Frequently asked questions

A balustrade is a safety barrier for preventing falls from decks, balconies, or staircases (and areas) that have a drop of 1+ metres.  They are also sometimes referred to as a handrail in NZ, although this is usually by architects or designers.  

Balustrades are technical by nature, but our network of designers, manufacturers, and installers have a lot of experience and can be relied on to get you a compliant, robust, and safe barrier that meets the NZ Building Code requirements. 

If you've never had to think about a balustrade before the choices can be surprisingly overwhelming and confusing.  But, the most important thing to always keep in mind is - Is this balustrade system compliant with all the relevant NZ building requirements. 

This gives you the greatest reassurance that it can be relied on for safety from falls and will give you many years of service.  We take safety and compliance seriously and all the balustrades are designed and tested to exceed the highest NZ building standards, so not only can rely on them for safety but you know that their installers can be trusted to give you valid advice.  

This is important for understanding which balustrade options we can offer you.

Common scenarios include: Decks, Stairways, Pool Fencing, and Barrier Fencing/Retaining Walls.  

Decks: The two most important things to think about are - Do you have a view and how significant is the deck in your overall home design?  If you have a view then you will want to keep that as clear as possible and glass panels for your balustrade are best.  If your deck is a large part of the homes' design then the style of balustrade is important for adding snazz to your deck and this is where unframed (no posts) glass panel balustrades are ideal.  

Stairways - Our balustrade systems are designed to be stair barriers as well so there are no limitations on getting the finished look you want for your place.  So you can choose a post and rail/glass or frameless glass balustrade finish or even just a handrail only (were applicable) custom-designed for your stairs.

Barrier Fencing/Retaining Walls - Pre-made balustrade systems are ideal for these large jobs which require safety barriers in outdoor settings such as retaining, although they are also a popular no-frills option for decks.  

The size of the area you need to cover can really influence the type of balustrade you choose, especially when it is a large outdoor area. This is where experienced installers can help you to work out what is best for your project, often suggesting fitting a mixture of balustrade styles for the most cost effective solution. For example glass balustrades are perfect for areas where you want to keep the view clear and aluminium rail balustrades would be suitable for outdoor areas such as south facing decks or retaining walls.   

An all-important consideration is what style of Balustrade you want for your home?  For many customers and architects, the choice of balustrade is easy, they stick to what they know which are the original aluminium post and glass balustrades for their range of styles that suit both modern and older style homes. However, the stunning modern looks of the frameless and semi-frameless glass balustrades are in demand particularly for the design statement they make on homes they are installed on.  

Absolutely, so long as it complies with the NZ Building Code Clause F9/AS1 & section 162C, restricting access to unsupervised children around swimming pools (or other bodies of water) over 400mm deep.   

A range of our balustrade systems meet these requirements, so you are not restricted by a limited choice of pool fencing finishes.  You can choose an aluminium fence finish or glass panel fencing, or even a combination of both if you prefer. 

Your local dealer can help with advice on your pool fence requirements, both legal and aesthetic.

With over 20 years of experience in the design, manufacture, and installation of balustrades, HomePlus' balustrade systems can be trusted to not only meet safety requirements but to exceed them.  All the systems are tested and assessed by independent engineers to exceed the requirements of the AS/NZS 1170 Occupancy Type A, B, E, and C3.  

HomePlus balustrades have been installed in hundreds of NZ homes with great success, providing stylish safety barriers for decks 1 metre and above ground level and pool areas. 

It really depends on your personal preference and what is best for your situation.  This is particularly true if you have a nice view and don't want anything to block it, which is where glass balustrades are ideal - keeping the view unobstructed whilst still providing a barrier. 

These days the widespread use and ready availability of toughened safety glass panels mean an aluminium post and glass balustrade is virtually the same price as the aluminium post and rail (baluster) system, which was previously a lot cheaper.  With a slim minimalist handrail on top, these post and glass panel balustrades are one of our most popular barrier solutions with customers.   

