When homeowners in the Treasure Valley start shopping for motorized exterior shades, most focus on fabric color, size, and price. Those are important details — but the single most important factor in how your shade performs over the next decade is something most people never think to ask about: the track system. The track is the engineering backbone of every exterior shade. It determines how the shade deploys, how it handles wind, how often it needs service, and ultimately how long it lasts.
Despite what some marketing materials suggest, there are really only two track technologies used in motorized exterior shades: Keder-style systems and zipper track systems. Everything else is a variation of one of these two approaches. Understanding the difference — and understanding where MagnaTrack fits — is the key to making an informed decision.
The Two Track Technologies Explained
Zipper Track Systems
Zipper track systems use a continuous zipper sewn along both edges of the shade fabric. As the shade deploys, the zipper teeth interlock with a fixed channel on each side, creating a sealed enclosure. The concept is straightforward: the zipper creates a mechanical lock between the fabric and the track, keeping the edges contained as the shade travels up and down.
The challenge with zipper systems is that they rely on precise alignment between the zipper teeth and the channel. Any deviation — from thermal expansion, wind pressure, debris, or simple wear — can cause the zipper to jam, skip, or derail entirely. When a zipper track shade jams mid-deployment, the shade stops moving. The motor strains against the obstruction, and in most cases the homeowner needs a service call to manually realign the zipper and get the shade operational again. Over time, UV exposure degrades the zipper material itself, making these issues progressively more frequent as the system ages.
Keder-Style Systems
Keder-style systems use a bead-and-channel approach. A continuous cord or bead (the Keder) is sewn into the edge of the fabric, and this bead slides within an aluminum channel on each side. Keder technology has been used in the awning and marine canvas industry for decades — it's a proven, simple mechanism that allows the fabric to travel smoothly without the mechanical complexity of interlocking teeth.
The limitation of a standard Keder rail is that there's no active force holding the fabric in the channel. The bead simply rests in the groove, relying on gravity and the fabric's own tension. Under wind pressure, the fabric can billow outward, pulling the Keder bead partially or fully out of the channel. This creates gaps along the sides, allows insects and debris in, and in stronger gusts can cause the fabric to flap freely — defeating the purpose of the enclosure entirely. Most standard Keder rail systems have no patents protecting their design because the technology is generic and widely available.
MagnaTrack: A Keder System Reinvented with Patented Magnetic Technology
MagnaTrack is a Keder-style system — but it solves the fundamental weakness of standard Keder rails with a patented magnetic retention system. Developed by Progressive Screens and protected by multiple U.S. patents (including Patent No. 9,719,272 and No. 11,421,474), MagnaTrack adds rare earth neodymium magnets to the Keder interlock. It is the only exterior shade system in the world that uses rare earth magnets, and the only self-correcting shade system ever engineered.
Here's how it works: opposing polarity neodymium magnets are interlocked into both the track housing and an adjustable track insert. These magnets create a constant, powerful pull that holds the fabric securely in the channel — with more than 10 times the holding force of any other system on the market. But unlike a fixed mechanical lock (like a zipper), the magnetic hold is dynamic. When wind pressure pushes against the fabric, the magnets allow controlled separation. The screen expands slightly to absorb the force rather than fighting it. When the pressure subsides, the magnets pull the fabric back into position automatically. The shade self-corrects, every time, without any intervention.
Why Patents Matter When Choosing a Track System
MagnaTrack holds multiple U.S. patents on its magnetic track technology. This is worth paying attention to, because most exterior shade track systems on the market today — whether Keder-style or zipper — have no patents at all. A patent means the technology was reviewed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and determined to be genuinely novel. It means the manufacturer invested in original engineering rather than assembling off-the-shelf components.
When a shade system has no patents, it typically means the design uses generic, widely available components that any manufacturer can source and assemble. There's nothing proprietary about the engineering, which means there's nothing preventing the same service issues that have plagued these designs for years. MagnaTrack's patents specifically address the problems of fabric retention, wind resistance, and self-correction that generic Keder and zipper systems cannot solve.
