Weight Options to Keep Outdoor Curtains in Place Despite Wind Gusts

Outdoor spaces like patios, porches, and decks can be made more comfortable and usable by installing curtains. However, the wind can cause problems for outdoor curtains, blowing lightweight panels around, straining hanging hardware, and making an annoying flapping sound.

Adding weights to outdoor curtains is an excellent solution for keeping them in place despite wind gusts. Weighted curtains maintain their shape better, move less in the breeze, and resist getting blown completely sideways on blustery days. Here we'll explore the best types of weights for outdoor curtains and techniques for incorporating them.

Why Outdoor Curtains Get Tossed Around By Wind Gusts

Outdoor curtain panels used for decorative purposes or privacy are typically made of lightweight, sheer fabrics like polyester or cotton. While pretty, these fabrics move easily in a breeze and get caught by sudden wind gusts.

Wind applies force against the curtains, catching the fabric and causing it to flap or ripple. If wind gusts are strong enough, lightweight curtains can be blown completely sideways or even upside down. Curtain hardware gets strained from the pressure of winds pulling the fabric every which way.

Problems From Wind-Blown Outdoor Curtains

It's not just an annoyance having your outdoor curtains blow around on blustery days. Significant issues can arise:

• Fabric tears or rips from the excessive motion and force
• Metal grommets become bent and pull away from fabric
• Curtain hardware gets damaged or broken
• The constant flapping creates noise pollution
• Blowing fabric leads to loss of privacy as curtains open
• Overall look is unattractive as panels blow sideways

Solutions For Keeping Outdoor Curtains In Place

Luckily there are solutions for taking on pesky winds and keeping your outdoor curtains stationary despite gusts. Here are effective techniques and products for weighing down fabric panels outside:

Add Weights to Curtains

The most straightforward approach is to directly weigh down the curtains themselves. This can be done by:

• Sewing tiny pockets into the bottom hem, header, or sides of the curtains. Then insert weights into the pockets to hold the panels down.
• Using precut weighted tape made of poly pellets to sew into the bottom hem for stability.
• Placing weights along the sides rather than just at the bottom to keep curtain shape.

The amount of weight needed depends on curtain size/density. For medium weight fabric panels, plan on 1/2 pound per linear foot. More shear fabrics may need 3/4 lb per foot. Divide total weight into multiple pockets.

Hang With Specialty Hardware

Rather than weighing down just the curtains themselves, you can also utilize heavy-duty hanging hardware to keep entire panels from swaying:

• Install specialty ceiling-mounted curtain tracks designed for outdoor use and heavier fabrics.
• Choose curtain rods meant for outdoor spaces , which are corrosive-resistant and can handle weight.
• Use multiple support hooks and rings to distribute weight appropriately across panels.

This type of hardware is made to withstand wind pressure from curtain fabrics pushing and pulling.

Tensioning Systems Keep Fabrics Taut

Tensioning systems are also very effective wind solutions for outdoor curtains. This approach uses aircraft cables or nylon ropes to keep panels pulled tight, preventing blowing, swaying, or billowing:

• Cables attach to both ends of rod and keep continuous tension.
• Works well for large or multiple curtain panels.
• More complex installation but keeps fabrics taut.

For spaces with frequent heavy winds, a tensioning system is worth the effort for smooth, tight, and controlled curtains.

Shield Curtains from Direct Wind

Deflecting wind is another option instead of weighing down the curtains themselves. Techniques involve strategically installing structures to block or redirect winds:

• Position tall wind barrier like trellis or lattice to deflect gusts.
• Mount exterior curtain valence over panels to protect from winds.
• Close mesh outdoor side screens when winds exceed safe threshold.

The key is analyzing wind direction and mounting barriers at optimal angles for protection.

Material and Design Considerations

In addition to weighting and shielding methods, the actual material and design of outdoor curtains also plays a role in wind resistance:

• Select durable outdoor fabric like vinyl, polyester, acrylic.
• Hang multiple lighter layers rather than one dense panel.
• Choose tab top construction rather than rod pocket for stability.
• Install wind sensor and motorized system to automatically retract curtains when gusts get too high.

Space permitting, hanging side screens and lighter main curtains lets winds pass through while maintaining privacy and decoration.

Recommended Weight Types for Outdoor Curtains

To pin down specific products, here are the best kinds of weights for keeping outdoor curtains grounded in wind gusts:

Metal Weights

Metal barbell weights, fishing weights, metallic beads, and galvanized nails all work well distributed in curtain pockets. Aim for rust-resistant metals like galvanized iron, zinc, aluminum, or brass.

Plastic Weights

From pellet-filled pouches to molded plastic blocks, waterproof plastic weights are lighter but still stabilize outdoor panels. Great for curtains hung from wrought iron rods.

Sand Weights

For a DIY approach, fill small fabric pouches with sand then sew to bottom hem or sides of curtains. Secure tightly so sand doesn't leak. Washable sandbags can easily be made from socks or scrap fabric.

Other Heavy Materials

In addition to metal, plastic, and sand pocket weights, you can also incorporate glass beads, marbles, stones/pebbles, or lead-free ammunition pellets for weighting outdoor curtain panels.

Guidelines for Properly Weighing Outdoor Curtains

To successfully keep outdoor curtains still in wind gusts, follow these best practices for adding and positioning weights:

Weight Distribution

• Space weights evenly, every 6 to 12 inches along bottom hem or header.
• Also place weights at sides, not just bottom edge.
• Use enough small weights to distribute weight appropriately.

Amount of Weight Needed

• Medium-weight fabric: 1/2 pound per linear foot
• Light/sheer fabric: 1/2 to 1 pound per linear foot
• Heavy outdoor fabric: 1/4 pound per linear foot

Method of Securing

• Sew closed pockets, compartments, or hems tightly.
• Secure ties, hooks, rings, or velcro tightly to hold weights.
• Check attachment points regularly for wear/tear.

Distributing many small weights protects the entire curtain panel from winds, not just the very bottom. Secure them well!

Special care and maintenance is required for outdoor curtains, ensuring weights remain effective and fabrics withstand elements:

• Inspect for damage after periods of high winds or storms.
• Check condition of grommets, rings, rods, and other hardware.
• Replace individual weights as needed if they become detached.
• Periodically wash curtains according to manufacturer instructions.

Make timely repairs to any broken components or tearing fabrics before problems worsen. Well-cared for weighted outdoor curtains maintain their beauty and wind resistance for many years.

Don't let frustrating winds spoil your outdoor living space! With the right curtain materials, weighting strategies, and shields, you can decoratively block weather and nosy neighbors despite blustery conditions. Weighted curtains prevent annoying flapping noise, maintain privacy, and look neat even on the gustiest of days.