Aluminium baluster balustrades, with rails fitted between the aluminium posts, are still a great option though, particularly as they can be finished in powder coat colours to match the home's joinery for a cohesive design finish.  They are particularly popular as they have such low maintenance demands, only needing a regular wash down with soapy water and rinsing, which can be easily done when homeowners do their regular window cleaning.

Frameless glass balustrades are the ultimate in unobstructed barriers though, with clear toughened safety panels attached to decks by a range of aluminium fittings such as round discs etc.  However, as they require a thicker and heavier 12mm or 15mm toughened glass, which is a premium product, they are naturally a more costly option.  

Sometimes customers choose a mixture of balustrade styles to cover their bases, with a frameless glass balustrade on the deck where they look out onto a view and an aluminium post and glass balustrade on the side decks where the view is not so important.   

Glass balustrades and windows have the same properties, so they gather dirt and have the same cleaning requirements as well. Balustrade glass can be added to your general cleaning schedule or included in your regular maintenance programme, which has to be undertaken as part of warranty requirements. The glass can be cleaned with soapy water or specialist glass cleaners that you would use for your home's windows.

Specialist coatings, provided by businesses throughout NZ, are available to protect the glass from the worst of the dirt.  Your balustrade installer should be able to help you with product recommendations.

Updates to the building regulations included the requirement for a top rail to be fitted on glass balustrades, providing a backup rail in case of glass panels breaking.  With these changes, a range of specially designed slim top rails and accessories were introduced to the HomePlus glass balustrade range.  Initially, both customers and installers were concerned about the visual impact a top rail would have on glass panels, in particular imagining that it be an obstruction to the clear view.  However, within a few months everyone was pleasantly surprised at the lack of impact it makes on the view. With interlinking rails and balustrade fixings finished in matching powder coat finishes, the rails tend to blend into the overall look.

However since these regulations were introduced a lot of work has gone into making a special laminated glass (which doesn't require top rails), more readily available for a completely frameless glass balustrade finish. This option is very popular with customers who have an amazing view that they want to enjoy without any obstructions such as a top rail. 

No, all our balustrades are custom made for each individual customer's project, they are measured, manufactured, colour coated, and installed to fit the area and so are suitable for most building applications.  This flexibility means customers can work with the balustrade dealer to get the look they really want for their individual home.  

With a choice of 43 standard colours and access to many more colours, most of our aluminium products can be finished in a colour that essentially matches a house's joinery, cladding, or roof colour.  Check with your dealer who will be able to help with colour options.

Always check with your local authority to confirm whether a consent is required. Every council has different rules for building jobs, but under schedule 1 of the Building Act, a porch or veranda structure up to 20m2 is allowed to be fitted without consent.  For larger structures, or where the work may affect the water tightness or structure of your existing building, consent may be required.

Yes, but some are easier than others. If your home has large windows in the outdoor area there are often large lintels (wooden beams) above them that we can fasten onto.  With weatherboard and sheet cladding structures we can fasten into the studs (vertical timber supports), but a brick home sometimes requires your louvre roof to be supported off the roof structure.  Your HomePlus installer should discuss the implications of this with you, as additional roof areas can affect the structure as can fixings to the buildings' weather-tight envelope.  

Yes, all HomePlus louvre roofs are fully customised to your requirements.

Yes, if you want the louvres and frame in different colours we can do that.  This can help to incorporate it into existing building elements and materials.

Yes, but it is more efficient to do this when placing your initial order, so we can manufacture them into the product.  If this is done later then we have to deconstruct large areas of the louvre roof, which results in high additional costs.  Adding them at the start is the best option, saving you money in the long run.
But, if it's not in the budget to do that initially, but you are likely to do it later, then let your dealer know as fittings can be incorporated in the initial manufacturing, which will greatly help when you fit the drop-down blinds or LED lighting later.

Yes, when developing the product we carried out rigorous testing to ensure that the product could withstand snow.

When you order your louvre roof we will ask you (if it’s a wall or freestanding series) which legs would you like the downpipes fitted in.  These will not be visible, but the rain from the roof will drain into these and through the outlet at the bottom.  Usually, the downpipe is fitted to the support leg that is closest to the stormwater drain, for direct connection.

