How to Windproof and Create Privacy in Backyard

A windy period can be disturbing, especially when using the outdoor space. However,  knowing how to windproof and create privacy on the deck, patio, backyard, balcony, or other outdoor living areas will make these areas comfortable. This is a common problem if you stay in a windy area like me.

You need to put various components or structures in place to control the winds or make your home private. The structure is determined by the type of outdoor space you have. Different outdoor requires a different approach.

Nonetheless, the easiest way to windproof and create privacy in the backyard is by using a fence as a shield. Other methods include retractable windscreen and planting shrubs and trees.

Retractable screens stand like a wall to block off weather elements to make the space comfortable. These screens are easily fixable whether you have a concrete floor or a wooden deck floor.

Retractable deck windscreens do not only serve as a wind blocker; they are also used to make the outdoor space private by blocking off nosy neighbors.

There are also other ways to block wind on the deck which are listed below. However, before moving forward, let’s look at a windscreen or barrier.

What are wind barriers?

A wind barrier is an obstacle that reduces the amount of wind that hits your home. These barriers are designed to slow down or deflect oncoming winds.

Wind barriers are essentially the same as windbreaks. They are structures or walls that do nothing but block the wind from getting to your home, outdoor space, outdoor plants, or flowers.

Many such barriers exist and have similar functions. Windbreakers consist of fences, walls, landscapes, or screens.

Some of these barriers, such as trees and shrubs, can also filter out various pollutants found in the air, such as dust, pollen, toxic chemicals, or smoke.

Why are wind barriers significant? They help prevent damage to your home, save you money on energy costs and bring peace by keeping you and your family safe.

How to Block Wind on the Deck

Keeping the wind at bay using a deck railing cover will be easier if you have a railing on your deck. In the absence of railing on your balcony, retractable screens or other easy-to-fix screens can be used, which are listed below.

• Using Retractable Windscreen

There are various ways to block wind on the deck, but the retractable outdoor windscreen is our best option. This screen provides an immediate solution to windy deck areas. Now how would you fix this screen?

A retractable patio screen comes with a fixable pole into the deck floor using a screw. This is how simple it is to have a wind blocker on your deck. Being retractable makes it flexible, allowing you to enjoy the weather when it is fine.

Check out our review of the best retractable windscreen

• Railing Cover

Another good way to block wind on the deck is using a railing cover to block wind and other elements away from the area. These covers are fixed using cable ties onto the deck railings and are generally easy to maintain. They are made of durable and all-weather resistant materials for better durability.

These covers are also suitable for the balcony railing, deck railing, porch railing, patio railing, and more. They come with reinforced edges to prevent tears and make them easy to fix on various outdoor railings.

• Trellis

This is another structure ideal for blocking wind and making your outdoor private. Trellis features artistry designs that allow plants such as vines and other creeping plants to climb over. These structures can also be used as privacy fences around various outdoor living spaces.

To stand the test of time, they are made of various materials, such as hardwood, metal, or aluminum. Having this structure beside your outdoor space will help enhance the feel of the area.

• Plant Shrubs

Planting shrubs is another good way to block wind around the outdoor space. These plants create a shield that prevents wind from hitting you directly. They are usable as privacy fences and suitable for enhancing the outdoor space.

These shrubs can be pruned into different shapes, making the outdoor more beautiful. There are various evergreen shrubs for this purpose, with some growing up to 6 ft within a year.

Here is a list of the fastest-growing shrubs to beautify your home 

• Plant trees

 

Another way to block wind in the outdoor space is by using evergreen trees to shield the wind. Having trees on your property helps to improve the value of your property. So if you live in windy areas, this is a perfect option to block wind in your space.

There are various evergreen privacy and wind blocker tree for this purpose, and they are fast-growing to provide the solution quickly within a year. Evergreen trees do not shed their leaves during winter; with this, your privacy will be intact all year.

Check out this list of the fastest-growing tree for privacy 

• Use Bamboo Screen

Using a bamboo screen is ideal for adding an aesthetic feel to your outdoor space while blocking wind and nosy neighbors. Fixing or applying these screens can be difficult, depending on the type of structure on your deck.

These screens are constructed with durability and come with high see-through while also shielding wind properly. They are usable on the deck and other outdoor areas. These screens are rollable, which means they can be used flexibly in the outdoor space.

Block off nosy neighbors with the best bamboo fence Panel 

What can I use to block the wind?

When trying to block wind outdoor, various approaches are mainly determined by the type of outdoor space and structure of your home. Knowing what will work in your space is a good advantage here.

