A fixed glass roof (veranda) is a non-opening glass roof built over a terrace, balcony or winter garden. Laminated, argon-filled insulated glass sits on aluminium beams and needs a slope of at least 15%. As gaskets harden over time, regular maintenance is essential.
Short answer
A fixed glass roof, also called a veranda, is a glass roof that does not move. It covers a terrace, balcony or garden; when the sides are glazed too, it becomes a year-round winter garden. Having no mechanism makes it simple, but summer heat, winter moisture and gasket care should be planned from the start.
What is a fixed glass roof made of?
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame and beams | All-aluminium frame; purpose-designed 100 × 160 aluminium profiles |
| Roof profile | Purpose-designed aluminium SKY50 |
| Glass | 4+4 laminated glass, argon-filled insulated glass and 6 mm tempered Sunenergy glass |
| Slope | At least 15% |
| Drainage | Water collects in the front gutter profile; the posts also act as downpipes |
| Profile finish | RAL powder coating; wood grain by lamination or transfer printing |
| Sides | Folding glass, insulated sliding glass or guillotine glass |
| Warranty | 2 years; extended with regular servicing |
Fixed glass roof or opening roof?
| Fixed glass roof | Opening roofs | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | None; the roof stays closed | A retractable glass roof, rolling roof or bioclimatic pergola opens by motor |
| Ventilation | Through opening glass on the sides | Through the roof as well |
| Mechanism | No motor or electronics; simpler | Motor, remote and moving parts |
| Best for | Winter gardens and verandas kept closed | Those who want to open the roof in summer |
Opening roofs compared: bioclimatic pergola, rolling roof or glass roof?
Three things to know
1. Summer heat
The best-known drawback of a glass roof is direct summer sun. The answer is a motorised Sky Zip roof blind under the glass (Sky Zip guide).
2. Winter moisture and condensation
If humidity is not controlled while heating, the glass mists up. We recommend a dehumidifying air conditioner; we do not recommend stoves, infrared or dry-air blowers (how to heat a winter garden).
3. Gasket care
Glass-panel roofs are trouble-free in the early years, but weather, sun and hot–cold swings harden the gaskets between panels, which can fail within 2 years at the latest. This applies to gasketed glass-panel roofs; a retractable glass roof has bonded glass and no panel gaskets. Regular servicing and gasket replacement are essential: every 6 months near trees, once a year elsewhere. More: winter garden leaking.
Where is it used?
- Winter gardens and closed verandas
- Over terraces and large balconies
- Restaurant and café terraces
For a winter garden we recommend at least 15 m²; production and installation take 25–30 days on average (how a winter garden is built).
Permits
A fixed glass roof is a permanent structure. In apartment buildings check the management plan and get the owners' consent; for a firm answer, ask your municipality (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 fixed or opening roof suits your space, request a free survey.