Yes, you can connect the downpipes into a water tank and store it for later use.  One advantage of the HomePlus Louvre Roof System is the powder-coated aluminium finish, which requires very little maintenance to keep it clean of lichen and animal faeces.  Meaning the water harvested is relatively clean compared to some roof coverings, but not fit for human consumption without some form of water treatment. 

They can open close the louvre roof when it’s raining and pull up the drop-down screens when the wind speed is too high. You can talk to your local HomePlus dealer about the options and settings that are right for you. 

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about Solarzip® outdoor blinds. For additional information or specific advice, contact your local HomePlus® retailer.

Where can I use Solarzip® blinds?

Solarzip® is designed for outdoor living areas such as decks, pergolas, louvre roofs, patios, balconies, café spaces, and outdoor entertainment areas. Fabric options provide sun control, privacy, and weather protection while maintaining visibility

Why use an external sunshade?

External blinds like Solarzip® effectively reduce heat before it enters the area, making them one of the most energy-efficient ways to manage temperatures and create a year-round comfortable space. Cool in the summer heat and trapping heat in cooler months. They can also:

• Protect outdoor furniture from UV damage
• Add privacy
• Reduce glare
• Extend the usability of outdoor spaces

How does the unique side-fastening system work?

Solarzip® uses a zip-guided side tensioning system welded to the fabric that locks the fabric securely into the side rails. This unique fastening feature adds protection and stability, reduces light gaps, minimises fabric movement in breezy conditions, and creates a smooth, guided motion when raising or lowering the blind.

How large can Solarzip® blinds be made?

Solarzip® blinds can span 1000-4000 mm wide and reach drops of 1000-3000 mm. Maximum dimensions depend on fabric choice, system type, and installation requirements. Check with your installer.

Can I use Solarzip® as a barrier against heavy winds?

Solarzip® blinds are not designed to withstand heavy winds. We recommend keeping blinds fully retracted and secured during strong winds or storms. For guidance on your specific installation or location, please consult your HomePlus® supplier.

Are Solarzip® fabrics waterproof?

Solarzip® fabrics are water-repellent and breathable, but not completely waterproof. Over time, as part of general care and maintenance, the water repellence can be refreshed by using Scotchgard™ Repellent Protector.

Does Solarzip® provide UV protection?

The fabrics have been tested and proven to stop up to 98% of the sun's UV radiation from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Cancer Society of New Zealand recommends shade as one of the key aspects of sun protection and provides guidelines for shade planning and design at www.cancernz.org.nz.

Can Solarzip® be installed if the area is out of square?

Solarzip® systems can typically accommodate areas that are not perfectly square. Its unique side adjustment assists installation in unaligned/out-of-square locations. A Solarzip® installer can assess your space and recommend the best solution.

Will Solarzip® fabrics mildew?

Mildew will not grow on your fabric unless food, dirt, or other organic matter is present. Keeping the fabric clean is the best defence against mildew (How do I care for my Solarzip blinds below).

How do I care for my Solarzip® blinds?

Regular general cleaning to make surfaces free of dirt and grime is recommended to help prolong the life of your Solarzip® blinds. This can be done by hosing the fabric off every month with clear water, which will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years

• Clean fabric with lukewarm water and a mild detergent (do not use oil-based spray as this can damage certain fabrics and lead to grime build-up in side guides)
• Aluminium: clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water/small amount of mild detergent
• Use a soft brush to clean the blind, paying particular attention along the side channels to prevent dust and dirt build-up
• Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, high-pressure hoses, or abrasive brushes

Your installer can provide care recommendations tailored to your chosen fabric.

What colours are available?

Solarzip® blinds come in a wide selection of over 40 fabric colours, and the extensive Dulux® range of powder coated aluminium frame colours will complement any New Zealand home and commercial spaces.

Where can I buy Solarzip® sunshade blinds in New Zealand?

You can purchase Solarzip® blinds through the nationwide HomePlus® network. Contact your local HomePlus® www.homeplus.co.nz/find-us/ for product options, pricing, and installation services.