Using an easy and convenient method to block the wind means more time lounging outdoor. Without any further ado, we will dive into the various ways to block wind in your outdoor space giving you numerous options to choose which works best for your area.

Fencing

This is one of the most popular options when trying to block wind and keep your home private simultaneously. These fences are constructed systematically to block wind and keep the home private, allowing air through the fence. This prevents the fence from falling during the gusty wind. Outdoor wind block fences can be constructed using the listed materials below.

• Wooden fence

This is a stylish option for the outdoor space; it is great for keeping the wind at bay and providing privacy to your outdoor space. However, this fence needs to be built and sealed with sturdy outdoor wood and coat for better durability. Using a wooden fence allows you to style your fence the way you want, thus enhancing the feel of your outdoor space.

• Metal fence

A metal fence is another good way to keep your outdoor space private and keep winds at bay. Metal fences can be constructed in more stylish ways to enhance the feel of your outdoor space. Also, this fence can be coated to match the existing outdoor decor.

• Bamboo fence

This is becoming a trend for those who want to create a small fence in their outdoor space. This fence is ideal for creating a barrier between two neighbors or keeping the wind at bay. The bamboo fence comes in panels that are fixed together to create an aesthetic outdoor space while serving its intended purpose.

• Brick

This is the construction of a fence using bricks and blocks. A brick fence is a permanent structure and the most durable way to keep the outdoor private and wind off. In high windy areas, a fence constructed of bricks or blocks needs to be built systematically to allow air through it for better durability.

All these options above can be complemented in different ways to make the outdoor appealing, comfortable, and suitable for use. Also, these fences are permanent structures and require adequate planning before being erected.

Hedges and Shrubs

Hedges and shrubs are plants used to create walls or fences suitable for making your home private and blocking wind off. When going for this option, you need evergreen shrubs or hedges to create that backyard oasis you have been craving.

These plants can be pruned to give a unique look to enhance the appearance of your home. Unlike other privacy screens, shrubs and hedges will help reduce noise pollution and cool your home during the hot season.

Trees

Having trees on your property help raise the value of your property. This is just one of those advantages of having trees, as they are also ideal for shielding wind and making your home private.

Not all trees can provide an all-around privacy year in and year out. So here is a list of some of the best evergreen trees for privacy, ideal for keeping weeds at bay. Some other advantages of having trees on your property include

• Raises property values
• Provide shade
• Increases resale potential
• Impresses visitors
• Reduce noise pollution
• Promotes pride in home

I hope this information clears the skepticism about planting trees on your property.

Plants and Wire Mesh Fence

If you have a mesh fence already on your property, you can complement it with some evergreen plants or vines. A Mesh fence is usually used to create property boundaries and prevent trespassers. A fence like that won’t block wind or make your home private.

But being covered with creeping plants will do well as a wind blocker and a privacy screen. Ensure these plants are evergreen to have your privacy intact all year round. Unlike other types of privacy screens and windbreakers, this screen does not require any maintenance.

Trellises

deal for blocking wind in a small outdoor area and is similar to a lattice in design. However, trellises without a creeping plant will not stop the wind well or make your space private. So it would be better to complement this panel with some evergreen vines to have your screen and privacy intact all year round.

Trellises come in different artistry patterns to enhance your outdoor space’s feel. So with this panel on your space, you are not only blocking or making it private but also improving the area.

Screened Space

This is not a DIY project as it requires planning and professional handling. Screening an outdoor space with glass and other transparent materials is an excellent way to have a comfortable outdoor living area. A screened outdoor space is free of pests, bugs, and weather elements.

This type of space will allow the containment of outdoor accessories and be usable all year round. Glass screen outdoor space can be complemented with curtains or blinds for better privacy and comfort.

Outdoor Curtains

Curtains can be used on the balcony, around the pergola, patio, and other outdoor spaces where you can hang them. They are a good and cheap way to block wind and make the outdoor space private.

Outdoor curtains are usually made of durable and weather-resistant fabric to ensure they stand the test of time. Most of these curtains are machine washable, thus enhancing the ease of maintenance. Also, they come with hooks to tie the edges when windy to prevent flapping.

Clear Vinyl Curtains

Vinyl Curtains are a visible wind blocker usable on the side of a pergola or patio or on the porch to keep the wind at bay. Unlike other screens listed here, this windbreaker will not make your outdoor space private. You need to know where the wind is coming from and install this screen to block the wind.

This wind blocker is transparent but is made of 100% UV resistant materials for better durability and is also suitable for any weather. This curtain comes with a waterproof layer to keep water away from your space.

