A retractable (opening) glass roof is a glass roof whose insulated glass panels slide into one another by motor. It lets light in when closed and ventilates the space when open. It needs a slope of at least 15%, one motor drives up to 30 m², and as the glass is bonded there are no panel gaskets.
Short answer
A retractable glass roof (also called an opening or automatic glass roof) is a glass roof system in which usually 3 or 4 insulated glass panels slide into one another by motor. Closed, it lets daylight in and works like a winter garden; open, the space returns to the open air. It opens to any position by remote.
How does it work?
- The panels slide on rails by motor and stack into each other; the roof can open in ratios such as 4/3, 3/2 or 1/2.
- It works by remote control and can be stopped at any point.
- It works on a drainage principle: rainwater is led by the slope to the gutter and drain.
- As panels can be opened one by one, cleaning the glass inside and out is easy.
Technical details
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Roof slope | At least 15% |
| Frame spacing | Up to 150 cm |
| Panel width | Up to 1250 mm |
| System length | Minimum 2000 mm, maximum 6000 mm |
| Motor | One motor drives up to 30 m² |
| Main beam | Aluminium up to 4 m; steel beams for longer spans |
| Glass | Tempered and laminated insulated glass, resistant to snow load. Tinted, reflective glass or polycarbonate options |
| Glass fixing | Glass is bonded; no gaskets between panels |
| Overall size | No limit; units are added side by side |
| Finish | Natural anodised or RAL powder coating |
| Accessories | Stainless |
| Warranty | 2 years; extended with regular servicing |
Does a retractable glass roof leak?
No. The system works on a drainage principle and comes with a no-leak warranty. A key reason is how the glass is fixed: on a retractable glass roof the glass is bonded to the panels, with no gaskets between panels. On gasketed glass-panel roofs the gasket hardens over time and starts to leak (why does a winter garden leak?); a retractable glass roof does not have this problem in that way. A slope of at least 15% is essential.
Fixed or retractable glass roof?
| Fixed glass roof | Retractable glass roof | |
|---|---|---|
| Does the roof open? | No | Yes, by motor to any position |
| Ventilation | Through the sides | Through the roof too |
| Mechanism | None | Motor, rails and remote |
| Glass | Gasketed panels | Bonded, no panel gaskets |
| Best for | Winter gardens and verandas kept closed | Pools, restaurants and terraces where the roof opens in summer |
More: what is a fixed glass roof? Compared with louvred and panel roofs: bioclimatic pergola, rolling roof or glass roof?
Where is it used?
- Pool enclosures
- Café and restaurant terraces
- Home terraces, gardens and winter gardens
When the sides are closed with guillotine glass, sliding or folding glass, you get a year-round space.
Things to know
- Summer sun: when closed the sun comes straight in; open the roof or add a motorised Sky Zip roof blind underneath.
- Winter moisture: when heating the enclosed space we recommend a dehumidifying air conditioner, not stoves or infrared (how to heat a winter garden).
- Power and servicing: it is motorised; regular servicing extends its life (warranty and care).
- Permits: it is a permanent structure; in apartment buildings check the management plan and ask your municipality for a firm answer (permit guide).
As an authorised Albert Genau manufacturing dealer, SkyArt Group builds winter gardens and glass roof systems in Istanbul with its own team, from survey to installation. To see whether a retractable or fixed glass roof suits your space, request a free survey.
