Side panels onto a wooden structure lean-to

Recently we manufactured and installed these waterproof side curtains onto this customers lean-to structure. The main purpose and requirements was to enclose the structure to create a useable outdoor room in cold and wet weather, but still be able to completely roll up all curtains in summer months, Hence our waterproof side curtains are the ideal solution.

The below image shows the structure before installation, and you will notice a post had been added within the larger opening (which was over 3.7m in width). Whilst we could have manufactured one large curtain for this opening, due to the size and exposure we would never recommend having a zipped doorway as part of a curtain at this size. Therefore we added a post to create a separate smaller doorway opening. It was very important to ensure the post was secure, which is why we neatly cut out the tiles at ground level, dropped in the post, concreted it in place, and bolted it in place at the top.

Design

For this larger opening it was much better for longevity and practicality to keep the doorway curtain separate, and since the doorway was only around 90cm in width we designed this curtain with keder tracks/zips each side. Whilst usually we advise against this design onto wooden structures, since it is a much smaller opening and it was installed with lots of “body” onto the face of the posts, it can be much more practical for use, and with correct installation is ideal for this purpose.

All other side curtains were designed with eyelets/shock cord/cleats each side, as this design is much better for larger curtains especially when installing onto wooden structures which can be more prone to movement over time. Since the elasticated shock cord is used to lace and tension the curtains in place, a lot of the stress and pressure put onto the side curtains is absorbed within the shock cord, and allows natural movement. Using this method also means that when curtains are rolled up, it is only the cleats which are left visible.

Creating an outdoor room with Side panels

These waterproof side panels now allows use of the lean-to structure all year round. As you can see below, the large clear windows keeps lots of light coming inside, and upholds the feeling of sitting with nature.

As you can see from above, the two outer side panels landing over the balustrade also featured eyelets and shock cord to lace down over the cleats; Whilst this is not always necessary, it can be beneficial for much larger curtains such as these. Of course, we also ensured that the clear window landed above the balustrade, and had a decent 15cm overlapping, so that the pocket was fully over too.

Side Panel with doggy flap

You may notice the extra 2 clips and straps lower down on the doorway side curtain – This was for the beautiful ‘Sky’ (the dog) to use for easy access to and from the garden. Whilst this is something we do not normally quote for as standard, it can be a very handy addition. But it is very important when having the extra clips/straps below that this curtain is never rolled up too tight (as it is not good to squish the clips/straps too hard within the roll. Since this customer also had a hot tub inside the structure, they also intend to use the side curtain doggy flap for allowing some ventilation whilst the hot tub is on.