Use Blinds

Blinds are a good option if you want to enhance your outdoor space while blocking wind and making it private. They are usable around the pergola, patio gazebo, balcony, deck, porch, and more. Blinds can be rolled up to enjoy some fine weather and rolled down during bad weather.

They are a great addition to any outdoor space they can be used. Outdoor blinds are made of durable and all-weather materials to ensure they are suitable for outdoor use to resist various weather elements.

Artificial Hedge Panels

These artificial hedge walls are a modern-day innovation made to look like the natural hedge walls but with the added advantage of no maintenance required. This is your best option if you want to add a bit of flair to your area and make it less boring.

They are made from high-quality, durable materials designed for long-term outdoor use. The foliage or greenery used is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and does not cause inconvenience. These hedge walls are barriers of artificial foliage erected to work as a blocker but qualify as decoration.

Using a Screen

A screen is another easy way to block wind in your outdoor space. There are various screens to use for this purpose, depending on the outdoor space. Screens such as retractable screens are more suitable for the deck, while railing cover is usable in every area where you have a railing. Sometimes one or more of these screens can be used together to make the area more comfortable.

How to Block Wind on a Balcony?

Balconies can be a lovely space, especially the feel of a pleasant breeze you enjoy while using the space. However, wind can become inconvenient and even throw your balcony furniture around. A balcony railing cover is ideal for blocking these winds, allowing you to enjoy the view from your balcony without the hassle of winds blowing around you and your furniture.

For better effectiveness, balcony railing covers can be complemented with blinds, curtains, or shade to block the sun and other weather elements while making the area more private. If you already have a balcony shielded from wind, here are various ways to make it private.

Will a screen block wind?

The short answer is Yes! But the long answer is a bit more complex.

It’s important to consider what type of screen you use to block the wind. Many walls will block wind, but these screens need air to pass through them to last long, especially in high windy areas. This will make the wall breathable and prevent it from falling during high wind.

For example, a screen like those used in fencing won’t be as effective at blocking the wind as a screen made of burlap or other cloth. This is because screens are less dense than fabrics.

How effective your screen is depends on its size, density, and height. For example, if you have a tall enough screen made of burlap fabric, you could probably eliminate most of the wind from your porch or deck.

Should a Fence Have Gaps for Wind?

In many situations, fences are used as protection, from keeping animals out of gardens to keeping intruders out of private property. While fences are typically built to be sturdy and keep intruders out, a gap in the fence can sometimes do just the opposite.

It is essential to consider how the fence will be used when deciding whether or not it should have gaps for wind. If the wall is meant to be an aesthetic addition, such as around a garden or patio, it may not need any gaps for wind. However, if there is a chance that wind could cause an issue with safety or privacy, then there should be gaps for wind.

Does Lattice Stop wind?

Lattice is an excellent solution for blocking and reducing wind. If you live in a windy area, you’ve likely tried several solutions to reduce the wind in your outdoor space. Let lattice help!

Lattice is an open panel design that allows for airflow while providing privacy. When installing lattice in your outdoor space, you can reduce some of the wind that comes through but still enjoy the breeze. Lattice can be used as a fence panel or supported with climbing plants.

It is easy to install and comes in various styles and materials to suit just about any taste and budget. Lattice is an affordable alternative to solid fences and walls, simultaneously providing privacy and ventilation.

The lattice should be installed on a solid frame of treated pine or cedar. Plastic lattice products won’t stand up to wind and rain as well as their wood counterparts. However, many different types of latticework can be used to create fences; some are denser than others.

The amount of wind that will be stopped depends on:

• The type of latticework used
• How many layers of lattice do you use

So if you’ve got a huge backyard that gets gusty in the fall and winter, you’ll want to consider using a lot of latticework or a denser type that won’t let the wind blow through so easily.

How do you install a windbreak?

Windbreaks are an excellent way to block wind gusts from damaging your home, but they can also become eyesores if you don’t know what you’re doing. Follow the tips below to install your windbreak correctly and create a structure that will do its job without detracting from your home’s aesthetic appeal.

• Measure your yard before you buy any materials. Ensure you leave enough room for the windbreak to sit at least two feet away from your home so it can adequately block the wind.
• Mark where you want to install the windbreak with stakes and string or spray paint if you prefer.
• Buy your materials. You will need pressure-treated wood, nails, and a hammer for a traditional wood-plank windbreak. If you’d prefer a more modern design, consider using aluminum or vinyl instead of wood and screws instead of nails.
• Install the windbreak by screwing or nailing each plank on top of the ground or a foundation made of concrete blocks or cinder blocks.