significantly smoother operation for your zip blinds. We get it, we get it… You’re probably raising an eyebrow right about now. But hey, why not give it a shot and see for yourself? It’s kind of like physics, or at least we think so! Hmm…

Absolutely, you’re good to go! Leaving your zip blinds down during rain is totally fine. After all, that’s one of the perks of having zip blinds, isn’t it?

 

Just keep in mind that while our zip blinds do a great job of keeping off typical rain splatters, there’s a chance that during exceptionally heavy rain and windy conditions, the perforated fabric might let a bit of rainwater in. If you’re aiming for complete watertight protection, your best bet would be to opt for glass windows – although we must mention, that’s not an option we offer here.

Sound-proof? Nope, not a chance! Even those double-glazed windows everyone talks about? They’re not truly soundproof, are they?

 

Well, our zip blinds fabric are made from polyester, commonly used in industrial settings for excellent sound absorption. With side channels that fully enclose the area, the zip blinds would reduce external noise from coming in, providing you with a quieter and healthier living space, but, let’s be clear – they’re not going to go full-on soundproof mode, alright?

Absolutely not! Our side channels and headrails are made from high-quality aluminium, boasting a powder-coated textured finish that adds a touch of elegance and ensures the scratch-resistant quality you truly deserve.

When it comes to maintaining your building’s facade, following the designated colour code is key. Fortunately, we have extensive experience installing for many residences and can typically provide you with the approved colour code based on our previous installations. However, management changes or updates to regulations can sometimes lead to alterations in the colour code. Therefore, we strongly recommend confirming the current approved colour code with your condo or EC management office. They’re the ultimate colour gurus and will guide you in the right direction!

 

Should you have any questions regarding the approved colour code for your residence, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and happy to provide assistance!

Well, we’re glad you asked! Here at zipblinds direct, our commitment extends beyond mere responsiveness and transparency; we also take immense pride in our dedication to quality and continuous product advancement.

 

Our motorized zip blinds are meticulously crafted from robust, high-quality materials, engineered to endure Singapore’s dynamic weather and climate conditions. In addition to many successful installations in high-ceiling settings, we’ve conducted rigorous internal testing at our manufacturing facility. These tests demonstrated the impressive capacity of our zip blinds to support up to 200 kilograms of static force. To put this in perspective, the wind speed of a typhoon typically hovers around 40 meters per second, equating to about 190 kilograms per square meter. This showcases our system’s exceptional over-spec capabilities for Singapore’s climate.

 

Nonetheless, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations, as our product functions as a blind, not a solid wall. Continuous exposure to wind, rain, and heat can lead to fabric expansion, resulting in unavoidable creases and gradual material wear and tear.

 

We encourage you to dive into our FAQ page to unravel the dos and don’ts! Crafting these detailed guides took quite a bit of time, so it’s only fair that you give them a read-through, right? 😉

Absolutely! At zipblinds direct, we’re all about offering our customers practical options. If you’re the type who prefers a hands-on approach when using your products, the manual system is right up your alley. And if you’re the kind who’s a fan of Marvel movies and maybe wants to channel a bit of Tony Stark from Iron Man, well, going for the automated option will get you that futuristic vibe (start small, right?). No matter which way you lean, we got your back!

 

Click here to start exploring the options!

No, it won’t be possible to manually override the system in the event of a motor failure. Thus, making it imperative that you source your products from a trustworthy company. Beyond just the product’s quality, we’re dedicated to excelling in after-sales service, ethical standards, and prompt responsiveness when you choose us as your supplier. Give us a shot – we assure you of customer satisfaction!

Absolutely! You call the shots! However, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty before taking the plunge. While our Zip Blinds are versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s essential to consider a few factors. Installing them in bedrooms may result in a bulkier appearance due to their frame and box structure. Additionally, their pricing reflects the quality of materials and labour involved, which may surpass that of standard indoor roller blinds.

 

For those seeking complete blackout, it’s important to note that Zip Blinds won’t provide a 100% blockout effect due to their perforated fabric. Nevertheless, they shine in sun-shading, adept at blocking UV rays and maintaining room temperature.

 

In summary, if UV protection and temperature control are your top priorities, Zip Blinds offer an excellent solution. However, if you’re seeking an economical option with room-darkening capabilities, standard roller blinds might be a better fit.

Smart Home Compatibility

Absolutely, A-OK tubular motors have been designed with smart home integration in mind. Operating on a standard radio frequency of 433.92 MHz, these motors are fully compatible with various smart home software and hubs, making it convenient to seamlessly incorporate them into your smart home system.

Unfortunately, we do not provide pairing services for smart home integration. We recommend consulting a professional smart home provider for pairing and integration assistance.

