Citadel Classic Zipper Track Solar

CITADEL Classic™ High Wind Zipper Track Solar Shades

Outdoor Shades Up to 14′ Wide – Rated for Winds Up to 50 MPH

The CITADEL Classic™ Zipper Track high wind retractable solar shade system has been re-engineered to provide the strongest seal against the elements, insects and critters. Enclose your outdoor covered space with our large choice of transparent solar shade fabrics. Solar shade fabric is operable down to -20º F without cracking. Get daytime privacy with full vision out.

Crank operated or Motorized.

Withstands winds up to 50 mph (free standing)
Identifying Wind Speed

Maximum Dimensions:
14’w x 12’h (168″w x 144″h)
Minimum Dimensions:
5’w for a maximum drop of 10’h (60″ w x 120″ h)

4 ½” Housing Box, 2 1/4″ side rails (Fabric Retention Tracks)

For larger shades upgrade to CITADEL Brawny™ Solar Shades

                

“Just wanted to let you know we received and installed our solar screen and it looks great. With the help of the videos on your website, the installation went very well.”
TOM ASHMAN, PA
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CITADEL Classic™ Zipper Track Solar Description

The CITADEL Classic™ Zipper Track sets the new standard of excellence in custom built high wind shades. This advanced system has been completely re-engineered with bigger, stronger components that lock the fabric more securely into the fabric retention tracks while providing more installation versatility.

Thicker industrial strength zippers and broadened fabric retention bands create a more powerful bond. Wider fabric retention tracks have a redesigned insert that is secured with reachable screws. The new Snap Cover is purely decorative and can be removed if you are installing into stone. An advanced funnel system feeds the shade from different angles as the diameter of the roller changes. The weight bar is has more choices of pile brushes to ensure a smooth fit to the floor. The shade glides up and down smoothly and can be stopped at desired position.

  • Extra wide fabrics require less seaming, 3 density choices to control heat, glare and UV, -20º F cold crack
  • Microban enhanced to inhibit mold and mildew. Greenguard Certified for clean air
  • Deluxe all- weather fabrics provide daytime privacy with full vision out
  • No see-um screens are also available
  • Rollers are heavy walled 2 ¾” diameter
  • Side Rail (Retention Tracks) are each 2 ¼” wide x 1 ½” thick
  • Crank operated or radio control motors (choice of side)
  • All corrosion resistant metal components: powder coated aluminum, powder coated steel, stainless steel or galvanized
  • Choice of brush piles for flush fit to the ground: .5”, 1” or 2”
  • One free hand brace per order
  • Limited by weight that can be added to Classic bottom bar. Brawny can accommodate twice the weight for better support.
  • 10 year fabric warranty – Phifer Suntex fabrics

Seal out the weather, wind, insects and critters from a covered patio, lanai, pergola, porch, gazebo, outdoor kitchen or other covered roof area. Perfect for waterfront homes where high winds and the elements might be an issue. The tracks must be hosed down on a regular basis to make sure they are clear of dirt and debris before lifting or lowering the shade, or it will not function correctly. Not doing so will void the warranty.

Fire Rating For Solar Shade Fabrics

National Fire Protection Association NFPA No. 101 “Life Safety Code” Class”A” rating Flame Spread Index 15 Smoke Developed Value = 350

 

 

Care & Warranty

IMPORTANT USE & CARE INFORMATION (PLEASE READ)Full CITADEL Use & Care Instructions
 

Cleaning & Care
Warranty
Packaging & ShippingHow Our Shades Are Meticulously Assembled and Packed

Motorization Options
Standard Electrical Motors
General Info about XQ5 and Somfy Motors
5 Year Warranty
  • Factory programs the remote to operate each shade. They do not set the top and bottom limit stops
  • Motors can be ordered on the right or left and plug into a grounded outlet
  • Hardwiring requires installing a shut-off switch for each motor to disconnect each separately from power should you need to reprogram
  • Motors are 120V and draw about 1.6 amps, operating temperature range is from 14 to 140 degrees F (-10 to 60 degrees C.)
  • There is no manual override
  • Order housing box to prevent water from shorting out the motor unless installing into water tight pocket
  • Create a drip loop to prevent water from running down the cord into the motor head and shorting out the motor.
XQ5 Premium Motor Controls
5 Year Warranty

The XQ5 premium motor is our standard outdoor shade motor. These are radio controlled with built in radio receiver. Best price point. If you need to reset the motor you will have to press a button on the motor head itself, so it’s not recommended for hard to reach areas.

