How do you protect your terrace?

4 March 2022

A real transition between the house and the garden, the terrace is particularly pleasant in summer. Nevertheless, as it is subject to the elements, it needs to be maintained. This task can quickly become a chore. So it’s a good idea to limit the impact of external conditions. Here are all the solutions you need to protect your terrace and preserve as much of its original appearance as possible.

 

Why is it important to protect your terrace?

The terrace is the ideal place to enjoy the sun and the warm weather in complete tranquillity. However, depending on the building materials used, this area can be particularly vulnerable to climatic hazards.

Rain, snow, frost and even the sun’s rays can damage and tarnish it. Unprotected garden furniture is also susceptible to rapid deterioration. So, to keep your outdoor spaces in good condition, there are several options open to you.

How do you protect your terrace?

If your terrace is in the open air, it should be maintained regularly with suitable products. It goes without saying that this maintenance can be more or less demanding.

Wood decking

Maintaining your wood deck will vary according to your budget and needs. However, to maintain a wood deck effectively, it’s important to follow a few basic rules. First of all, we recommend that you regularly clean your wood deck with a hose and a soft brush. This removes dirt, leaves and food residues that can accumulate on your patio.

Next, it’s important to protect your wood deck with a specific treatment product. There are several types of product on the market to protect wood, such as oils, stains, varnishes and woodstains. Each type of product has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide which is best suited to the wood of your deck.

The stone terrace

Similarly, fora stone terrace, cleaning is always advisable, especially in the off-season when dead leaves accumulate. It’s important toapply a water-repellent treatment to your stone terrace. This will help repel water and prevent stains from becoming embedded in the stone’s pores.

If you notice any cracks or damage on the surface of the stones, you must repair them immediately. Use mortar or stone putty to fill cracks and damage.

Maintenance frequency

Whether your deck is made of wood or stone, we recommend that you treat it at least once a year to protect it effectively from the elements and UV rays. If your terrace is very exposed to sun, wind or rain, you can increase the frequency of treatment to ensure better protection.

Sustainable alternatives

To make things easier for you, there are more durable solutions available to protect a terrace from the vagaries of the weather. In fact, it can be housed under a fixed installation modular installationsuch as a pergola or retractable veranda

You can also opt for a glass or polycarbonate roof to protect your terrace from UV rays and rain. A glass or polycarbonate roof can be installed in a fixed or mobile manner, depending on your preferences and the needs of your terrace.

The pergola: solid protection and a cosy decorating space

More resistant and protective than a parasol, a pergola is an elegant way to protect your outdoor spaces and garden furniture. What’s more, it creates a cosy living space outside your house or apartment. A pergola can also be installed on a balcony.

Thanks to its retractable roof, you’re protected from the sun and rain. It is sometimes possible to add sliding side walls along the structure to increase this protection, especially in windy conditions.

You then have plenty of time to place decorations, awnings and furniture under the pergola. This way, you can make the most of your garden in summer and in cooler weather.

The pergola with adjustable slats

If you prefer
adjustable slats
than a conventional roof, you could opt for a bioclimatic pergola. In this case, you orient the slats according to the weather to adjust ventilation and sunlight on the terrace.

Terrace shelters or how to enjoy your outdoors all year round

To transform your terrace into a real extra room, you can choose a retractable shelter or a bioclimatic veranda. This term refers to the fact that it adapts to the climate thanks to its telescopic structure.

This modular terrace cover is a two-in-one solution: when open, it takes up very little space, leaving your terrace free to enjoy the sun’s rays; when closed, it protects your outdoor installations from the elements. This allows you to place more fragile furniture.

 

In conclusion

In our regions, terraces and garden furniture are subject to variable climatic conditions. Without more or less regular maintenance or adequate protection, they risk deteriorating.

If you want to make life easier for yourself, there are effective, long-lasting solutions for protecting your terrace.

First of all, a pergola is a sturdier structure than an umbrella, which you can modulate to suit your needs, adding side walls and an awning if required. Secondly, the retractable patio enclosure offers complete protection for your outdoor spaces, while providing a genuine additional living space.

Both solutions can be integrated into the terrace of your home or the balcony of an apartment.

 

The advantages of VERANDAIR products: good value for money

At VERANDAIR, we design shelters that are aesthetically pleasing, easy to use and robust. They are made of aluminum, a lightweight, renewable material that is highly resistant to corrosion. Our products come with a 15-year warranty, for total peace of mind.

New VERANDAIR® brochure

Download our brochure and discover our range of retractable patio covers to enjoy your outdoors all year round. You’ll also find examples and advice on how to choose the right patio enclosure!

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