The Broadlink smart hub is a popular choice for integrating A-OK tubular motors. It provides easy connectivity and can be found on platforms like Shopee or Lazada.

For a seamless smart home experience, we recommend seeking advice from a smart home specialist. They can assist you in choosing the ideal hub and provide step-by-step guidance during the integration procedure. After all, our expertise revolves around manufacturing and installing of sun-shading products.

Fabric Material

Will your $2,000 leather shoes eventually develop creases? You probably already know the answer, but in case you’re still wondering – yes, they will! Similarly, those creases you might notice on the fabric of your blinds are perfectly normal, so there’s no need to worry.

 

Fabric naturally expands and contracts due to outdoor elements like wind and heat. Plus, factors like fabric alignment and regular wear and tear can contribute to these creases. Of course, we acknowledge that there could be specific instances, like production errors or craftsmanship issues, that lead to such creases. If you’re unsure about the cause, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to assist!

At zipblinds direct, we exclusively utilise 1% perforated fabric. If your aim is to effectively shield against rain, heat, and UV rays without compromising natural light, while still maintaining your view and ensuring a moderate level of privacy, 1% perforated fabric stands as the optimal selection.

Caring for the fabric is simpler than you might imagine! Phifer fabrics proudly hold the esteemed Greenguard Gold certification, along with built-in antibacterial properties. You can choose to use a microfiber duster to gently remove dust, or opt for a slightly damp cloth along with a mild detergent for a thorough cleaning method. Nonetheless, exercise caution and avoid using overly strong substances. Keep in mind that your goal is to maintain cleanliness without causing harm to the fabric.

Warranty

Our zip blinds are fully guaranteed against defective materials, manufacturing and fabrication defaults. Use your zip blinds with ease as we offer a 5-year warranty on motor and mechanism. Labour fees will be waived for the first two years and apply from the third year onwards.

Lead Time and Installation Schedule

Once we’ve received your full payment, we’ll pop an email over to you at the address you’ve provided when signing up. This email will guide you on how to choose the installation dates that work best for you. Typically, the lead time following receipt of full payment is three to four weeks. It’s important to note that this lead time specifically pertains to the default and standard colour codes readily available in our inventory. For colour codes that fall outside the spectrum of our inventory, the lead time could potentially extend to a duration of five to six weeks, sometimes more.

 

Also, we’re always on the lookout for ways to streamline things, so there’s a chance we might give you a call to see if an earlier or later date works for you if we happen to be in your area on certain days. But if that doesn’t fit your schedule, no problem at all! Your comfort is our priority, so if the original date is what you prefer, we’re all for it. Just let us know — we’re here to make this as smooth and convenient for you as possible!

Guys, there’s really no need to rush the installation process. You can do it when your renovation is completed or at the verge of completion. The process of installing zip blinds is both swift and tidy. Rest assured, we will treat your home with the same level of care as if it were our own. Our team of experienced installers will go the extra mile by rolling out protective mats and sheets, making sure your furniture and flooring stay flawless throughout.

Labour and additional charges

Outdoor roller blinds: $35 per panel

 

Zip blinds: $60 per panel

For installations that require scaffolding, a fee of $300 will be applicable (maximum up to 6 meters in height). This is generally applicable to ceiling heights surpassing 3.3 meters, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Our dedicated measurement team will assess the requirement for scaffolding on-site, providing expert guidance.

The charges for stairs labour are established following a comprehensive site evaluation. If your panel dimensions exceed the lift’s capacity, necessitating manual transportation via stairs, an additional labour charge will apply. Here is the breakdown of these charges:

 

First three level – $50, subsequent level $5 – per panel

 

Example: Suppose you reside on the 6th level and require the transportation of a panel to your residence. In this scenario, your stairs labour charges will amount to $65.

To kickstart your home improvement journey with confidence, we require the full payment upfront following the site assessment and your acceptance of the quotation provided. Once your payment is received, you’ll get an email confirming your order, and then you’re all set to select your installation date – easy peasy!

We get it – everyone loves a good deal! And if you’re here, rest assured, you’re already tapping into some top-notch value with what we’ve got in store.

 

Now, in the spirit of transparency, we don’t typically offer further discounts. But… (and here’s the twist!) we occasionally organise group buys for specific residences, where you can snag some sweet savings. Interested to see if your project falls under our group buy umbrella? Drop us a message at 9146 3039, and we’ll happily fill you in on all the details!

Here’s the scoop: maintaining tubular motors? Not really your job – at least not with ours! Just let those motors do their thing and keep the magic happening. But remember, anything built to last needs a little TLC. So, go easy on the motor – no constant tinkering or blocking the blinds while it’s in action, please! Treat it right, and it’ll stick around for ages.

 

If you hear any unusual noises from the motor or notice anything acting out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’ve got your back, and we’re here to keep things running smoothly!