Enclosing a terrace is a decision about a roof and about the sides. For the roof: bioclimatic pergola, fabric pergola or glass roof; for the sides: zip screens or guillotine glass. We explain the right combination for each use, with pros and cons.
Answer two questions first
- Which months will you use the terrace? Summer only, or all year?
- What do you need protection from? Sun, rain, or wind and cold?
Roof options
| System | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bioclimatic pergola | Adjustable louvres for shade and air; blocks rain | Needs power and regular service; prevent winter condensation in closed spaces |
| Fabric pergola | Opens fully; economical | Retract in wind and heavy snow |
| Glass roof (winter garden) | Four-season room, lots of light | Needs summer shading |
Side options
| System | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Zip screen | Blocks sun, wind (up to 120 km/h) and rain; still breathes | No thermal insulation |
| Guillotine glass | Uninterrupted view; sound, heat and water insulation; balustrade when open | Max. 4000 × 3000 mm per module recommended |
Recommended combinations
- Summer terrace at home: bioclimatic pergola + zip screens.
- Four-season terrace: bioclimatic pergola or glass roof + guillotine glass, with zip screens for summer shade.
- Restaurant or café terrace: bioclimatic or fabric pergola + guillotine glass; keep tables and chairs away from the glass.
- Roof terrace: stronger winds make load calculation and anchoring critical; a site visit is essential.
Disadvantages
- Motorised systems need proper wiring and regular service; unstable voltage can damage control boards.
- Closed, heated spaces need humidity control to avoid roof condensation (condensation guide).
- In apartment buildings the façade changes, so check the management plan and owners' consent and consult the relevant authorities (permit guide).
Once production is finished, a standard bioclimatic pergola is usually installed on site in 1 day. All our systems carry a 2-year warranty. Request a free site visit.
