5 practical ideas
Wind protection for the terrace: These tips help on cold days
There are practical solutions to protect the terrace from wind
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As beautiful as an open terrace may be, it offers little protection from wind and weather: on gusty days it is hardly possible to read your newspaper or set the table outside in peace. With the right wind protection, you can arm yourself against any stiff breeze.
If it is particularly draughty on your patio – even on less gusty days – it can make sense to buy a windbreak. Depending on how often and how strong your outdoor area is hit by gusts of wind, you should choose a more or less stable option. Not only size and design play a role here, but above all the material. In addition, there are short-term solutions that can be implemented quickly, such as sun sails, wooden elements and side awnings. But long-term solutions (such as a hedge) are also useful, but they take more time to implement. Below we will present both options in more detail.
1. Sun sail
A particularly flexible and inexpensive wind protection for the terrace is the Sun sail: Available in different sizes and colors, the water-repellent square is stretched vertically at four points of your choice in the garden using fastening ropes (which are already included in the delivery). According to the manufacturer, the material is not only environmentally friendly, tear-resistant, mold- and stain-resistant – it also contains integrated UV protection.
Three more tips:
- Pull the fabric as tight as possible (but not too tight) so that the sail can withstand strong winds.
- To avoid damage to the awning, it should be removed in extremely bad weather conditions.
- Alternatively, you can also use a large Parasol with integrated sun sails set up as a windbreak.
2. Wooden elements
To avoid exposure to strong gusts, we recommend a protective barrier that is between 1.80 and two meters high. A classic wooden wallwhich is both wind and privacy protection. The material is particularly durable and weather-resistant, and it also visually enhances any garden. Here, too, you can choose between different sizes, designs and materials such as fir and Spruce woodbamboo or plastic. There are even bevelled fence elements made of wood that you can combine with others. They are usually installed at the edge of the terrace or directly on a fence.
Three more tips:
- To ensure that the wooden windbreak does not fall over in strong winds, it should constantly allow some air to pass through (e.g. through cracks or slits).
- Make sure that the fence elements are firmly anchored in the ground. A concrete foundation that is at least 25 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters deep is ideal. Alternatively, you can mount and fix the windbreak to the house wall.
- Wood is weather-resistant, but the signs of time are still noticeable. To ensure that the material remains durable, it should be resealed (painted or varnished) every now and then.
3. Side awnings
A normal awning that is mounted on the house serves primarily as sun protection – and can withstand light rain showers. But did you know that there are also models that can be attached to the side and thus serve as a windbreak for the terrace? extendable side awningswhich you only use when necessary, i.e. on windy days. Depending on the manufacturer, there are different sizes in different colors. The housing is attached directly to the house wall, but you do not need any special prior knowledge to install it.
Three more tips:
- Pay attention to the material of the side awning: Ideally, it is not only water-repellent, but also contains integrated UV protection.
- If you are not allowed to mount the housing on the house wall, you can use a windbreak that stuck in the ground becomes.
- Alternatively, you can use a rectangular sun sail that you secure at the sides (at four points) to protect against the wind.
4. Climbing aids for plants
Admittedly, a Trellis with planter only really works as a windbreak once the plant has grown over the entire trellis. This takes time and patience – but once the ivy, grapevine or climbing rose has spread over the trellis, you can not only enjoy the beautiful view: you have also created a natural wind and privacy screen for the terrace, which visually enhances your garden.
Three more tips:
- Alternatively, you can also Wooden pergola Plant and use as a windbreak for the terrace.
- Perennial plants have the advantage that you have less work with planting the trellis.
- There is also a Trellis with wheelswhich you can adjust at any time depending on the wind direction.
5. Grid stone baskets (Gabion)
A wire basket filled with stones is also called GabionIn the past, the massive walls were mainly used in road and path construction, but nowadays they are also increasingly found in the gardens of many private homes. The stone baskets have the advantage that they can act as a natural privacy and wind protection for the terrace – and at the same time as a raised bed or herb spiral. The hollow spaces also offer space for small animals (such as lizards) and insects. Gabions are particularly durable because they are insensitive to all weather conditions.
Three more tips:
- The baskets are delivered empty, the Gabion stones must be purchased separately.
- Alternatively, you can also fill gabions with other materials.
- Gabions come in different shapes and sizes.
Wind protection for the terrace: Other options
There are also long-term solutions for the terrace, such as a HedgeIt serves as a natural wind and privacy screen in the garden, but it takes a long time to reach the necessary size. Specimens such as the arborvitae, yew or false cypress grow particularly densely. Hornbeam and red beech let through more light (and wind), but are also good as wind protection. In particularly stormy regions such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea, robust hedges made of field maple or hawthorn are recommended.
As an alternative to a hedge, you can also Wall build (or have built) a wall that serves as a windbreak for your patio all year round. Considerably more expensive to buy, but also more durable, the solid structure should be at least 1.80 meters high. Before you decide on a wall, however, you should think carefully about your choice of material: the stones should not only suit your garden, but also your house (or apartment). Once the wall is built, it will be difficult to reverse your decision.
Source: “My beautiful garden“
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