Looking for ways to cut back on a windy backyard gazebo

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Jul 17th, 2021 9:52 am

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Jul 11th, 2021 3:02 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 11th, 2021 3:02 pm

Looking for ways to cut back on a windy backyard gazebo

I didn't think about this when I built my deck and gazebo, but after spending time in it, my area and city is windy on most days. NOTE : I do not want to install a fence or cedars - maybe in the future, but not now.

I am looking for ways to cut back on the wind so I can enjoy my outdoor space in the gazebo

Things I have tried :
1) blackout curtains - they just blow inwards with the wind
2) Rolled bamboo curtains - they might redirect the wind, but does not noticeable cut it down

I was going to buy some bamboo fencing - thicker stuff, but I cannot seem to find it - must for a covid shortage.
So I am looking for something for the Gazebo that others have tried and works. Thanks in advance!

20 replies

Jul 11th, 2021 4:04 pm

jdmfishingonly: Deal Fanatic; Oct 13, 2008; 7119 posts; 3638 upvotes; Durham

Jul 11th, 2021 4:04 pm

Build a solid wall

16'x11' Living Room 11' Cathedral Ceiling. Hisense 65Q8G. Denon AVR-S740H 7.2 setup. Jamo Classic 10 280W Towers - FR+FL; Polk S35 - Center; Klipsch R51M - RR+RL; Klipsch R14M - Dolby FHR+FHL; Polk HTS10 Subwoofer x2. Unlocked Android Boxes from Taiwan x2

+2

Jul 11th, 2021 4:50 pm

Fraser River Rat: Deal Addict; Mar 4, 2007; 2288 posts; 463 upvotes; Vancouver

Jul 11th, 2021 4:50 pm

Hi,

Install sliding glass panels or hinged casement window panels in 3/4 of the gazebo openings. This is going to be expensive unless you can find used window panels of the right size. If the gazebo view isn't necessary, put in removeable plywood panels in the openings.

Jul 11th, 2021 7:08 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 11th, 2021 7:08 pm

The plywood panel sounds interesting, any images of what you mean?
I was also thinking about this, but the wind-load might be too much for it :

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Alion-Home-H ... /454383526

They are called balcony screens or something similar to that.

Jul 11th, 2021 7:33 pm

middleofnowhere: Deal Addict; Dec 6, 2020; 1074 posts; 1235 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 7:33 pm

Cheap and temporary: attach a large tarp to the upwind openings in the side of the gazebo. Secure all four sides of the tarp to something solid. You may need to cover more than just the most windward openings to prevent the wind from swirling around the tarp and into the gazebo.

A more permanent solution along similar lines would be to use cut-to-size canvas panels instead of a tarp. If being able to see out of the gazebo is important, clear vinyl curtains are an option.

I suggest you start with a tarp to see how much of the gazebo must be enclosed to reduce the wind to acceptable levels, then buy canvas, vinyl, or something similar, for a permanent windbreak.

+1

Jul 11th, 2021 7:53 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 11th, 2021 7:53 pm

The wind is pretty strong, I don't think canvas or curtains will do - that is why maybe some temp wood panels might work, maybe like a fence.

Jul 11th, 2021 9:20 pm

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 25708 posts; 25255 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Jul 11th, 2021 9:20 pm

middleofnowhere wrote: ↑ Cheap and temporary: attach a large tarp to the upwind openings in the side of the gazebo. Secure all four sides of the tarp to something solid. You may need to cover more than just the most windward openings to prevent the wind from swirling around the tarp and into the gazebo.

A more permanent solution along similar lines would be to use cut-to-size canvas panels instead of a tarp. If being able to see out of the gazebo is important, clear vinyl curtains are an option.

I suggest you start with a tarp to see how much of the gazebo must be enclosed to reduce the wind to acceptable levels, then buy canvas, vinyl, or something similar, for a permanent windbreak.

This

Another vote for tarping as a temporary measure
We used to tarp the sides / walls of our gazebo for winter use
Before we bought a winter gazebo kit = https://www.rona.ca/en/sojag-winter-cov ... -330727491

To tarp your gazebo … you’ll need several tarps, heavy duty … with grommet holes
One dimension of the tarps need to equal the approximate height of your gazebo … floor to curtain rail
And heavy duty zip ties
Then it’s a matter of zip tieing the tarps into place
Use bungee cords to increase tension on the ends (bungeed to any of the 4 corner posts)

This technique does require a well constructed steel or wood framed gazebo
Won’t work on a flimsy aluminum framed gazebo

Jul 11th, 2021 9:39 pm

middleofnowhere: Deal Addict; Dec 6, 2020; 1074 posts; 1235 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 9:39 pm

Vinyl curtains are very substantial, flexible, plastic sheets. In this application they would need to be securely attached on all four sides of each opening, not hung from a top rail. With tensile strength on the order of 400 psi, the rest of the gazebo would blow over long before the vinyl would fail.

Heavy weight (i.e. 18oz) canvas is used to make sails for sailing ships. Secure all four sides but be prepared to take the canvas down if a wind storm is expected.

+1

Jul 11th, 2021 10:36 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 11th, 2021 10:36 pm

Yes that is true. I guess I am looking for a solution that lets some air flow in and doesn't completely prevent it. This is going to put a lot of wind load on the gazebo if it completely prevents it from letting wind pass through, so that is why I was thinking about the wood panels or something similar.

