Wind can be a real pain, especially when you’re trying to enjoy some fresh air on your balcony. Not only is it annoying to have your hair blowing in your face all the time, but it can also be damaging to your property.
Whether you live in a windy city or your apartment is just naturally drafty, there are ways to block the breeze and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. With a little bit of effort, you can transform your balcony into an oasis away from the wind.
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How Do You Handle A Windy Balcony?
No matter how strong the wind is, there are always ways to block it from your balcony. By taking the time to assess your situation and find the right solution for you, you can enjoy your outdoor space without feeling the chill.
Assess The Situation
The first step in stopping the wind from blowing on your balcony is to assess the situation. You’ll need to consider the direction of the wind, the size of your balcony, and any objects or features that could block the wind.
The Problem
First, identify the problem. Is that you’re dealing with stronger winds than average? Is it that there are drafts coming in? Or is it that debris is being blown onto your balcony?
Have a look at your neighbors’ balconies. They may have been battling this problem for years and might provide other options for when the wind blows.
How Strong Is The Wind Usually?
Will a divider be enough to protect you from the breeze, or is the wind so strong that any windbreak needs to be lashed down?
If you’re lucky, your balcony might only be exposed to a light breeze. In this case, a few simple changes can make a big difference. For example, you can install windbreaks or add potted plants to your balcony.
If you’re dealing with strong winds, you’ll need to take a more strategic approach. In this case, it’s often best to block the wind at its source. This might mean installing screens or blinds on your balcony railings or from the balcony ceiling.
How often is it windy? If there’s a lot of wind generally, a permanent screen might be the answer.
Budget
Decide on your budget. If you have some money to spend, one option is to install a windbreak, like a wall or a fence. If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, you can try using plants or large pieces of furniture to create a wind barrier.
Durability
Do want this solution to be permanent? Or are you renting and you need something that won’t damage the property, something you can take with you?
Are You A Renter?
You could start by speaking to your property agent about the situation. If the owner doesn’t want to add any screening to your balcony, you can look for temporary screens that you can take with you when you move. Also, any screen you use should not damage the balcony, so you won’t lose your deposit.
Make A Plan
Next, take a look at your balcony and see what can be done to stop the wind from coming in.
Take the direction of the wind into account and consider the possible location of the blocker. If it usually comes from the same direction, this is the side of the balcony that you need to protect. Or does the balcony need full coverage?
How much space do you have available to work with? If there is nice scenery from your balcony, do you want to preserve your view, or maybe part of it?
What structures on the balcony can be used to attach windscreens to? For example, the balcony railing, ceiling, or walls.
One option is to put up a wind blocker. Screens, shutters, and tarps are all great options for blocking wind. This can be anything from a piece of fabric to a special screen that you can buy at a home improvement store. Another option is to install a railing. This will help to block the wind and also give you something to hold onto if the wind is really strong!
Make A List
Before you start shopping for materials to block the wind, one important thing is to take measurements of your balcony so you know how much material you’ll need. Once you have an idea of what you need, you can start shopping for wind-blocking materials, plus ways to lash it down, even if it’s only zip ties.
How To Block Wind On A Balcony Or Patio
There is no one perfect way to block wind on a balcony, as the method you choose will depend on the layout and construction of your balcony. There are several ways to block wind on a balcony, depending on your budget and whether you want it to be a permanent or temporary fix.
Here are some suggestions for how you can block the wind. Armed with the information you have already gathered, you can start work.
Weatherstripping
If the problem is a draft coming into your apartment, one tip for blocking wind is to use weatherstripping around your doors and windows. This can help to create a seal that will prevent the wind from coming through.
Additionally, it can also help to keep your home more energy-efficient by preventing drafts. So if you’re looking for an easy wind block and to save money on your energy bill, consider using weatherstripping.