Comes standard with an 8′ power cord (16′ or 32′ can be ordered). The power cord & plug come separate to cut to the appropriate length. XQ5 motor doesn’t have an antenna in the cord, so the cord can be cut as short as needed. It’s not recommended to put motors any closer together than 19″, instead place them on opposite ends.

Handheld Remotes: Smart Line
Handheld 1-Channel and 5-Channel Radio Frequency Remotes for Motorized Exterior Shades
  • Handheld Smart Line Remotes: Come as 1 channel or 5 channel
  • Available in white only.
  • 5 channel remote has 5 separate channels plus an “all” button and you can program up to 8 groups
  • Comes with wall mounted bracket with magnetic hold
  • 3V Lithium Battery (CR2430)
  • 65 Foot range
Wall Mounted Remotes: Dekora
  • Wireless battery operated wall switch that avoids cutting into drywall.
  • It does not require an electrician.
  • Available as single channel or five channel. The 5 channel remote has 5 separate channels plus an “all” button and you can program up to 8 groups
  • 3V Lithium Battery (CR2430)
  • Available in white only.
Slim Line Timers
New SlimLine Emitto timer and remote for motorized shades
  • The timer is a multifunction remote with 16 channels display and timer.
  • You can program up to 8 groups.
  • It also has a clear plastic wall bracket.
  • 3V Lithium Battery (CR2450)
  • Remote range 65 feet
sun and wind sensor for electronic motorized outdoor sun shades
Sun & Wind Sensor
  • Sensors automatically retract shades between 6-31 mph 
  • Sensors plug into a grounded outlet, set limit stops with any XQ5 remote
  • Locate sensor at least 24” away from the motor and up to 30’ away
  • Requires the SOL one channel remote to turn sensor function on and off
  • When winds higher than your setting is sensed for a duration of 2 minutes, the shades automatically retract. Once winds have lowered below your setting for 20 minutes, you can control the shade with your remote. 
  • Shades go down automatically 20 minutes after the wind stops, calculated from when the wind is reduced. If wind goes above your setting before the 20 minutes, it will require another 20 minutes before you or the sun sensor can lower the shade.
wind sensor for XQ5 Motor outdoor roll up blinds
Wind Sensor
  • Sensors can automatically retract shades between 6-31 mph 
  • Sensors plug into a grounded outlet
  • Locate sensor at least 24” away from the motor and up to 30’ away
  • Cord length is 96″
  • Set limit stops with any XQ5 remote
  • Best to have one wind sensor for each direction shades are facing because wind comes at them differently
  • When wind higher than your setting is sensed for a duration of 2 minutes, the shades will automatically retract. Once the wind speed has lowered to below your setting and has remained lower for 20 minutes, you will be able to control your shade with your remote. 
  • Not recommended for metal areas like fully steel or aluminum pergolas with metal slat roof or metalized glass panels that radiate excessive heat.
RollApp Hub: Control Shades with Wifi
  • Control your motorized shades with your Android or iphone from anywhere or anytime.
  • RollApp only works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
  • Group shades into rooms, and choose favorite, scenarios, and individual schedules.
  • Use voice commands with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa products.
  • Connects to the home network and one or more XQ5 Radio controlled motors.
  • Create as many rooms as you want and up to 6 favorite rooms managed from the app.
  • Easy shade controls with UP, STOP, DOWN and PRESET buttons.
  • Program the shade limits by the app. Motors sync with the app without using another transmitter.
  • Program up to 10 scenarios. Each scenario can automate the ascent, descent and preset controls, with the ability to repeat any day of the week and set vacation modes
Somfy Motor Controls
5 Year Warranty

Somfy is our upgraded motor, and is more expensive than our standard XQ5 Motor. Somfy motors can be reset from the remote, so it’s a better fit for hard to reach shades & second story applications. With the Somfy TaHoma™ shade motors can pair with a wide range of home automation systems.

Comes standard with a 9’ power cord (24′ can be ordered). Power cords & plugs come separate to cut to the appropriate length. Do not cut motor wires shorter than 18” as you will cut the antenna and seriously reduce the range of the remote. Motors can be butted up to share an outlet.

