Motorized Technical FAQ
Power, controls, track, limits, and maintenance — the technical detail your facilities team and electrician will ask for.
Power & Controls
What power does a motorized system need?
Standard 120 V tube motors. Exact drop locations and circuit count depend on how many units are on the patio and how you want them grouped. We provide the requirement during design so your electrician can rough it in before we arrive.
How are the systems operated?
A 16-channel remote, with one channel per unit. Channels can be grouped. Keep the remote somewhere safe, and let only trained staff run it.
Can we add sensors, timers or app control?
The units are Somfy-compatible, so they work with Somfy's automation accessories: timers, sun and wind sensors, and app or smart-home control. It is all wireless. Older systems were wired and needed a lot of hardware; today's run on radio, so there is no control wiring to run, just power at the motor. Not every accessory fits every patio, so the design consultation sets up what fits yours. Day to day, trained staff still run the units from the remote.
Can the system be integrated with building automation?
Usually, and without extra wiring. Somfy's wireless hubs connect the units to phone apps, Alexa and Google voice control, and systems such as Control4, Crestron and Savant. Tell us your platform, and the design consultation confirms what works with your units.
Track, Frame & Panels
What retains the curtain?
A keder track system that provides nearly 100% curtain retention in all conditions. This is the single biggest difference between a commercial motorized enclosure and a residential one.
What is the frame made of?
Powder-coated aluminum in commercial gauge, selected for strength and long-term corrosion resistance.
What are the standard maximum dimensions?
Standard openings up to 25' wide by 16' high per unit, or 23' by 15' with clear vinyl. MaxView clear window panels up to 23' wide and 9' high.
How are the seams made?
Reinforced clear-to-clear welded seams. Welded, not stitched, so there's no needle penetration to wick water or start a tear.
Can clear vinyl be combined with shade fabric?
On motorized systems, yes — clear vinyl can be combined with a solid vinyl border or with Nano 97/99. On manual systems clear vinyl must include a solid vinyl border or trim for strength.
Ratings & Environment
What determines the final wind rating?
Panel size, fabric and the attachment substrate. Motorized units are warrantied to 65 mph fully down, and tested well above that; sun shade mesh with no clear window is tested to 110 mph at our standard sizes. We confirm the achievable rating during the onsite design consultation.
How do the systems handle driven rain at the edges?
Weather flaps with zipper seal and 1.25" C-channel track are the components that address edges and corners. We specify them where site conditions require.
How does the vinyl hold up to UV?
We use premium weather-resistant vinyl built to endure friction, sun, and wear, and UV-resistant commercial-grade materials in all shade systems. This is the specific failure mode — yellowing, hazing, cracking — that pushed us to build a commercial-only product line.
Maintenance & Service
What maintenance does a motorized system need?
Keep the track clear of debris and clean the vinyl with a microfiber cloth and clear vinyl polish. Avoid solvents and abrasive pads on clear panels. Beyond that the systems are designed to be low-maintenance.
Can a motor be replaced without taking down the frame?
Yes. Motors and curtains are serviceable in place.
What is covered under warranty?
3 years on workmanship, 5 years on motors.
Who do we call if something stops working?
Submit a service request. Many issues resolve remotely over phone or email. If an onsite visit is needed, we assign whichever of our senior designers — Jerreth or Gerald — can reach you soonest; both measure motorized and manual systems.
Have a technical question we didn't cover?
Call and ask for Tom. We'd rather answer it before the quote than after the install.