Sun protection: What is the best solution for your balcony?
Sunbathing on the balcony is nice – up to a certain point. Especially on hot summer days, the sun can quickly become too much. Shade is needed. We explain the best sun protection solution for your balcony in our guide.
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
A versatile classic: the parasol
A shade-providing evergreen for sun protection on the balcony is clearly the parasol. They are available in a variety of different sizes and designs. Center-pole parasols, which have a central pole and are usually round or rectangular, are classic. The disadvantage is that they take up a relatively large amount of space and are more suitable for large balconies, terraces, and gardens. A good alternative are balcony umbrellas, which are becoming increasingly available on the market. These can be mounted directly on the balcony railing, are flexible, and take up far less space. They are particularly suitable for small balconies.
No matter which parasol model you choose, make sure it fits the size of your balcony and is sturdy enough to withstand gusts of wind.
- Center-pole parasols: well suited for large balconies
- Balcony parasols: well suited for small balconies
Proven and popular: the awning
An awning offers full-surface sun protection for your balcony. It is mounted on the house wall and can be extended and retracted as needed. Awnings are available in various designs, e.g., as articulated arm awnings (electric or with a hand crank), cassette awnings, or awnings with valances. If you have a loggia, vertical awnings are a good option. They are mounted between the balcony railing and the ceiling. A clear advantage is that awnings don't take up any space on the balcony. However, the disadvantage is that they are quite expensive – especially electric models – and relatively susceptible to weather damage. An awning should always be retracted in bad weather.
- Awning Advantages: Complete shading of the entire balcony is possible, easy to use.
Awning Disadvantages: Expensive to purchase, susceptible to weather, requires intensive maintenance.
Sun sails are flexible and easy to install – but also susceptible to weather and unstable. Image source: stock.adobe.com, contrastwerkstatt
Inexpensive and flexible: Sun sails
A sun sail is an inexpensive and flexible alternative to awnings and parasols and is particularly suitable for sun protection on smaller balconies. The sun sail can be attached to various points on the balcony railing or the house wall. Sun sails are available in various shapes and sizes and made from different materials. However, keep in mind: A sun sail made of a thick fabric should be removed when it rains. Otherwise, water will collect, the fabric will sag, and in the worst case, the sail will tear.
If you want to use a shade sail not just temporarily but permanently, we recommend a model made of water-permeable material. There are shade sails with a coarser mesh. They provide sufficient shade but allow rainwater to pass through.
- Advantages: inexpensive to purchase, flexible in use, uncomplicated
- Disadvantages: susceptible to weather, usually only lasts one season
Natural shade with plants
Plants are natural shade providers. The larger and bushier they are, the more shade they cast and can shield them from direct sunlight. Therefore—and also to provide a colorful buffet for bees and butterflies—you should bring as many plants as possible onto your balcony.
Climbing plants such as ivy, wisteria, or clematis can also be used as sun protection for the balcony – keyword vertical gardens. Climbing plants can climb up trellises attached to the balcony railing. There are various trellises in different shapes and sizes.
By the way, plants on the balcony not only provide natural sun protection. They also contribute to a cooler atmosphere, as the plants release moisture through their leaves. This ensures evaporative cooling.
At a glance: What is the best sun protection for your balcony?
|
Sun protection |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Center-pole parasol |
Provides generous shade, easy to handle, flexible in use. |
More suitable for large balconies, high-quality models are relatively expensive. susceptible to weather |
|
Balcony umbrella |
Relatively inexpensive, space-saving installation on the balcony railing, flexible in use |
Limited shading, possible damage to the balcony railing due to scratches, susceptible to weather |
|
Awning |
Complete balcony shading, easy to use |
Expensive (especially for electrically powered awnings), requires intensive maintenance susceptible to weather |
|
Vertical awning |
Effective sun protection, easy to use |
Obscures the view from the balcony, only suitable for loggias, susceptible to weather |
|
Sun sail |
Inexpensive, diverse designs, easy installation, flexible in use |
Not very durable, provides only limited shade, susceptible to weather |
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Available in different coatings
Tip: At ELEO you will find high-quality, weather-resistant trellises made of high-quality metal.
Artikel teilen