Jul 11th, 2021 10:45 pm

hierophant: Deal Fanatic; Feb 4, 2010; 7027 posts; 6848 upvotes

Jul 11th, 2021 10:45 pm

The tarp is a bad idea IMO. It's really noisy and will also disrupt the neighbours (I speak from experience- my neighbour put up tarp over the winter to keep the snow and rain out

and I had to hear it flap all winter long inside the house) not to mention it's unsightly.

Jul 11th, 2021 10:52 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 11th, 2021 10:52 pm

The gazebo is 10 x 10, so I am trying to figure out a way to use either fence boards to go across the opening or something similar. The gaps in the fence board should let enough wind go through that it isn't a complete sail.
Maybe something like this,
https://i1.wp.com/eastsidefence.com/wp- ... C800&ssl=1

Jul 11th, 2021 11:12 pm

at1212b: Deal Guru; Mar 31, 2008; 12910 posts; 3004 upvotes; Toronto

Jul 11th, 2021 11:12 pm

netrate wrote: ↑ The gazebo is 10 x 10, so I am trying to figure out a way to use either fence boards to go across the opening or something similar. The gaps in the fence board should let enough wind go through that it isn't a complete sail.
Maybe something like this,
https://i1.wp.com/eastsidefence.com/wp- ... C800&ssl=1

Is it often coming from one direction?

Jul 12th, 2021 12:52 am

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 25708 posts; 25255 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Jul 12th, 2021 12:52 am

hierophant wrote: ↑ The tarp is a bad idea IMO. It's really noisy and will also disrupt the neighbours (I speak from experience- my neighbour put up tarp over the winter to keep the snow and rain out and I had to hear it flap all winter long inside the house) not to mention it's unsightly.

Sounds like they did a p!ss poor job securing it if it’s flapping noisely

Jul 12th, 2021 12:55 am

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 25708 posts; 25255 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Jul 12th, 2021 12:55 am

netrate wrote: ↑ The gazebo is 10 x 10, so I am trying to figure out a way to use either fence boards to go across the opening or something similar. The gaps in the fence board should let enough wind go through that it isn't a complete sail.
Maybe something like this,
https://i1.wp.com/eastsidefence.com/wp- ... C800&ssl=1

This is ideal …
But I wouldn’t be looking to attach it to the gazebo
I would be looking to install it as a standalone fence / screen unit

Permanent solution … but not cheap

+1

Jul 12th, 2021 10:00 am

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 12th, 2021 10:00 am

It is only coming from one direction.
The privacy fence would have to be temporary and brought into the garage or shed during the winter. I would need 10 foot PT boards though and that can be expensive.

Jul 12th, 2021 12:21 pm

gr8dlr: Deal Expert; Sep 1, 2005; 20376 posts; 15709 upvotes; Markham

Jul 12th, 2021 12:21 pm

netrate wrote: ↑ Yes that is true. I guess I am looking for a solution that lets some air flow in and doesn't completely prevent it. This is going to put a lot of wind load on the gazebo if it completely prevents it from letting wind pass through, so that is why I was thinking about the wood panels or something similar.

Louvered wall.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/flexfe ... 1000117979

The link is for the hardware. The wood is extra but it's only 1x6 's that you need.

If you create a frame for it out of 2x __ you can move it with moving dolly's.

We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

Failure is always an option...just not the preferred one!

+2

Jul 12th, 2021 8:11 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 12th, 2021 8:11 pm

Very nice catch! Thanks for the link.

Jul 13th, 2021 8:28 am

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 25708 posts; 25255 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Jul 13th, 2021 8:28 am

gr8dlr wrote: ↑ Louvered wall.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/flexfe ... 1000117979

The link is for the hardware. The wood is extra but it's only 1x6 's that you need.

If you create a frame for it out of 2x __ you can move it with moving dolly's.

I thought of that product as well.

It is quite versatile as shown on the HD website … be it used as a wall for a structure *, a fence, or a screen.

Not 100% sure why OP feels they need something portable if it comes down to using wood.

Personally I would opt for something permanent.

Install it once and be done

* PS … loving that hot tub set up.
Maybe next time round. Lol

+1

Jul 14th, 2021 3:03 pm

netrate [OP]: Member; Dec 21, 2009; 310 posts; 44 upvotes; niagara

Jul 14th, 2021 3:03 pm

I agree as well, but my gazebo might be moved at some point so I prefer something I can break down with ease.
I have also found the louvers at both Lee Valley and home hardware - both are cheaper for some reason :

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/4-black- ... /p/2611725

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/ha ... em=01S1510

Any ideas why homedepot might be more expensive?

Jul 15th, 2021 1:33 am

PointsHubby: Deal Expert; Feb 7, 2017; 25708 posts; 25255 upvotes; Eastern Ontario

Jul 15th, 2021 1:33 am

netrate wrote: ↑ I agree as well, but my gazebo might be moved at some point so I prefer something I can break down with ease.
I have also found the louvers at both Lee Valley and home hardware - both are cheaper for some reason :

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/4-black- ... /p/2611725

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/ha ... em=01S1510

Any ideas why homedepot might be more expensive?

Home Depot is American
So most items are gonna be shipped in from the USA

Lee Valley is Cdn
Lee Valley actually manufacturers a lot of the tools / hardware they sell

Honestly if I had to choose between these 2
I’d go with Lee Valley … cuz it’s Cdn, and they definitely make & sell quality products

+1

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