CITADEL Classic™ High Wind
Zipper Track Blackout Shades

Outdoor Blackout Privacy Shades for High Winds

The CITADEL Classic™ Zipper Track with blackout fabrics is by far the strongest retractable shade available against the elements. Fully encloses your outdoor covered spaces for day and night time privacy. Durable Soltis blackout fabric can support temperatures ranging from -86ºF to 158ºF. Recommended for locations with extreme temperatures.

Crank operated or Motorized.

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

Maximum Dimensions:
14’w x 7’h (168”w x 84”h)
Minimum Dimensions:
5’w for a maximum drop of 7’h (60″w x 84″h)

4 ½” housing box, 2 ¼” wide Side Rails (Fabric Retention Tracks)

For larger patio shades upgrade to CITADEL Brawny™ blackout shades

“The motorized blackout screens work and look great!
Thank you for all your help.”

 

-ADAM WISLER
Save 10%
On All Shade Purchases
No Order Minimum
Ends March 29, 2024
View All Blackout Total Privacy Shades
Call Now To Order

866-230-4700

We will guide you through the entire process
CITADEL Classic™ Zipper Track Blackout Description

If you need a strongly built blackout shade with sealed protection that can take on high winds, the elements, heat and cold, The CITADEL Classic™ High Wind Zipper Track retractable system provides the strongest possible seal. Our rugged outdoor blackout shade material provides both day and nighttime privacy. It fully encloses covered roof areas against the wind, weather, insects, critters, dirt and pollen.

Custom manufactured up to 14’ wide, its advanced design and more robust components truly set the standard of excellence in fabric retention systems.

How Does it Work?
An extruded aluminum housing box at the top houses and protects the roller. Industrial strength zippers are securely welded to the sides of the fabric. As the shade is lowered, the zippers lock into sturdy fabric retention tracks that prevent the wind from blowing the shade out of them. The shade glides up and down easily and can be stopped in any position.

CITADEL ™ Soltis Blackout Fabrics

  • Best fabric choice for extreme temperatures
  • Energy saving
  • Keep interiors noticeably cooler, block UV
  • Complete darkness and privacy day or night
  • Can support temperature ranges from -86ºF to 158ºF
  • Made from high tenacity severe weather resistant polyester with PVC coating and double sided acrylic lacquer
  • Will not stretch under heavy loads
  • Colorfast, dirt resistant, dual colored
  • Fabric weight 19.17 oz. per square yard
  • Shade larger than 67”w x 64”h will be seamed with sonic welding
  • Greenguard certified for low off gassing

The CITADEL Powerful Difference

  • Larger 2 3/4” diameter heavy walled rollers prevent sagging, spline runs full width of shade
  • Broader 2 1/4” w x 1 ½” thick fabric retention tracks house thicker zippers and wider fabric retention bands provide the most robust seal
  • Zippers run full height of shade for an uninterrupted bond
  • Advanced funnel system guides fabrics smoothly into tracks as diameter of roller changes
  • New interlocking system on housing box simplifies installation
  • Contoured metal weight bar integrates into track more cohesively to complete solid seal
  • New interlocking system on extruded aluminum housing box simplifies installation
  • Removable Snap cover on retention track eases installation into stone
  • Choice of brush piles ensure a flush fit to the ground: 1/2”, 1” or 2”
  • Metal components are all corrosion resistant: powder coated aluminum, powder coated steel, stainless steel or galvanized, available in 8 matching colors
  • Motors are equipped with obstacle detection safety feature
  • One properly sized 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.

Perfect for waterfront homes where high winds and the elements might be an issue.

Regularly hose down side tracks 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:
(Flame Retardant)  1/ NFPA 701 • CSFM T19 • Class A/ ASTM E84

Care & Warranty

IMPORTANT USE & CARE INFORMATION (PLEASE READ)This must be signed to keep the shade within warranty.  Contractors: your end customer must sign this before orders go into production.

