This is an offshoot of CohibaChick's thread about smoking in the winter up here in Canada. Didn't want to thread jack or have this get lost in the topic. So my idea to winter proof the balcony, therefore making it safe, easy and protected from the elements so we can light some stogies out there this winter is as follows:
The balcony is surrounded on three walls (floor and ceiling too) with concrete with only the front side open. We figured on making a makeshift 'greenhouse' wall to cover the open side. I was thinking pvc/abs piping to make a large rectangle (the size of the open balcony side) then support that with more piping against the inside wall. Then attach to the outside of the rectangle heavy duty clear plastic that we came across in the hardware store. I was thinking pvc/abs piping over wood for durability to the wet/cold and flexibility as the plastic sheeting would catch alot of wind if it's blowing the right way. Did price out abs piping at the hardware store; pvc seemed to be non-existent. Between the pipes needed and the connecting joints it would be quite expensive so we might go with 2x2's. My only worry is they may break in a high wind once it drops to -20c or so. Might look into 2x4's but trying to do everything to keep the costs down. Any suggestions?
The balcony is surrounded on three walls (floor and ceiling too) with concrete with only the front side open. We figured on making a makeshift 'greenhouse' wall to cover the open side. I was thinking pvc/abs piping to make a large rectangle (the size of the open balcony side) then support that with more piping against the inside wall. Then attach to the outside of the rectangle heavy duty clear plastic that we came across in the hardware store. I was thinking pvc/abs piping over wood for durability to the wet/cold and flexibility as the plastic sheeting would catch alot of wind if it's blowing the right way. Did price out abs piping at the hardware store; pvc seemed to be non-existent. Between the pipes needed and the connecting joints it would be quite expensive so we might go with 2x2's. My only worry is they may break in a high wind once it drops to -20c or so. Might look into 2x4's but trying to do everything to keep the costs down. Any suggestions?