Movable balcony blinds or milk polycarbonate - what to choose for a balcony in a block of flats

If you're looking for a way to screen a balcony in a block of flats, you're likely to come across the two solutions most often chosen by residents: movable balcony blinds and milk polycarbonate cladding. Both systems help to improve privacy, reduce wind and make the balcony more comfortable, but they work in very different ways. In this article, we will try to answer your question.

Movable balcony blinds allow you to regulate the amount of light and the level of shading for your balcony. Milky polycarbonate lets the light in better and protects from the wind more effectively. In practice, the choice depends primarily on, whether privacy, the ability to adjust the light or keeping the interior of the home bright is more important to you.

The two solutions have completely different properties and in practice address slightly different needs. A lot depends on:

• how much light enters the flat,
• how close the neighbours are,
• whether the balcony heats up a lot,
• and how often you want to adjust the level of shielding.

Movable balcony blinds - more privacy and adjustable light

Movable balcony blinds They work well where you want control. You can position the boards at the angle you want, partially expose the balcony or close it completely.

This solution is particularly appreciated by those who:

• have a balcony very close to the neighbours,
  
• want to limit visibility from the outside,
  
• need cover from the sun,
  
• But they don't want to give up ventilation.
  

A major advantage is that you can change the setting during the day. In the morning you can let more light into the flat and in the afternoon you can reduce the heat in the living room. Not sure if the solution will work on your balcony? See how it has worked on our customers' balconies. view our realisations.

Aluminium laths work well on balconies in blocks of flats

Aluminium slats for balcony blinds are increasingly used on balconies instead of the classic wooden planks. Aluminium is lighter, more weather-resistant and does not require regular maintenance.

The light-coloured laths further help to reflect light, so that the balcony does not look heavy and does not darken the flat as much.

This solution works well:

• on small balconies,
  
• in modern blocks of flats,
  
• in buildings exposed to the wind,
  
• and where easy maintenance is important.
  

Milky polycarbonate - more light and wind protection

If the biggest problem is a flat that is too dark, a milk polycarbonate enclosure works very well.

Cellular polycarbonate transmits a large amount of light, but at the same time:

• limits the wind,
  
• partially covers the balcony,
  
• improves the comfort of the space,
  
• and gives a greater sense of privacy than a fully open balcony.
  

The milky surface diffuses light more softly than glass. As a result, the interior still remains bright, but it heats up less and is not as exposed to the harsh sun.

This solution works particularly well:

• in flats facing north,
  
• on deep balconies,
  
• with small balcony windows,
  
• and where you are primarily concerned about preserving light.
  

Which better shields you from your neighbours

If lack of privacy is the main concern, movable balcony blinds usually have the advantage. They allow you to screen your balcony more tightly without completely closing off the airflow.

Polycarbonate gives a softer cover. From a distance, it reduces visibility, but in evening light and close to the building, neighbours can still see part of the inside of the balcony.

Therefore, in practice:

• Blinds work better for window-to-window balconies,
  
• polycarbonate performs better where wind and light loss is an issue.
  

What darkens the home more

In most cases, they obscure more:

• dark laths,
  
• full builds,
  
• densely stacked boards.
  

Milky polycarbonate usually lets more light through than classic balcony blinds. However, this does not mean that movable boards will always cause a dark effect. Much depends on:

• the colour of the material,
  
• slat widths,
  
• spacing,
  
• setting angle,
  
• and sides of the world.
  

With a well-designed development, privacy can be maintained while keeping the interior bright.

More and more people are combining both solutions

In practice, a combination of milk polycarbonate and movable balcony blinds works very well.

Mostly:

• the lower part of the body is made of polycarbonate,
  
• and the top made of movable fins or boards.
  

Such a solution:

• limits the wind,
  
• improves privacy,
  
• allows the amount of light to be regulated,
  
• and does not create a visually heavy wall.
  

What is the best choice of housing?

If you care primarily about:

• privacy,
  
• light control,
  
• opening possibilities,
  
• shelter from neighbours,
  

a better choice will usually be movable balcony blinds.

If the most important thing is:

• maintaining a bright interior,
  
• wind restriction,
  
• visually lightweight construction,
  

milk polycarbonate often performs better.

In many flats, a combination of both systems has the best effect.

Not sure what will work on your balcony?

Send a photo of your balcony, dimensions or design. We will give you suggestions:

• whether movable balcony blinds would work better,
  
• aluminium laths,
  
• or polycarbonate cladding.
  

Request a free quote - fill in the form.