Types of parasols for the balcony

A sunscreen is mainly on one South balcony required in summer. But which type of parasol should be chosen? Because all options offer different features and thus also advantages and disadvantages.

Parasol types

The simple classic among the shade providers are the parasol types. Here, too, there are significant differences between the different variants. The advantages of the types of parasols include these features:

• low acquisition costs
  
• big variety
  
• well customizable
  
• no permanent installation necessary
  
• can be changed

However, they are also quite susceptible to strong winds and can literally be blown from the balcony. That in turn poses a danger. In addition, the umbrella is difficult to clean.

One of the most important features besides the size of the parasol is its shape. Models are available in the following cuts:

• semicircular
  
• around
  
• oval
  
• square

Square and round parasol types are well known. Half-round designs, on the other hand, are relatively rare. The advantage of this shape is that the umbrella and stand can be placed directly on the balcony door. So they form a directly adjoining roof and do not have to be placed in the middle of the path.

Another important point to consider when choosing is the type of stand. This has to be heavy and stable so that it can bear the weight of the pole and the umbrella and is stable even in the event of a greater load from strong winds. Most of the stands are made of plastic or metal. They can also be filled. Sand or water, for example, are suitable for this.

Tip: There are types of parasols that can be planted. These create a particularly decorative look.

Special umbrellas

The classic variant of this sun protection is what is known as Center mast umbrellas. This means that the stand is located in the middle and thus gives great stability.

The opposite of this is a so-called Cantilever umbrella. The stand is on the side and the umbrella is hung on it. This variant is therefore also known as a cantilever umbrella or a gallows umbrella. Due to the different weight distribution, the stand has to be very heavy in order to remain stable. The look of this variant is extremely appealing, but it is the wrong choice on very windy balconies. You have the advantage that the supporting bar is on the side and therefore out of the way. This means that a table and chairs can be placed underneath without any problems. For this reason, such models are sometimes also called market or catering parasols.

Market parasols and Gastronomy parasols however, they can also be medium-mast umbrellas. Matching tables with a recess in the middle make it possible to place the stand under the table and thus also take up as little space as possible.

Behind Large parasols hides what the name suggests: large parasols. These are ideal for very wide and long balconies. However, they are also more expensive, heavier and, due to their larger surface, more prone to wind.

Alternative balcony sun protection

Types of parasols and other shading measures for the balcony are often essential in summer. Because the sun not only heats the outside area. If it hits a window or balcony door, it also creates uncomfortably high temperatures inside the apartment.

Tip: Reflective sheeting on the windows can also help to keep the temperature in the house or apartment constant. It also offers a privacy screen during the day and keeps the heat inside in winter.

Awnings

Awnings offer good protection against the sun and are available in different versions and numerous colors. The different versions include:

• Half awnings
  
• Cassette awnings
  
• Roller awnings
  
• Full awnings

Half awnings are suitable if the balcony already has a roof. They are attached to the front and thus provide shade. One of the advantages of this is that the weight is relatively low. In addition to fixed-mount versions, there are also clamp awnings.

at Cassette awnings it is a variant of the roller awnings. The awning is rolled up in a box so that it is protected and the service life can be increased. As a rule, they are a little more expensive to buy and require a permanent assembly. They are therefore not allowed everywhere.

Roller awnings can, as the name suggests, be rolled up or contracted. This can be done manually or it can be controlled automatically. The advantage of this, again, is that they move together when necessary. This allows them to be protected from wind, rain and snow, for example.

Full awnings are just as suitable for the terrace as for balconies without a roof. Models that can also be pulled together or rolled up are particularly practical. However, fixed installation is usually a prerequisite, so that they are not always an option in rental properties. In addition, they are comparatively expensive to buy.

Awning

This is a simple layer of solid material. It is stretched from the wall to the balcony railing. It may be necessary to drill holes for this. Attachment is therefore not always permitted or at least requires approval.

However, shade sails bring a large number of advantages. Including:

• also available for contracting
  
• large selection
  
• lightweight
  
• different shapes and sizes
  
• different attachment options

A disadvantage of permanently attached sails is that they cannot be pulled together or rolled up. This can be a problem in wind and rain. It also shortens the service life.

Patio coverings

Another possibility to attach sun protection is to have a permanent roof installed. Usually the frame is very stable and can be attached by qualified personnel. The actual roof can either be fixed or flexible.

The advantages are that:

• automatic opening and closing may be possible
  
• this variant has a long service life
  
• numerous variants can be found

However, comparatively high prices and the necessary professional assembly are potential disadvantages.

Caution: wind

A potential problem with sun protection on the balcony is that strong winds can, for example, pry out a parasol and blow it down. The resulting dangers are at best property damage, but can also lead to injuries.

Therefore, always make sure to retract and secure the shade in bad weather.

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