How the Two Systems Compare in Real-World Performance
The performance gap between MagnaTrack and standard zipper track systems becomes most apparent in five areas: wind resistance, service reliability, durability, ease of operation, and build quality.
Wind Resistance
Zipper track systems create a sealed enclosure, but the rigid zipper connection means the fabric cannot flex under wind load. Strong gusts create enormous stress on the zipper teeth, and when the force exceeds the zipper's capacity, the system fails — the zipper derails, the fabric flaps free, and the shade is inoperable until serviced. Standard Keder rail systems allow the fabric to flex, but there's nothing actively holding it in the channel, so it simply pulls out under pressure.
MagnaTrack's magnetic system solves both problems simultaneously. The neodymium magnets hold the fabric with tremendous force during normal conditions, but allow controlled separation under extreme wind pressure — absorbing the energy rather than fighting it. When the gust passes, the magnets pull everything back into alignment automatically. This is why MagnaTrack carries a 75 MPH wind rating, and why their Defender hurricane screen line exceeds Miami-Dade building codes — the strictest wind standards on earth. For Idaho homeowners dealing with afternoon canyon winds and summer thunderstorm gusts, this self-correcting behavior is the difference between a shade that works reliably and one that needs constant attention.
Service Reliability
MagnaTrack's patented design eliminates 98% of the service issues that are inherent to standard zipper and Keder systems. That's the documented result of removing the mechanical failure points that cause jams, hang-ups, and derailments in traditional systems.
Zipper systems jam when debris enters the track, when thermal expansion misaligns the teeth, or when the zipper material degrades from UV exposure. Standard Keder systems lose retention when wind pulls the bead from the channel or when the channel accumulates dirt. MagnaTrack's magnetic system has no teeth to misalign, no zipper to degrade, and actively self-corrects any displacement. The magnets don't wear out — neodymium rare earth magnets maintain their magnetic properties for decades under normal use conditions.
Warranties are great, but not having to use them is even better. MagnaTrack's patented self-correcting design means your shade works reliably year after year — without the service calls, frustration, and downtime that come with traditional track systems.
Build Quality and Materials
MagnaTrack systems are built heavier and more substantially than competing products across every component. The extruded aluminum housing, tracks, and weight bar are the thickest in the industry. The bottom weight bar is rated the heaviest available, with retention locks that keep it firmly in place. Stainless steel fasteners prevent rust, glass-filled nylon end caps eliminate corrosion, and powder-coated aluminum resists chipping, peeling, and bubbling. A double felt system inside the hood cover brushes off dirt and debris while preventing insects from entering the housing.
This heavier construction isn't just about durability — it directly affects operation. A heavier weight bar means smoother, more consistent deployment without the fluttering and uneven rolling that lighter systems experience. The adjustable roller system reduces wrinkled edges for a clean aesthetic appearance. Every component is engineered to work together as a system, not assembled from generic parts sourced from multiple suppliers.
Smart Home Integration
Both Keder-style and zipper systems can be paired with motorized operation, but MagnaTrack's smart home integration goes beyond basic remote control. The system supports dedicated multi-channel remotes, programmable LCD timer remotes, smartphone app control, and voice integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. You can set schedules, create scenes that coordinate multiple shades, and control your entire system from anywhere. For Boise homeowners who've invested in smart home ecosystems, MagnaTrack integrates seamlessly rather than requiring a separate control silo.
What This Means for Idaho Homeowners
Idaho's climate puts exterior shades through a demanding test. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, winter lows drop into the single digits, afternoon canyon winds gust to 30+ mph, and the dry air accelerates UV degradation on exposed materials. A shade system that works fine in a mild coastal climate may struggle in the Treasure Valley.
The self-correcting magnetic track is particularly valuable here because Idaho's wind patterns are unpredictable. A calm morning can turn into a gusty afternoon without warning, and if your shades are deployed when the wind picks up, you need a system that handles it automatically — not one that jams and requires you to call for service. MagnaTrack's ability to absorb wind pressure and self-correct means you can leave your shades deployed with confidence, knowing they'll perform regardless of what Idaho weather throws at them.