Block The Wind With A Screen
One of the easiest ways of stopping wind on your balcony is to install a screen. There are a variety of screen options available, including screens made from metal, plastic, or fabric. Screens are effective at blocking wind and they are relatively affordable.
You can buy screens that are specifically designed to block wind, or you can make your own. Make sure to secure the screens so they don’t blow away in strong gusts of wind.
Lattice Screen
Lattice is a type of screen that is made from strips of wood or plastic that are arranged in a crisscross pattern. Lattice is a relatively affordable option and it is very durable.
You can use lattice to block wind on your balcony by installing it in front of any openings where the wind is coming in. Lattice is also a great way to protect your plants from the wind.
Bamboo Screen
Bamboo fence screens provide protection from breezes and take up practically no space. Bamboo screens also make excellent privacy screens.
Clear Vinyl Curtains
If you want to block the wind without using a physical barrier, you can try clear vinyl curtains. Clear vinyl curtains are effective at stopping the wind and they are relatively affordable.
You can buy clear vinyl curtains that are specifically designed to block wind, or you can make your own. Make sure to secure the curtains so they don’t blow away in strong gusts of wind.
Shutters
Shutters are another great way to block wind on your balcony. Not only do they provide some protection from the elements, but they also look great. If you live in a windy area, make sure to choose shutters that are designed to withstand high winds.
Retractable Side Screen
A side screen is an object that is placed on the side of a building to block wind. It is usually made from metal, plastic, or fabric and can be effective at blocking wind from entering an area.
A side screen that is retractable is a great way to block wind on your balcony on breezy days. The screen can be easily retracted when you don’t need it, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Awning
Another solution is to add an awning to your balcony for when the wind picks up. An awning is a type of roll-down wind protection that is made from fabric or metal and is attached to the wall of a building. It can be lowered on windy days and rolled up and out of the way on calm days. Awnings are used to provide shade from the sun and to protect doorways and windows from the rain.
This will provide some protection from the elements and help keep your outdoor space more sheltered.They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials, such as canvas, metal, or plastic. Awnings are effective at blocking wind, but they can be expensive. They can also be heavy and difficult to install, and it might be a good idea to get a professional to do this for you.
If you don’t want to permanently alter your balcony, you can buy a portable awning that you can set up and take down as needed.
Planter Boxes Windbreak
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and easy way to block the wind, and you have enough space, you can plant evergreen trees or bushes in pots. Consider purchasing mature plants so you can have a screening effect immediately. Tall plants will provide a privacy screen as well as a windbreak, and this is a good solution for renters.
Shrubs planted around your balcony provide natural insulation and can help to keep the breeze at bay. This will take some time to grow, but it’s a great long-term solution for blocking wind. Just make sure to choose sturdy plants that are suitable for your climate.
Rearrange Your Furniture
If you want to use your patio furniture as wind barriers, there are a few things you can do. For starters, try arranging your furniture as a wind break. Additionally, you can use heavy-duty furniture covers to help keep the wind from blowing your furniture around.
This is a great option if you don’t want to make any permanent changes to your balcony.
Temporary Solutions
If you’re expecting bad weather or if you just want some extra protection from the elements, you can use tarps or fabric panels. You can buy tarps specifically designed for this purpose, or you can use normal household tarps.
Another great way to block cold wind is by using outdoor rugs or carpets. These can be hung on or from your railings, placed on top of your furniture, or on the patio floor to help keep the wind from blowing through. Additionally, they add an extra layer of insulation, which can be helpful on those colder days.
A More Permanent Solution
Glass walls or plexiglass wind barriers can help block the wind in a few ways. They can act as a windbreak, and they can also help to keep the area sheltered. Additionally, if your balcony is enclosed, having glass walls will help to keep it warm. Plus, you’ll still be able to see the view.
Conclusion
Blocking wind on your balcony doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of effort, you can make your outdoor space more enjoyable and sheltered from the elements. Try one of these methods the next time you’re looking for ways to block wind on your balcony.
