Glass curtains are a glazed enclosure system consisting of tempered glass leaves that fold and stack to one side, allowing the space to open 100%. Unlike traditional enclosures with aluminium or PVC frames, glass curtains have no vertical profiles between leaves, offering an uninterrupted panoramic view and a clean, modern aesthetic.
This system has become one of the most sought-after solutions in Granada and Malaga for terraces, porches, penthouses and hospitality spaces, and is part of our enclosures range. At Tecnisun C.B., with over 25 years in the trade, we install glass curtains in residential and commercial projects, with solutions adapted to every space.
Glass curtains let you use your terrace for much more of the year, protecting you from wind, rain and cold without losing brightness or the feeling of open space. In the warm months, they fold completely away so you can enjoy the outdoors without barriers.
The system is elegantly simple: individual tempered glass leaves (8 to 12 mm thick) are suspended from an upper rail by high-resistance bearings. Each leaf can rotate 90° on its axis and slide laterally until stacked at one end. There is no raised lower rail (only a flush-mounted guide at floor level), maintaining a clean and accessible passage.
Operation is completely manual and very smooth: a single person can open or close a 5-metre enclosure in a few seconds. No electricity or motorisation is required, although motorised options exist for large commercial installations.
Glass curtains offer a series of advantages that make them unique compared to any other enclosure system:
The absence of vertical profiles between glass leaves provides a completely clear view of the exterior. This is especially valuable on terraces with views in Granada (Alhambra, Sierra Nevada, Vega) or on the seafront in Malaga. The sense of spaciousness and connection with the outdoors is incomparable.
Unlike fixed or sliding enclosures, glass curtains allow you to open 100% of the aperture. In spring and autumn — the most pleasant seasons in Granada and Malaga — you can keep the space completely open and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing protection when you need it.
When closed, glass curtains provide an effective barrier against wind and lateral rain. The seals between leaves significantly reduce draughts, although it is important to understand that they are not a hermetic enclosure like an aluminium or PVC window. Their weatherproofing is sufficient to protect from moderate wind (up to 80-100 km/h depending on the system) and lateral rain.
Transparent glass acts as a passive solar collector: in winter, solar radiation heats the enclosed space, creating a greenhouse effect that raises the temperature compared to outside. In Granada, where winters are cold but sunny, this lets you use the terrace on many winter days.
Glass curtains reduce exterior noise by 15 to 22 dB when closed. Although they cannot match a PVC window (38-47 dB), the reduction is sufficient to transform a noisy space into a pleasant environment, especially on urban terraces in Granada or hospitality venues in leisure areas.
Enclosing a terrace with glass curtains adds usable square metres to your home. They do not alter the building structure, but every homeowners' association and every municipality has its own rules: we advise you on the procedure your case requires.
For south-facing terraces in Granada, we recommend combining glass curtains with an awning or bioclimatic pergola overhead. In summer, the greenhouse effect of the glass can generate excessive temperatures without sun protection. The glass curtains + pergola combination is the most versatile solution: protection in winter, shade and ventilation in summer.
This is the comparison our clients request most. Both solutions have their place, and the right choice depends on each project's priorities.
| Feature | Glass Curtains | Thermal-Break Framed Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum opening | 100% of the aperture | 50-70% (sliding) or partial |
| Thermal insulation | Moderate (no thermal break) | High (with thermal break + double glazing) |
| Acoustic insulation | 15-22 dB | 35-47 dB |
| Water tightness | Medium-high (not hermetic) | Total (hermetic) |
| Views | Panoramic, no profiles | With frames and mullions |
| Aesthetics | Minimalist, transparent | More solid, with profiles |
| Associations that do not allow frames | Often the viable option | Depends on the association |
| Year-round habitability | Partial (3 seasons) | Full (4 seasons) |
In many projects, the optimal solution is to combine both systems: a framed enclosure where total insulation is needed and glass curtains where opening and views are prioritised. See our options for terrace enclosures and glass curtains to find the ideal combination.
Different configurations exist depending on the space and requirements:
The most common system. Leaves fold and stack at one end (left or right). Ideal for terraces with one free side. Allows total opening of the aperture.
Leaves open from the centre and stack at both ends. Useful when there is a central access point and you want to keep the sides partially closed.
For L-shaped terraces or those with two glazed sides. Leaves turn at the corner without a pillar, creating a spectacular 270° opening.
Premium systems with no lower guide, leaving the floor completely clean. Leaves are supported solely from the upper rail, with impeccable aesthetics.
There is no estimated price per square metre that fits every case. The quote depends on:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions and number of leaves | More leaves mean more hardware and more adjustment work |
| Glass thickness (8, 10 or 12 mm) | Depends on height and wind exposure |
| Folding type | Side, centre, corner or no lower rail |
| Glass type | Standard tempered, low-e or solar control |
| Profile finish | Lacquered or anodised to match the facade |
Fill in our quote form with approximate measurements and photos. The online quote is free and without obligation; the technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it. The systems carry the manufacturer's warranty, subject to its terms.
Glass curtains require minimal but regular care to ensure smooth operation and long service life:
The hospitality sector in Granada and Malaga is one of the main demand drivers for glass curtains. The reasons are clear:
Discover our specific hospitality solutions, with advice on the permits your case requires.
In the residential sphere, glass curtains are ideal for:
Do glass curtains insulate from the cold?
They provide moderate insulation. Single tempered glass does not have the insulating properties of a double-glazed unit with air gap. However, the greenhouse effect of the glass raises the temperature of the enclosed space compared to outside. For mild winters (Malaga coast) this is usually enough; for cold winters (Granada city) you will need auxiliary heating to use the space comfortably in midwinter, or you may consider a thermal-break enclosure.
Can they be installed on small balconies?
Yes. Systems exist with leaves as narrow as 40-50 cm, ideal for narrow balconies on older buildings. The folding stack occupies a minimum of 15-20 cm of width once all leaves are stacked.
Are glass curtains safe?
Yes. Tempered glass is much stronger than normal float glass. If it breaks (very rare), it fragments into small granular pieces without cutting edges, similar to car windscreen glass. Safety locks are also available to prevent accidental opening by children.
Do I need building permission?
It depends on your municipality and your homeowners' association. Glass curtains are considered removable elements that do not alter the building structure, but in flats it is advisable to consult the homeowners' association, as there may be aesthetic rules regarding the facade, and in hospitality a modification of the activity licence may be necessary. We advise you on the procedure for your case.
How long do glass curtains last?
Tempered glass is practically eternal. The elements that may require replacement over time are the bearings, the weatherseals and the pivot hardware. With minimal care, a glass curtain installation lasts many years without problems.
Is the quote free?
Yes. The online quote is free and without obligation, based on your measurements and photos. The technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.
At Tecnisun C.B. we design and install custom glass curtains for homes and hospitality in Granada and Malaga, with the manager present at every installation. Discover our glass curtains and the rest of our enclosures.
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Free, no-obligation online quote with your measurements and photos. The technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.
