The Azenco Outdoor and Progressive Screen Integration | EP06

Arthur shares his journey beginning in 1995 as a distributor, eventually launching his own zipper screen system in 2002, and ultimately developing MagnaTrack in 2017, the system that reshaped the industry. He walks through the evolution of the outdoor screen market, the early challenges, and what led to Progressive Screens being acquired by Hunter Douglas in 2020.

Ready to start designing your custom pergola? Click the link below to get started:
https://azenco-outdoor.com/?utm_sourc...

Want to look into screens for your outdoor space?
https://magnatrackoutdoorscreens.com/

2. How Azenco Outdoor & MagnaTrack Became a Unified Platform

Learn how years of collaboration between Leslie, Charles, Alberto, and Arthur led to a fully engineered screen-and-pergola integration platform — now all under the Hunter Douglas family.


3. What Makes This Integration Different From Anything Before

Until now, screens were typically bolted onto pergolas as aftermarket add-ons. This new system is something completely different.

Arthur explains:

The tracks are fully concealed inside the pergola columns

The hood and weight bar are hidden for a clean, architectural look

The entire system becomes one engineered product, not two separate elements


This means customers get a more elegant aesthetic, and dealers get a far easier system to sell and install.

4. The Design Philosophy: Seamless, Sleek, Architectural

The new integrated design includes:

Concealed fit tracks

A custom hood that hides the roller and weight bar

Continuity of finishes across both products

Matching colors and textured finishes

Corner housings for clean 90-degree transitions


Arthur explains why it delivers a “why hasn’t anyone done this?” moment.

5. The Tech Behind MagnaTrack

What makes MagnaTrack so unique?
Arthur breaks down:

How the magnetic self-adjusting track works

Why it outperforms zipper systems

Its ability to handle alignment movement, wind loads, and structural flex

The difference between insect, solar, and hurricane screens


6. How Screens Transform the Pergola Experience

Without screens, a pergola is only halfway there.
With screens, homeowners gain:

Weather protection

Bug protection

Solar control & privacy

Reduced glare for outdoor TVs

The ability to heat or cool the space


Arthur explains that pergolas and screens are “complementary systems” and together create a true outdoor room.

7. The Big Question: Retrofit Compatibility

Dealers ask constantly — can screens be added to existing pergolas?
The answer is yes.

With specially engineered brackets, sleeves, and end-caps, the system can retrofit onto previously installed Azenco pergolas without blocking gutter systems or altering water flow.


8. How This Helps Dealers Sell More Projects

Arthur offers guidance for positioning integrated screens during sales presentations:

The aesthetic is cleaner

It adds comfort and privacy

It extends outdoor usability

It increases perceived value

It’s easier to quote and easier to install

He confirms the install time is about the same as traditional MagnaTrack installations.


9. The Pricing Conversation

Yes — the integrated system includes more extrusions, more engineering, and more design work.
But surprisingly:

“If you bought the pergola and the MagnaTrack system separately, the pricing ends up nearly the same.”


Dealers get more value.
Homeowners get a better product.
Everyone wins.

10. The Future: One-Step Ordering for Pergolas + Screens

Arthur reveals that the long-term plan is for dealers to place one combined order in the portal.

Pergola

Concealed fit accessories

Integrated screens
All pre-engineered to fit together before arriving on site.


This means faster installs, fewer errors, and a streamlined workflow.

🌤 WHY THIS INTEGRATED SYSTEM IS A GAME-CHANGER
For Homeowners:

A cleaner, more modern aesthetic

Better weather protection

More privacy

Consistent color matching

A true indoor-outdoor living experience

For Architects:

A unified architectural profile

Minimal visual hardware

Smart engineering suitable for luxury projects

A system that matches modern design language

For Dealers:

A premium upsell

A simpler installation

Higher close rates

Retrofit opportunities for past customers

A product that “sells itself”

📦 PRODUCT SPECS DISCUSSED IN THE PODCAST

Arthur mentions the system will launch with:

20 ft max width

12 ft max height

A 4-inch roller compatibility

Full color coordination with Azenco textured finishes

Custom color options available