One of the most important considerations when moving into an apartment is how to provide reliable rain protection for the balcony. It's no fun getting soaked in the rain or finding ruined balcony furniture after a rainfall. Luckily, there are some practical solutions to outdoor rainwater that you can choose from depending on your budget and needs. The following examples and tips cover a range of both temporary and permanent variations.
Why a rain cover for the balcony can be a good idea
Protection against rainwater for apartment balconies can vary depending on the cost,Arrangement of the balconyand whether you are allowed to add a permanent solution vary significantly. Without proper coverage, rainwater can damage some items outside and even seep into your home. As a result, your floors, carpets, or appliances could suffer water damage. However, there are various ways to protect your apartment balcony from rain. Some of these are expensive and very effective, although there are also inexpensive alternatives.
What to consider before installing a cover
It is important to note that the following solutions are aimed at preventing water from entering your balcony. They do not protect the interior, but offer the opportunity to keep rainwater away from living spaces. Additionally, some of these variations require construction work to hang certain materials on your balcony.
Therefore, if you are in a rented apartment, you may need to contact your apartment owner first. For example, drilling holes in an apartment could be a violation of your rental agreement. So make sure you check this thoroughly. It will most likely describe exactly what is allowed. The apartment owner can keep part of your deposit if, for example, you damage the balcony walls.
External blinds as rain protection for the balcony
You can install outdoor blinds or shades to keep your balcony relatively dry during the rainy season. There are different ways to install external blinds. Some of them block the rain more effectively. If you hire a professional to do this, you could ask them for recommendations. Additionally, you may need to consult the homeowner about some installation methods.
In addition, external blinds are retractable and can be used when it rains or to provide shade when the sun is shining. Suitable materials such as plastic and wood optimally protect the balcony from rainwater. It can also help to close the blinds tightly. This way, there are no gaps through which water can penetrate the balcony. You can also consider buying a transparent plastic (PVC) tarpaulin for your apartment balcony. This means you can see outside even when it rains. PVC is also the most effective material for protecting your balcony as it does not absorb water. You should avoid thin blinds with lots of gaps between each piece when fully closed. These outdoor blinds will do little to prevent rainwater from reaching your apartment balcony.
Temporary solution with balcony umbrella
A simple but effective solution for small balconies is a large parasol that can double as an umbrella when it rains. It is best to use a variant that can be mounted on a stand. This way you can place the umbrella in the middle of your balcony or in a corner. Where you store it depends on the size and area. Placement can also vary depending on which area of the balcony you want to protect most from rainwater.
This solution may not be as effective as most others. However, it is still an inexpensive and easy way to keep your outdoor space dry during showers. If you have a large balcony, you can consider using more than one umbrella in different zones. Just make sure they are securely secured so that they don't fly away in high winds and injure someone near the ground.
Install an awning to protect the balcony from rain
While there are many variations in this case, retractable awnings are a popular type for balconies. They are temporary in the sense that they can be extended or retracted at any time, but they are permanent in that they are always ready for use. Additionally, retractable awnings can be installed in a variety of different designs, making them ideal as they are an option for many apartment renters or owners. Just make sure your rental agreement allows this before purchasing.
An awning is also a great way to improve the overall look of your balcony. These also come in different sizes. So you can get one that perfectly fits the size of your balcony. However, one of the major disadvantages of using an awning to keep out rainwater is that it does not provide any side protection. If the wind is strong during the rain, you can expect your balcony to still get wet. Additionally, an awning may only work for balconies that don't have high side railings. Nevertheless, the installation experts can determine whether one will fit on your balcony.
Temporary or permanent roof covering
Here too, you have the option of choosing between two variants to provide the optimal rain protection for the balcony. A temporary and cost-effective solution is to use a roof cover consisting of a tarpaulin. It is waterproof and requires no installation. All you have to do is tie the tarpaulin to the railing of your balcony and it will keep the rain out. However, depending on the height of your railing, you may not be able to stand on the balcony during this time. You can consider hanging the tarp from the ceiling using adhesive hooks. Just make sure you don't damage the ceiling in the process. One disadvantage of this option is that it doesn't look nice.
One of the most expensive and permanent solutions is to install a complete balcony enclosure. This solution will help you make your balcony an indoor space while maintaining the essence of an outdoor space. You can also install a roof covering, which is a sloping roof and protects the balcony from rain. These are durable solutions that create a cohesive aesthetic with the balcony rain cover.
Most homeowners will choose to install roof tiles that match the home's roof or construction material. Since they are permanently installed, you should also keep in mind that less and less light falls into the balcony area from above.
How to minimize damage caused by rainwater on the balcony
For example, if your balcony is tiled, you should make sure you use non-slip tiles that will stay safe when wet. Otherwise, even a little water could turn the floor surface into a slip zone. If you are using a wooden floor, you should opt for interlocking panels outdoors. This can withstand both sun and rain. It is also recommended to choose weather-resistant balcony furniture. Rattan furniture, for example, is sustainable and easy to care for, although plastic is also a suitable option.
If you also have balcony plants, they can become waterlogged from rainwater, which can be another problem. The wall paint used on the balcony walls should also be suitable for outdoor use. Also check the slope of the balcony floor. The tiles should be sloped towards a corner where there is a rainwater pipe, which prevents water from accumulating on the balcony floor. Before the rain arrives, make sure this pipe is clean and not clogged with debris or leaves. Here are the most common options you can consider.
Collect and reuse rainwater like on your balcony
It would be great if you could install a rainwater harvesting system on your balcony. This is a precious resource, and rainwater is one of the cleanest forms of natural water available. Install some pipes to collect water from the balcony as well as the awnings. Take advantage of thatcollected rainwaterfor watering your balcony plants or for flushing the toilet. Do your little bit. This allows you to make a small contribution to the environment. So, protect your balcony in a sustainable way before welcoming the rain and get ready to enjoy the patter of raindrops.