Hand Held Remotes
  • One Channel for single shade
  • Multi-Channel to operate up to 4 individually or as a group
  • 16 channels to operate up to 15 individually or in a group;
  • Available in white only
  • Motors can be reset from the remote – important feature for very tall shades
Wireless Wall Switch
Wall mounted remote for Somfy motorized shades
  • Battery-powered wireless wall switch
  • Available as single or 5 channel
  • In white or ivory.
  • We recommend ordering the hand-held remote for easier programming of limit stops 
  • Power: 3V lithium battery, CR 2450 type
  • Low voltage device, in most cases doesn’t require an electrical box
Timer & Remote
Somfy timer
  • If used with 1 shade, timer can be used to set limit stops
  • Multiple shades require multi-channel remote to set limit stops
  • Can be set to raise and lower shades once a day only
  • If used in conjunction with wind sensor, wind sensor will lower and raise, use remote to lower after wind dies down
sun wind sensor for motorized outdoor shades from Somfy
Sun & Wind Sensor
  • Must order Soliris hand-held remote to set sun sensor and program limit stops (not wall mounted)
  • Wind and Sun/Wind Sensors automatically retract shades between 6-31 mph 
  • Sensors plug into a grounded outlet, best to have one for each direction shades are facing as wind comes at them differently
  • Locate sensor at least 24” away from the motor and up to 30’ away
  • Shades will lower when wind higher than your setting is sensed for 2 minutes, or when enough light is sensed. It will retract when light dims because of nightfall, clouds, shadows trees etc
  • If sun sensor has lowered shade but wind exceeds your setting the wind sensor will override the sun sensor and raise the shade
  • Once wind is reduced to below your setting for 15 minutes with sun shining on the sensor, the shade will lower
  • Passing clouds could possibly raise and lower shade many times a day with the wind sensor also raising it for wind
  • You may disconnect the sun sensor and operate it manually, but you can’t disconnect the wind sensor as the shade will search for a signal from a disconnected wind sensor every hour and behave erratically
somfy rain sensor for remote controlled shades
Rain & Sun Sensor
  • Requires Soliris hand- held remote to set sun sensor which can also be used to program limit stops (wall mounted remotes can’t do it)
  • These are solar powered so no need to plug in sensors
  • Set rain sensor from condensation/fog to heavy rain; snow will also activate it
  • Sun sensor raises shade when it senses enough light, or lower when senses not enough because of nightfall, clouds, shadows from trees, etc.
  • If sun sensor has raised the shade but rain exceeds your setting, the rain sensor will override the sun sensor and lower the shade to care of showers.
  • Once rain is reduced to below your setting for 2 minutes with the sun shining on the sensor, the shade will be raised again
  • Passing clouds and shadows could raise and lower shade many times a day with rain sensor also lowering it for rain
  • You can disconnect sun sensor and operate it with the remote, but you can’t disconnect the rain sensor as the shade will behave erratically searching for a signal from the disconnected rain sensor every 20 minutes
Somfy TaHoma Smart Home Automation for Shades
Somfy TaHoma™: Home Automation with Smartphone App

(App is free, but you must purchase the TaHoma™ transmitter)

  • Turn your smartphone or tablet into a remote control for motorized shades with the Somfy TaHoma™ using WiFi (requires a security camera to know if shades are up or down)
  • Operate your shades with the free TaHoma™ North America App while home or away, or integrate with third-party systems. Compatible with IOS 11.0+ and Android 7.0+
  • Works with with Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Phillips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Assistant
  • Compatible with most third-party systems such as Control4®, Crestron, Savant, Elan, RTI, URC, and Brilliant
  • Maintains motor/device settings even during a power failure
  • Requires regular radio hand-held remote for initial programming and to set limit stops
  • Must be within range of 25-35ft from shade; Somfy recommends at least one TaHoma™ interface per room or zone, and up to 10 gateways in one home to increase the range
  • TaHoma’s performance is directly related to health and reliability of the WiFi network
  • Create scenes by grouping multiple channels together; create schedules by setting one or more scenes on a timer. Create up to 40 scenes and schedules to automatically operate multiple shades
  • If used with a wind sensor shade can be lowered after 15 minutes of reduced wind (requires a security camera to show position of shade)
  • If used with a wind sensor and shade was raised because of wind, shade can automatically lower at a preset time as long as the wind was not blowing at that time
NEW!  Solar Powered Motorization
HELIOS Solar Motor System

3 Year Warranty

Citadel Helios solar batter powered motor
  • 20 Nm battery-powered solar-charged motor
  • Solar Station with the option to mount directly on the housing box or externally using the external mounting brackets (good for low light areas)
  • Solar Station can recharge using direct sunlight or through micro USB
  • The Solar Station requires a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the panel receives less, USB charging with a standard micro USB may be required
  • Citadel shade maximum dimensions: 17’w x 10’ h
  • Solar motor operates at 12 RPM’s, Plugged in motors operate at 19 RPM’s
  • It does NOT work with the Adjustable Hem Bar
  • Reset button for motor is located on solar station
  • Mechanically set limits on motor head
  • Only available for solar fabrics
  • Comes with 1 free single channel remote for a single shade order, or 1 free 5-channel remote for a multi shade order
  • Factory programs the remote to operate each shade. They do not set the top and bottom limit stops
External Mounted Helios System
externally mounted solar powered battery charger for motorized shades

Solar station can mount externally up to 40″ away from the shade. Good for low light areas.

