How to enjoy your balcony in the rainy season

andrewjburing andrewjburing
Greensleeves, DUA Architecture LLP DUA Architecture LLP Modern style balcony, porch & terrace
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One of the problems of living on an island, rather than in a landlocked country, is the fact that you are completely surrounded by water. While this is great for all those hot summers, when the only thing that you want to go to the beach and relax, the moment monsoon season starts, you may as well be living in the constantly rainy caricature of England.

While there are some rain lovers out there, and let's be honest, a bit of rain is always a nice way to cool down, we can all agree that enjoying your balcony during the rainy season can be a challenge, to say the least. However, there are ways of dealing with it. One of the key things to remember is that, while we may not like long days filled with rain, our green leafy friends will be loving every second of it. Yet another trick is securing your balcony from being affected by the elements. 

Which ever way you wish to enjoy the season, below are some ideas, as to what you can do with your balcony during this period of time.

Let your plants enjoy the season

Even though you can't enjoy the balcony anymore, doesn't mean that others things can't. Potted plants are a great way to bring some life into your balcony, and the rainy season is the perfect time have them take over. Keep an eye out on the weather forecast, and once the rainy spells start, store all your furniture in the house and bring the plants into the front. 

Ensure that all the pots are strong enough to endure powerful winds and either re-plant, or bring inside the smaller plants. Also, to ensure the safety of your plants, anything taller than the balcony edge should be tied down to the railing, to make certain that it won't fall. Once completed, this will create a one of a kind jungle effect right outside your window that will make the rainy season more enjoyable.

Have your balcony go green

On a similar note, if you can't find enough space to place your potted plants, the easiest thing to do may be a little outside the box. Turning your balcony into a small garden is as easy as laying down a foundation of dirt and then rolling out the carpet of grass. Be sure to measure your balcony first so that you get the exact amount ready to go.

While you have to make sure to water your little garden every day during the hot summers, monsoon season is a great time to relax and watch it bloom. During this time, it will be up to you to ensure that new weeds don't get into your garden. When it stops raining, remember to cut the grass, so as not to let your garden get out of hand.

Adding some awning

To ensure the continued use of your balcony, even well into the rainy season, one of the possibilities is installing some awning. First, make sure you have the correct length and width of the balcony so that the awning will cover the entirety of it. Just to be on the safe side, make it slightly larger so that during heavier rain, you'll still be covered.

Following that, pick the pattern and design that will best suit your home and install the awning right above the entrance to the balcony. Make sure to bring your power tools as you will most likely need to drill into the foundation to secure the awning. If you live in an apartment, make sure to clear everything with the owner, or have them send someone to install it. Once complete, you should be able to spend most rainy days outside with a hot beverage of your choice.

Turn your balcony into a bubble

However, if you wish to go a bit more design heavy, and spend a bit more money, you can contract an architect and have them turn your balcony into your personal bubble. This will be done by having them extend the roof over the balcony. After that, installing shutters that can be pulled down, will ensure that you can use the balcony in any weather. 

As an added bonus, replacing the original railing with glass panes will let you watch the rain go by as you relax in the warmth of your home. While more expensive than the awning, this choice will allow you to maintain the style of your home and offer more protection against some the heavier storms.

You can still go for a swim

While this may seem strange, hear us out. Even though you won't be able to us the pool during the worst of the rain, during a mild drizzle, the pool will still remain a great way to stretch your muscles and relax after a long day. 

Adding a pool to the balcony will most certainly be costly and require the work of a skilled architect, but if you can afford it, then it's a great addition to your life, as it save you the trouble of leaving your home. In addition to that, due to it being on the balcony, the chances of you having to clear out stray leave are at a minimum.

And, if you can't wait for the summer to begin and are already planning a few changes, then this guide will give you some great ideas on how to improve your balcony for those warm, lazy days.

How do you deal with the rain? Any previous experience with any of our tips? Feel free to share your ideas below!

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