A screen is a highly popular outdoor solution for dressing up a fence, balcony, or terrace. Easy to install, it creates effective visual privacy while adding a decorative touch. Whether natural or synthetic, it comes in a wide range of materials, sizes, and screening levels. To make the right choice and create a space conducive to relaxation, it is helpful to know the options available to you.
Why Install a Screen?
Installing a screen meets several needs. In summer, it is ideal for creating a shaded area on the terrace and enjoying pleasant weather sheltered from direct sunlight. Its appearance, often exotic, helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Screens also serve as a decorative element to conceal a damaged wall or an unappealing view. Most importantly, they are an excellent way to create privacy in your garden or on your balcony. Acting as a privacy screen, they protect you from prying eyes and clearly define your personal space. Some denser models can also function as a windbreak.
Natural Screen: The Choice of Authenticity
The natural screen is the traditional model par excellence. It is made from plant stems assembled with galvanized wire. Its main advantage is its natural and aesthetic appearance, which integrates perfectly into a garden.
The Different Types of Natural Screens
Several materials are used, each with its own characteristics:
- Bamboo screen: very popular for its exotic look and good durability over time.
- Wicker screen: valued for its dark color and elegant appearance.
- Reed screen: finer and lighter, it provides softer screening.
- Heather screen: very dense and durable, it offers excellent screening and good sound insulation.
Sold in rolls of various heights and lengths, natural screens are environmentally friendly. However, their lifespan is more limited than that of synthetic models, as they are sensitive to moisture and may develop mold over time in rainy regions.
Synthetic Screen: The Practical and Durable Solution
The synthetic screen is generally made of PVC. It imitates the appearance of natural screens while offering better longevity. It is resistant to rain, frost, and sunlight, with most models benefiting from UV protection.
Available in numerous colors (green, white, black, anthracite gray, wood imitation), they suit all outdoor decoration styles. Another advantage of the PVC screen is its ease of maintenance: a simple wipe with a sponge is sufficient to clean it. Its price is often very affordable. For a perfect finish, there are double-sided screen models that present the same appearance on both sides of the support.
Technical Criteria for Making the Right Choice
Beyond the material, other factors should be considered when determining which screen to choose.
Screening Level
The desired level of privacy will determine the necessary screening level.
- Light screening (approximately 70-85%): ideal for creating shade or defining a space without feeling enclosed. Light and air pass through easily.
- High screening (over 90%): perfect for an effective privacy screen on a balcony or adjoining fence. It provides nearly complete protection from view. The density of the material, expressed in kg/m², is a good indicator of its screening capacity.
Dimensions and Support
The height and length of the screen are obvious criteria. Measure your support (mesh fence, balcony railing, pergola) precisely before purchasing. Allow sufficient height to ensure your privacy.
The type of support also determines the fastening method. For a mesh fence, staples or galvanized wire are ideal. For a balcony, cable ties may be more suitable. In all cases, the fastening must be secure and regular (every 30 to 50 cm) to withstand wind. Be sure to pull the roll taut during installation to prevent it from forming waves.
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
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