View external solar station mounting options*

Dimensions of External Mount Bracket: Width – 3 5/8″, Height – 2”, sticks out about 2 3/8″

*Reset button sits on solar station, plan mounting accordingly to access button in rare case of motor failure
Box Mounted Helios System
box mounted solar powered battery charging motor

The box mounted Helios system can be mounted directly onto the housing box*. For low light areas try the externally mounted bracket system.

Dimensions of solar panel: 24″ x 4″ x 1 1/4″

*Box mounted stations and motors can only be mounted on the right side of the shade
Helios Remotes
solar powered helios handheld remotes
  • 1 channel remote offers control of 1 motorized shade system.
  • 5 channel remote & timer control a group of motorized exterior shades. The timer allows for automatic control of your shades based your individual needs.
External Mounted Solar Station
solar station for charging motorized solar battery
  • The external mounted Helios System provides flexible mounting options for low light areas
  • Provides use of solar power in low light areas up to 40″ away from shade
Box Mounted Solar Station
box mounted solar charging station
  • The box-mounted Helios System is available for the 4.5″ and 5.5″ exterior housing box shade systems.
  • The brackets easily mount directly onto the housing box making installation a breeze.
CITADEL Zipper Track™ Construction
Click on each text box to find out more information
Citadel Shade Construction

Exterior Shade Housing boxes that protect the roller

Aluminum Housing Box: to hide and protect the roll are corrosive resistant, powder coated, extruded aluminum. Available in 8 colors: Gray, Black, Bronze, White, Ivory, Light Beige, Dark Beige, & Sand

Weight bar to hold down shade
  1. Weight Bar: Powder coated aluminum colors match the side rails and housing. Fitted with a choice of standard pile brushes ½ ”,1” or 2” to create a weather seal that adheres the shade to the floor.

snap track cover for porch enclosure

Snap Track Cover is removable (good if you are embedding into stone.)

Side rail system for Citadel Classic Heavy Duty

Side Rail Systems Larger industrial strength zippers and fabric retention bands lock the fabric securely into the side rails. Zippers extend all the way to the bottom of the hem bar for a tighter fit.

pile brush

Pile Brush: For flush fit to the ground. The pile brush is available in 0.5”, 1” or 2”. This pile brush helps with sloped ground surfaces to keep the system sealed.

Choose crank operated or motorized.

An outdoor shade should be retracted in windy conditions. CITADEL shades are wind rated at 50mph. You can roll your shades UP when it is windy, but NOT DOWN! Shades should be lowered during calm conditions so the zippers don’t bind. Shades must be mounted to the underside of a beam/ceiling or to the face of a beam/wall, and cannot be ‘end mounted.’  Installing within 3 miles of salt water is considered salty air and changes the warranty on metal parts, not the fabric or motors.

  1. Spec Diagrams: Citadel Classic Crank, Citadel Classic Motorized
  2. Rollers: Heavy walled 2 ¾” diameter to prevent sagging. Fabric is secured to the roller with a sturdy keder that runs in a groove in the roller the full width of the shade and is permanently affixed to the fabric so that it cannot slide out.
  3. Side Rail System (fabric retention tracks): Large industrial strength zippers and wide fabric retention bands lock the fabric more securely into 2 ¼” x 1 ½” thick side rails. Zippers extend all the way to the bottom of the hem bar for a tighter fit. The improved funnel system feeds the fabric from multiple angles allowing more versatility. L-Channel Brackets are used for installing fabric retention tracks between columns. Snap Track Cover is removable (good if you are embedding into stone).
  4. Housing Box: Provide a more finished look, and hides and protects the roll. Made of corrosive resistant, powder coated, extruded aluminum. They’ve been equipped with a new interlock system for easier installation. The CITADEL Classic uses a 4 ½” wide x 4 ½” tall housing box available in 8 colors.
  5. Weight Bar: Powder coated aluminum colors match the side rails and housing. Fitted with your choice of Pile brush. These come standard with a ½” pile brush, or you can upgrade to 1″ pile brush, 2” pile brush, or a rubber seal weather gasket. The pile brushes create a weather seal that adheres the shade to the floor. (When fully retracted, there will be about 2” of bottom slat and ¼” to 1 ½” of brush that will still hang below the housing). 2” pile brush helps compensate for slanted floors.
  6. Metal Components are made of corrosion resistant materials (powder coated aluminum, powder coated steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. If you are close to the sea “with salt air smog” where you can actually taste the salt air, spray off all metal parts as you would ocean going boats, even the stainless-steel ones.
  7. Hand brace: Each crank operated shade order comes with ONE free properly sized hand brace in choice of 3 colors. in heights of either 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″ or 96″ tall. Move the hand brace from shade to shade to operate them. Order extras for convenience.
  8. You will need to supply your own Torx Screws for mounting your shades.
How to Measure for the CITADEL™ Zipper Track Shade System

