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Terrace Enclosure Guide: Types, Thermal Break or Standard Series, and Professional Advice
Enclosures & Terraces

Terrace Enclosure Guide: Types, Thermal Break or Standard Series, and Professional Advice

By Tecnisun C.B.

Why Enclosing Your Terrace Is One of the Best Investments

Terrace enclosure is one of the most requested renovations in Granada and Malaga, for both private homes and hospitality businesses. Andalusia's climate — over 300 sunny days per year but with extreme summer heat and cold Granada winters — makes a professional enclosure the most efficient way to gain liveable space.

Enclosing a terrace is one of the improvements that most transforms a home. You gain useful space without the complexity of a conventional extension: an enclosure is a lightweight, dry-built structure installed on the existing terrace after a prior technical survey.

Moreover, a properly enclosed terrace, with whatever approvals it requires, adds comfort and appeal to the property — something you notice every day and also when selling or renting.

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Did you know?

In Granada and Malaga, where we enjoy an exceptional climate, a well-designed enclosure lets you use the terrace 365 days a year. At Tecnisun C.B. we are specialists in terrace enclosures working with INSTALLUX systems and as official STRUGAL installers. You can see every option on our enclosures page.

First Question: Thermal Break or Standard Series?

Before choosing a system, answer one question: do you want to use the terrace as an extra room, all year round?

  • Yes → thermal break (RPT) enclosure. The profile includes an insulating strip that separates the inner face from the outer face. It does not condense or "sweat", and it keeps the warmth or coolness like the rest of the house. It is the basis of a glass room.
  • No → standard (non-thermal-break) series. Aluminium without RPT, designed to cover an area (a utility area, a large terrace, a porch) and protect it from wind, rain and dust, without aiming for the same temperature as indoors.

Types of Terrace Enclosures

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Glass curtains

No vertical profiles. Tempered glass that folds laterally. Maximum luminosity and impeccable aesthetics.

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Aluminium sliding systems

STRUGAL with RPT. Large glazed surfaces with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

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Fixed with opening sections

Fixed panels + opening leaves for ventilation. The most airtight and efficient option.

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Complete verandas

Enclosures with roof structure included. Transform the terrace into a climate-controlled room.

1. Glass Curtains (Frameless)

Glass curtains are the most elegant and sought-after system. They consist of tempered glass leaves that fold laterally, leaving the terrace completely open when desired.

SpecificationDetail
Glass10 mm tempered safety glass, optional 5+5 laminated
Maximum height3,000 mm
Maximum leaf width800 mm
Thermal insulationWind and rain protection. No RPT (not complete insulation)
Acoustic insulation22-28 dB
Ideal forMalaga coast, terraces with views, hospitality, buildings where frames are not allowed

2. Aluminium Sliding Enclosures

STRUGAL sliding enclosures are the most versatile option, combining large glazed surfaces with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.

STRUGAL SeriesTracksUwMax leaf size
S160 Sliding2-31.4 W/m²K3.0 x 2.5 m
S52 Aluminium Sliding21.6 W/m²K2.5 x 2.5 m
S160 Lift & Slide21.3 W/m²K3.0 x 2.8 m (400 kg)

3. Fixed Enclosures with Opening Sections

These combine fixed glass panels with opening leaves (tilt-and-turn or casement) for ventilation. They are the most airtight option with the best insulation, reaching Uw values of 1.0 W/m²K with double low-e glazing. Ideal for high-floor terraces exposed to wind and mountain areas of Granada.

4. Complete Verandas

Verandas are complete enclosures including a roof structure. They transform an open terrace into a fully enclosed, climate-controllable room — see our glass room page. Roof options include polycarbonate (light, good light transmission), laminated glass (maximum light and aesthetics), insulated sandwich panels (maximum insulation and quiet in the rain, usually 50 to 80 mm thick), or combinations.

How Much Does It Cost to Enclose a Terrace?

We do not publish prices because every enclosure is different: size, system (thermal break or standard series), roof type, glazing, finishes and the condition of the terrace (water leaks, load capacity, base) all play a part. What we can do is prepare a tailored quote with the information you send us.

365Days of use per year with enclosure
50-80 mmUsual thickness of insulated roof panels
1.0Minimum Uw (W/m²K) in fixed + opening systems

To get started, fill in our quote request form with approximate measurements and a few photos. The online quote is free and with no obligation; the technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.

Permits and Regulations in Granada and Malaga

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Important

Before enclosing a terrace it is worth understanding your municipality's planning rules and your building's community rules. Requirements vary from one council to another and from one building to another, so every case has to be looked at individually.

An enclosure is a lightweight structure, but that does not mean it needs no paperwork at all: the prudent approach is to check with the council before starting. We advise you on the procedure your particular case requires.

