Balcony enclosure - what you need to know

Balcony cladding - how to do it right? A complete guide for apartment block residents

A balcony enclosure allows you to shield yourself from the sun, wind and the sight of neighbours. In blocks of flats, the most common use is external blinds, movable boards or aluminium laths, which you assemble with brackets for OpenUp movable blinds system. You can either make the building yourself (DIY kit) or have it fitted. The system works all year round, improves privacy and protection from the weather, while allowing you to adjust the extent of the cover at any time. Below you will find a complete guide to help you choose the best way to enclose your balcony.

Balcony enclosure - why is it so worthwhile?

Balconies in blocks of flats are often exposed to gusts of wind, excessive sunlight and lack of privacy. If the balcony overlooks the street, the neighbours' courtyard or is located in a tall building, resting can be uncomfortable. A balcony enclosure solves all these problems at once.

After covering the balcony:
- you freely use the space for most of the year,
- balcony furniture keeps its good looks longer,
- you gain more privacy,
- you reduce noise and air movement,
- you don't have to worry about the view from neighbouring flats.

Side panels is one of the most popular solutions in Warsaw and the Mazovia region - mainly because it is effective from the first season of use.

Balcony enclosure in a block of flats - what is it really about?

Two methods are most commonly used:
1. movable fitting - external blinds (louvres or boards that rotate on OpenUp brackets).
2. fixed cladding - boards or laths set at a fixed angle (openwork), glass or polycarbonate cladding.

Both methods turn the balcony into a more sheltered, pleasant space. The difference is simple:
- movable body allows the amount of light and privacy to be varied at will,
- permanent installation is cheaper, but does not offer as much regulation.

Mobile balcony enclosure - wood or aluminium?

Both systems are good, but the choice depends on your expectations.

Wood - cosiness and natural look

• gives the balcony a warm character,
• you can paint in any colour you like,
• requires maintenance once in a while.

Aluminium - modern effect and durability

• maintenance-free,
• does not work when exposed to temperatures,
• is resistant to moisture, rain and UV radiation,
• ideal for modern-style blocks of flats.

The aluminium laths and wooden planks are operated by the same mechanism - the OpenUp System moving board mechanism.

DIY balcony enclosure or professional installation?

Self-assembly kits

If you have the basic tools, you can make the building yourself. You get a ready-made kit: handles, laths or boards, instructions and all components. You can also order from us materials to create the structure, to which you attach the movable boards.

Installation

If you prefer to have a guarantee of workmanship and perfect fit of the elements, you order a service with installation. This works for terraces and balconies throughout Mazovia and most of Poland.

Balcony enclosure in a block of flats - when is it worth opting for?

A balcony enclosure is particularly suitable when:
- The balcony faces south or east and heats up strongly,
- you feel a strong wind,
- you live close to a neighbouring balcony,
- you care about privacy,
- you want to use your balcony for longer than just the summer,
- furniture gets damaged from the sun or rain.

Once built in, you can arrange the balcony like a small relaxation area - still with natural ventilation, but without the nuisance of outside influences.

Balcony enclosures and regulations - what do you need to know?

Side cladding made of slats or boards does not change the volume and is not treated as a solid (glass) building.
In most communities, this is enough:
- maintain a colour scheme compatible with the building,
- ensure that the installation does not impinge on the balcony structure,
- notify the intention to make a minor change (procedures depend on the cooperative/community).

Enclosing balconies with external louvres is accepted even in modern housing estates because it is light, airy and does not affect the load-bearing structure.

Moving or openwork? Which option should I choose?

If you want complete privacy, choose movable blinds - you can position them so that they completely cover the balcony.
If you only want to gently screen the space, an openwork enclosure will suffice. It is cheaper and looks light, but does not give you the possibility to adjust the degree of obscurity.

How to furnish a built-in balcony?

The enclosed balcony becomes a mini terrace. You can:
- set up customised furniture,
- use decorative palettes,
- add lighting and plants,
- create an area for relaxation, reading, working or morning coffee.

Do you want to enclose your balcony with Opened.co.uk?

The most functional development is movable external blinds Based on OpenUp brackets and laths. This solution offers the greatest regulation of light and privacy and works all year round. You can install them yourself or have them installed by our team.

Balcony cladding in Warsaw and the Mazovia region is in great demand - which is why we have prepared kits that work well in blocks, segments and apartment buildings.

And if you want to see examples - Take a look at our realisations. This is the best proof of how effective a well-designed balcony enclosure is.