For inside frame/under mount give us your opening dimensions. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom. The opening should have no more than 1 ½” difference between widest and narrowest dimension. Always take the narrowest dimension. We will deduct 3/4″ from your narrowest width to allow for fastening housings and “L” mounting channel thickness. Measure the height in three places. Always use longest measurement.

For outside flush/surface mount give us your opening dimensions. The sidetracks for the CITADEL Classic are each 2 ¼” wide. We will add 5” to your widest opening width to make up for any irregularities. If surface mounting consecutive shades, the posts must be at least 5 ½” wide to fit tracks side by side with ½” gap between. We will also add 7″ to your tallest opening height. The height of the side rails will be from the top of your housing to how far down you want the shade to drop. The tracks will be several inches longer than needed to allow for any variances. You will need to cut the rails on site.

Opening Width
Opening Height
Mounting Options

For more detailed installation instructions see our installation tab

Surface Mount (Face Mount)

The shade mounts to the front face of your header beam on the interior or exterior of your structure

  • Minimum clear height above opening is 4 1/2″
  • Recommended clear height above opening is 7″ for shade to disappear from your line of vision
  • We will add 5″ to your opening width for the side tracks. Each side track is 2 1/4″ wide. Please don’t take any deductions
  • You cannot surface mount shades on an inside corner
  • The header and columns of your structure must be completely flush, level and plumb with each other (any protrusions will need to be addressed such as lips, bolts, nail heads or trim). 
Undermount (Ceiling Mount)

The shade mounts from the top down inside the frame of your structure.

Diagram showing proper placement to mount side tracks for high wind zipper track exterior solar shades
  • Must have at least 4 1/2″ of depth that is flat, level and plumb (any trim, nail heads, bolts will need to be addressed)
  • Side tracks will mount inside your opening using L channel brackets.
  • We deduct 3/4″ when mounting inside your opening to ensure the shade will fit
  • Any protrusions inside your opening or on the header beam including lips, bolts, nail heads or trim will need to be addressed
  • Opening should have no more than 1 ½” difference between widest and narrowest dimensions

**Solar shades CANNOT be mounted CLOSER THAN 2 FEET from a heat source**

The housing box must to be mounted to a sound structure. Holes need to be drilled 2” from each end using two fasteners per side.

white-5-on-shade-preview
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CITADEL Solar Samples

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Phifer Suntex Fabrics

Click on a swatch color to enlarge then select add to cart below.
Citadel shades require a housing box that matches the sidetracks, scroll down to select the powder coat samples.

We are happy to send up to 6 swatches per openness.

What Does Openness Mean?

Solar shades provide daytime privacy only. If you want nighttime privacy try the CITADEL Blackout shades.

Darker colors provide sharper outward visibility and more heat rejection than lighter colors. Lighter colors allow in more natural light.

The 3% and 5% openness are best for early morning and late afternoon blinding sun.

No-See-Um Insect Screens are more open than 10% Open Solar Fabrics.

View Seam Information

Darker colors provide sharper outward visibility and 10% more heat rejection than lighter colors. Lighter colors allow in more natural light.

3% and 5% openness are best for early morning and late afternoon blinding sun

No-See-Um Insect Screens are more open than 10% Open Solar Fabrics.

View Seam Information
housing-box-preview
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Housing Box & Side Rails Powder Coat Samples

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Powder coated extruded aluminum is used on the housing box and side tracks to keep the shade components protected from weather  

Popular Shade & Housing Box Color Pairings

Installation Videos
Citadel Crank Operated
Citadel Motorized
Helios Motor
Complete Installation PDFs

Please print or download for your needs. Instructions no longer included in packaging.

Motor Programming/Wiring PDFs & Videos
XQ5 Programming Videos
Helios Solar
Drawings/Specs Schematics (Tech Information PDFs)
Repair/Replace PDFs
Woman owned and operated. Designing Energy Saving Shades since 1992