Building Community Approval

If you live in an apartment building, you will need owners' community approval for any enclosure that alters the facade. If your community does not allow frames on the facade, glass curtains are usually the alternative. At Tecnisun we help with the technical documentation of the enclosure so you can present it at the owners' meeting.

Recommended Combinations by Terrace Type

Terrace TypeRecommended EnclosureComplements
Penthouse with viewsGlass curtains or thermal break glass roomBioclimatic pergola + blinds
High-floor flat (windy)STRUGAL RPT slidingDouble glazing + mosquito nets
Ground floor terraceFixed + opening sectionsShutters + mosquito nets
Detached houseVeranda or lift-slidePergola + curtains + LED
Utility area or porchStandard seriesMosquito nets + ventilation
Hospitality terracePergola + glass curtainsHeating + audio + LED

The Installation Process with Tecnisun

  1. Online quote: you send us approximate measurements and photos and we prepare a first proposal. It is free and with no obligation.
  2. Visit and technical survey: precise measurement and study of the terrace: water leaks, load capacity, base, orientation and prevailing winds. The technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.
  3. Final proposal and paperwork: material and finish options, with drawings when the project requires them. We advise you on the procedure your case requires.
  4. Custom manufacturing: with STRUGAL and INSTALLUX profiles.
  5. Professional installation: the manager on site with our regular specialist team. Final cleaning included.
  6. Warranty: profiles and hardware carry the manufacturer's warranty, subject to each brand's terms.

Caring for Your Terrace Enclosure

A terrace enclosure needs little but consistent care to perform reliably for decades. For sliding systems, keep the lower tracks clean to prevent debris build-up that impedes smooth operation, and lubricate rollers and tracks with silicone spray from time to time. For glass curtains, keep the folding mechanism clean. Check the rubber seals periodically for cracks or flattening.

Want to Enclose Your Terrace?

Over 25 years of experience with INSTALLUX enclosure systems across Granada and Malaga. Tell us about your project in our quote request form: the online quote is free and with no obligation (the technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it). You can also call 627 84 14 04.

See terrace enclosures →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enclose my terrace without community permission?

Not advisable. If you alter the building's facade you need community agreement, and some council paperwork may also be needed depending on the enclosure. Acting without authorisation can lead to complaints and removal orders.

Does a terrace enclosure count as built area?

It depends on the type and on each municipality's rules. Check with your local council before deciding; we advise you on your case.

Can I install heating in an enclosed terrace?

Yes, provided the enclosure has sufficient insulation (RPT + double glazing minimum). For glass curtains without RPT, we recommend spot radiant heating (infrared) rather than full climate control, as thermal losses would be excessive.

Is the quote free?

Yes. The online quote is free and with no obligation, based on your measurements and photos. The technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.

Specific Regulations for Granada

Granada's PGOU (General Urban Planning Plan) establishes specific conditions for enclosures in the historic centre, Albaicin, and protected zones. Materials and finishes must integrate with the surrounding aesthetics. In BIC (Cultural Interest Property) zones, a favourable report from the Heritage Commission is required.

Specific Regulations for Malaga

Malaga city has a specific ordinance for terraces and enclosures. In the historic centre, enclosures must be transparent and removable. In residential zones there is greater flexibility but always respecting the building's original facade.

Energy Efficiency of Enclosed Terraces

A properly enclosed terrace can significantly improve your home's overall energy efficiency. The benefits depend on the enclosure type:

Enclosure TypeThermal Impact
Glass curtains (no RPT)Wind and rain protection
Standard seriesWind, rain and dust protection
Aluminium RPT sliding (Uw 1.4)Good thermal barrier
Fixed + opening RPT (Uw 1.0)Excellent thermal barrier
Thermal break glass room with insulated roof panelPerforms like another room of the house

When combined with SAXUN screen blinds for solar control, an RPT enclosure also acts as a thermal buffer zone for the adjacent rooms.

Design Options: Personalise Your Enclosure

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Profile Finishes

Over 200 RAL colours and wood imitation finishes. Most requested: white, anthracite grey RAL 7016, and oak. Two-tone option available.

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Glass Types

Double low-e, solar control, laminated safety, acoustic protection. Partial opaque glass for privacy.

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Complements

Integrated SAXUN blinds, mosquito screens, LED lighting, vertical awnings for maximum comfort.

Does Your Terrace Deserve a Quality Enclosure?

A well-executed enclosure completely transforms your home, adding useful space and comfort. We help you choose between thermal break, standard series or glass curtains depending on how you want to use it. Free, no-obligation online quote; the technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.

Request a quote →
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Need professional advice?

Free, no-obligation online quote with your measurements and photos. The technical home visit has a cost, which we tell you before arranging it.