The heavier build quality also matters in Idaho's freeze-thaw cycles. Lighter systems with thinner aluminum components can warp and flex as temperatures swing between extremes. MagnaTrack's thicker extruded aluminum and powder-coated finish are engineered to maintain dimensional stability through these cycles, ensuring smooth operation year after year.
Making the Right Choice
When evaluating exterior shade systems, we encourage homeowners to look beyond the fabric swatch and ask about the track technology. Ask whether the system is patented. Ask about the wind rating. Ask how the shade handles debris in the track or sudden wind gusts. Ask about the weight of the components and the materials used in construction. These questions reveal the engineering quality behind the product — and engineering quality is what determines whether your shade is still working flawlessly in year ten or whether it's been a source of ongoing frustration.
At Boise Blinds, we chose to partner with MagnaTrack because we've seen the difference firsthand. After years of installing various exterior shade systems across the Treasure Valley, the performance gap between MagnaTrack's patented magnetic technology and generic track systems is undeniable. Our customers deserve a product that works reliably in Idaho's climate without constant maintenance — and MagnaTrack delivers exactly that.
Want to see MagnaTrack's patented magnetic track system in action? Schedule a free in-home consultation with Boise Blinds. We'll demonstrate the technology, assess your outdoor space, and provide a detailed quote. Call (208) 501-5684 or visit our contact page to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes MagnaTrack different from other exterior shade systems?
MagnaTrack is the only exterior shade system in the world that uses rare earth neodymium magnets for fabric retention. Protected by multiple U.S. patents, the magnetic track creates over 10 times the holding force of any other system while allowing the shade to self-correct under wind pressure. Most competing systems use generic, unpatented Keder rail or zipper track designs.
What does 'self-correcting' mean in practice?
When wind pushes against the shade fabric, the magnets allow controlled separation — the screen flexes to absorb the force rather than fighting it. When the wind subsides, the magnetic pull automatically draws the fabric back into perfect alignment. This happens without any intervention, every time. Zipper and fixed track systems cannot do this — they either jam under pressure or the fabric pulls free entirely.
How long do the magnets last?
Neodymium rare earth magnets maintain their magnetic properties for decades under normal use conditions. Unlike zippers that degrade from UV exposure and mechanical wear, or Keder beads that can deform over time, the magnets in a MagnaTrack system will maintain their full holding force for the lifetime of the shade.
Why do patents matter when choosing exterior shades?
Patents indicate genuine engineering innovation — the technology was reviewed and determined to be novel by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Most exterior shade track systems have no patents because they use generic, widely available components. Patented technology like MagnaTrack represents a purpose-built solution to specific performance problems that generic systems cannot address.
Can MagnaTrack shades handle Idaho's wind?
Yes. MagnaTrack carries a 75 MPH wind rating, and their Defender hurricane screen line exceeds Miami-Dade building codes — the strictest wind standards in the world. For Idaho's afternoon canyon winds and thunderstorm gusts, MagnaTrack's self-correcting magnetic system is specifically designed to handle unpredictable wind conditions without jamming or derailing.
Is MagnaTrack a Keder system or something completely different?
MagnaTrack is a Keder-style system at its core — it uses a bead-and-channel approach like standard Keder rails. The critical difference is that MagnaTrack adds patented rare earth neodymium magnets to the Keder interlock, creating active magnetic retention that standard Keder rails lack entirely. Think of it as Keder technology reinvented: you get the smooth travel of a Keder bead plus the powerful holding force of rare earth magnets, with the self-correcting behavior that neither standard Keder nor zipper systems can provide.
Are MagnaTrack shades compatible with smart home systems?
Yes. MagnaTrack's motorized systems integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and dedicated smartphone apps. You can set schedules, create multi-shade scenes, and control your system remotely. Dedicated multi-channel remotes and programmable LCD timer remotes are also included.
How much do MagnaTrack exterior shades cost compared to zipper or Keder systems?
MagnaTrack systems are a premium product and typically cost more upfront than generic Keder rail or zipper track systems. However, with 98% fewer service calls, longer component life, and no zipper or bead replacement needs, the total cost of ownership over 10-15 years is often lower. We provide detailed quotes during free in-home consultations so you can compare options for your specific project.