Terrace cladding with PVC, terrace blinds or glass - comparison by 4 categories

PVC patio cladding, movable boards or glass? Not sure what to choose? Check out our comparison.

If you're wondering which solution to choose, the answer is simple: PVC patio cladding (transparent patio tarpaulin) is the cheapest but least durable, movable patio blinds are a modern compromise between price and functionality, and glass cladding insulates most effectively against the cold or rain, but involves the highest costs. The question is which of these factors is most important to you.

Why is it worth comparing different terrace builds?

Deciding how you will structure your terrace not only affects the appearance of your garden, but above all the comfort of your daily use. When choosing a solution, you need to answer the question, What do you want: protection from rain and wind, raising the temperature on your terrace, or perhaps aesthetics and durability for years to come. These are the categories we have adopted when comparing these three terrace or balcony covers. 

PVC terrace cladding - the simplest and cheapest solution

If you want to enclose your terrace quickly and cheaply, PVC cladding may seem tempting. PVC panels or wraps work well if you want to temporarily enclose your terrace.It protects you from rain and gusts of wind, and its installation does not require a lot of expense. Remember, however, that PVC does not provide good thermal or acoustic insulation. On colder days, you won't feel the difference in temperature, and in summer you won't gain shade like you would with slats. It is also important to note that the material tarnishes and cracks quickly when exposed to the sun, which means that it needs to be replaced every few seasons. In everyday use, PVC is lightweight but not very comfortable - it doesn't give you the ability to adjust or fully open up the space. It is more of a temporary solution. The advantage is its low cost and easy installation, the disadvantage is its short lifespan and lack of aesthetics.

Enclosing a balcony or terrace with blinds - controlling light and privacy

If you care about aesthetics and comfort, look out for movable patio blinds. OpenUp blinds system made of wood or aluminium allow you to regulate the amount of light and air flowing in. In winter, they will protect you from the cold wind or falling snow; in summer, they will shade your balcony, terrace or pergola.
Unlike PVC, they will not get old after one season. It's a modern form of enclosure that gives you a sense of privacy while remaining open to your surroundings. The downside is that blinds do not form as airtight a barrier as glass and will not retain heat inside.
Their functionality depends on the material they are made of.  Aluminium laths require virtually no maintenance. They do not corrode, do not deform and are resistant to moisture. It is sufficient to wash them with water once a year. 

Wooden terrace blinds look natural, but require regular impregnation, ideally every two seasons. Wood works when exposed to moisture and sunlight, so without proper protection it can warp. You gain a natural look, but pay for it with more maintenance.

Enclosing a terrace with glass - comfort and elegance

Glass walls on the terrace protect against wind and moisture. They effectively insulate against the cold. In winter, the glass protects against wind and snow, and on sunny days it acts as a heat buffer - the temperature difference is then perceptible. However, they do not provide protection from the sun. Unlike PVC, glass cladding does not lose its transparency or crack after a few years. Maintenance of a glass enclosure is limited to washing the glass, cleaning and checking the guides. It is a durable, elegant and comfortable solution, although the most expensive of those compared.

What do you lose and what do you gain in each case?

Choosing between PVC, blinds or glass is a decision about how much you want to invest in durability and comfort. PVC patio cladding will work well as a cheap way to provide seasonal cover, but will provide neither insulation nor aesthetics. Terrace blinds, especially aluminium, are a compromise - they offer adjustability and a modern look, and with aluminium they are also maintenance-free. Glass cladding is the highest cost, but at the same time a solution that realistically turns the terrace into a usable space all year round.Glass.

If you don't know what to choose or would like to find out more about our range, please call: 536 707 425 or write: sprzedaz@otwierane.pl. We will try to answer all your questions.