Full CITADEL Use & Care Instructions

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

Motorization Options
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 on the same circuit breaker, 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.
  • When installing, hold the shade roller horizontally, not at a slant or vertically as the motor may slide out and be damaged. Damage to motors sliding out of the shade roller is not covered by warranty.
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 (CR2032)
  • 65 Foot range
  • Do not leave remotes outdoors; moisture can cause long term issues.
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 (1-channel CR2430, 5-channel CR2032)
  • 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
  • Do not leave remotes outdoors; moisture can cause long term issues.
sun and wind sensor for electronic motorized outdoor sun shades
Sun & Wind Sensor
  • Sensors can automatically retract shades between 3-32 mph (Levels: 1=3mph, 2=6mph, 3=13mph, 4=25mph, 5=32mph)
  • 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 3-32 mph (Levels: 1=3mph, 2=6mph, 3=13mph, 4=25mph, 5=32mph)
  • 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.
  • For Gaposa RollApp Hub tech support, please call Gaposa at 484-927-4385 for assistance.
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
  • Do not leave remotes outdoors; moisture can cause long term issues.
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
  • Do not leave remotes outdoors; moisture can cause long term issues.
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
CITADEL Classic™ Blackout Zipper Track Construction

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

warrantyon 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.
  3. Fabric is secured to the roller with a sturdy T Band. This a flexible, clear, rubber T that goes into a slot the roller tube.  This design allows easier replacement of the panel as it can be removed and replaced from underneath rather than having to be slid on from the side. The extra fabric on the roll (roller wrap) secures the fabric so it will not come off during normal use.  DO NOT LOWER THE SHADE DOWN FURTHER THAN THE HEIGHT YOU ORDERED OR THE SHADE FABRIC WILL PULL OFF THE ROLLER.
  4. Blackout material is a dual colored fabric which means the reverse side is always gray.
  5. Side Rail Systems: Larger industrial strength zippers and wider 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).
  6. Housing Boxes: Used to hide and protect 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Hand brace: Each crank operated shade ORDER comes with ONE free properly sized hand brace. Move the hand brace from shade to shade to operate them. If you want extra hand braces, add to your shade order now to avoid high shipping cost if ordered later. Comes in your choice of 3 colors. Available in 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″ and 96″ long, you may order extras for convenience. We recommend the top of the shade not be more than 136” from from where you are standing for crank operated. Do not leave out in the sun as constant UV exposure can crack the plastic handle.
  10. 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 with the housing boxes on the HEADER, the posts must be at least 5″ wide  to fit tracks side by side with ½” gap between. If surface mounting consecutive shades with the housing boxes mounted on the POSTS we will add 6″ to the width and the posts must be 6 1/2″ wide so that the mounting screws/bolts will be 1″ from the edge. 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

  • 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.

  • 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)
  • Mounting inside a Pocket: Pocket must be 7″ deep and 7″ tall, or have a removable front panel.
  • 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
  • Side Track Mounting for Back-to-Back Citadel Shades

  • 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
  • If attempting to rock around the tracks, you must do it in such a way that the the backs of the L channels are accessible in order to remove or adjust the tracks. Do NOT simply notch the stone and plan to insert the side rails into the slot and side mount directly to the post. You cannot do this and it will void your warranty.

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

**This system must be used in tracks**
**If the shade panel comes out of tracks notify us immediately and do not use the system because damage can occur**

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.

Citadel Brawny Highest Wind Proof Outdoor solar shades for your patio
SKU: N/A

Citadel Blackout Samples

$0.00

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.

Blackout material is a dual colored shade fabric, wherein one side will be your color choice and the other side is gray. Most put the gray on the inside as no light comes through, but you can choose the other way if you prefer.

Soltis Blackout material comes 67″ wide. Any shade larger than 67″ wide and also taller than x 65″ high will require a horizontal sonically welded seam approximately ½” tall. View Seam Example.

housing-box-preview
SKU: N/A

Housing Box & Side Rails Powder Coat Samples

$0.00

Powder coated extruded aluminum is used on the housing box and side tracks to keep the shade components protected from weather
 
Recommended Fabric & Housing Box Colors

Installation Videos
Citadel Crank Operated
Citadel Motorized
Complete Installation PDFs

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

Motor Programming/Wiring PDFs
XQ5 Programming Videos
Schematics (Tech Info) PDFs
Repair/Replace PDFs
Designing Energy Saving Shades since 1992