Privacy Screens in Melbourne: Balcony, Window, Rooftop and Pool Screens in Aluminium

Melbourne homes are closer together than ever. A new balcony, a rooftop terrace or a big upstairs window can bring in light and views, but it can also leave you feeling on show. A well-designed privacy screen fixes that without boxing you in, while keeping light and air moving.

At Latitude Fencing & Gates we design, fabricate and install aluminium privacy screens for balconies, windows, rooftop terraces and pool areas across Melbourne. Here is how to choose the right screen.

What is a privacy screen?

A privacy screen is a panel of aluminium slats, louvres or battens that limits the view into (or out of) an outdoor space or a window. Unlike a balustrade, its main job is not to stop a fall. Its job is to give you privacy, shade and a cleaner look. Many homes have both: a balustrade along the edge of a balcony or terrace, and a screen on the side that faces the neighbours or the street.

Where privacy screens work best

Balcony privacy screens

Balconies are often overlooked from the side. A screen at one or both ends of the balcony gives you a private corner for a table and chairs while keeping the front open to the view. Screens can also be planned alongside a new balustrade so posts, colours and fixings line up.

Rooftop terrace screens

Rooftop terraces often look straight across at other roofs and windows. Aluminium slat screens fixed along the parapet wall, like the job above, add height and privacy without feeling heavy. The gaps let breeze through, which matters on an exposed roof.

Window privacy screens

Upstairs windows that face a neighbour or a busy street can be screened from the outside with fixed aluminium louvres. The blades are angled to block the direct line of sight while still letting daylight in, so you do not have to keep the blinds shut all day. Some new homes and extensions also have screening requirements on their planning permit; if yours does, bring the drawings to the site measure and we will design around them.

Pool area screens

Around a pool, a screen can hide the pool equipment, block a view from next door or give a sunbathing area some shelter. Any screen near the pool needs to work with the pool barrier, not against it, so it should be planned together with your pool fencing. We will talk through the layout with you on site.

Choosing a screen style

Most aluminium privacy screens use one of three styles.

• Horizontal slats: Flat slats running side to side with a set gap. Clean, modern and very popular on rooftops and balconies. See our aluminium horizontal slat range.

• Louvres: Angled blades that block the direct view but let light and air through. A great choice for windows and for spaces that need more privacy. See aluminium louvres.

• Vertical battens: Upright battens that suit taller, narrow openings and modern facades. See vertical battens.

A smaller gap gives more privacy; a wider gap gives a lighter look and more airflow. At the site measure we can show you samples so you can judge the balance for yourself.

Matching screens to your fence and gates

One of the best things about aluminium is that screens can match the rest of the property. The louvre screens in the photo above sit over a matching louvre fence and gate, so the whole front reads as one design. Screens are powder coated, and you can choose from a wide range of colours, including Colorbond-style colours, to tie in with window frames, gutters, cladding or your front fence.

If you are also planning a new driveway gate, it is worth designing it at the same time. We build sliding, swing and telescopic gates, and bi-fold gates are one of our specialties. See our driveway gates.

Why aluminium for privacy screens?

• Low maintenance: Powder-coated aluminium does not need painting or oiling, and a hose-down keeps it looking clean.

• Light but strong: Aluminium is easy to fix to walls, parapets, posts and balcony structures.

• Weather resistant: It will not rot, warp or split, which suits exposed balconies and rooftops.

• Made to measure: Every screen is built to suit your opening, height and style.

Prefer the warmth of timber? We also build timber screening.

How Latitude plans your screen

Every job starts with a free site measure. We look at the space, what you want to screen, how the screen will be fixed, and how it will sit with the house. Then we send you a written quote for the work your property needs. We fabricate and install the screens ourselves, and our work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a privacy screen and a balustrade?

A balustrade is a safety barrier along the edge of a stair, deck, balcony or terrace. A privacy screen limits the view into a space or window. Many homes use both, and we can design them to match.

Which screen style gives the most privacy?

Louvres and close-gap slats give the most privacy. Wider-gap slats and battens feel lighter and more open. We can show you samples at the site measure so you can compare.

Can privacy screens be fitted to an existing balcony or rooftop?

Often, yes. It depends on what the screen can be fixed to, such as a wall, parapet, slab or existing posts. We check this at the free site measure before we quote.

Will a screen make my balcony or room darker?

Not as much as you might think. Slats and louvres are spaced, and louvre blades angled, so daylight still gets in.

How much does a privacy screen cost?

Every screen is custom, so the price depends on the size, style, fixing method and colour. Latitude quotes after a free site measure, so you get a written quote for your actual space.

Get a quote for your privacy screens

Ready to make your balcony, rooftop, windows or pool area more private? Book a free site measure and a written quote at latitudefencing.com.au. We will help you choose the right style and colour, and our work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.