Enclosing a terrace with glass - why is it worth it?

Enclosing a terrace with glass is a solutionwhich allows you to enjoy your terrace and the view around it all year round. It makes the terrace an integral part of the house. Glass walls protect the furniture or plants placed on it from the wind or cold. They restrict access to the outdoor seating area for unwanted guests.
Glass terrace cladding is most often used in combination with a terrace canopy made of aluminium, but not only. See what else you should know about glass siding. 

Glass terrace cladding - discover the benefits

Glass on the terrace has many advantages. The main one is maintaining full visibility of the garden and access to natural light. In addition: 

Sound insulation - tempered glass panes quiet the interior of the built-in space, protecting it from outside noise.

Weather protection - you no longer have to worry about rain or wind. Enclosing the terrace with glass provides comfort almost all year round.

Aesthetics - The modern design of the glass fits perfectly into any architectural style, from minimalist to classic.

Disadvantages of glass enclosure on the terrace?

Above all, lack of protection from the sun and heat. Therefore, when choosing glass, dispense with fixed walls in favour of sliding glass panels. If you want to enclose a terrace on a strong sunny side, consider building from movable terrace blinds

How much does it cost to enclose a terrace with glass?

An important factor influencing the price is the surface area of the terrace and the type of materials chosen. 

Tempered glass (ESG) with a thickness of 6 mm to 12 mm is most commonly used for glass terrace enclosures:

  1. 6 mm - used in lighter structures where there are no high mechanical loads or high wind resistance. It can be used for smaller panels or in systems that do not require exceptional impact resistance.
  2. 8 mm - often used in built-ins where the focus is on a balance between weight and durability. It is still a glass with good resistance, but can be used in smaller sized panels.
  3. 10 mm - the glass of choice in modern terrace glazing systems. Glass of this thickness provides excellent resistance to impact, temperature changes and atmospheric agents.
  4. 12 mm - used in the most demanding systems that have to withstand heavier loads or intensive traffic. It can be used in external panels or in areas particularly exposed to mechanical loads.

Importantly, in the event of damage, the toughened glass shatters into small pieces, minimising the risk of injury. 

What should I look for when looking for a contractor to build a terrace with glass?

Choosing the right contractor is crucial. When looking for a company to rebuild your terrace pay attention to:

  • Experience and opinions - Choose companies that are experienced in the installation of glass terrace buildings.
  • Quality of materials - ensure that the toughened glass is of the correct thickness.
  • Assembly - pay attention to whether the company offers a comprehensive service, including measurement, transport and installation.

Is enclosing a terrace with glass a conservatory?

No, enclosing a terrace with glass is not the same as a conservatory. The parameters of conservatories are different because these rooms are thermally insulated and have appropriate heating systems. Meanwhile, the temperature between the inside of a built-in terrace and the outside can be between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius, depending on the thickness of the glass and the quality of the seals used.
This is enough that many restaurant gardens also use the sheltered spaces in this way during mild winters, reheating them with gas heaters.

What do you gain by enclosing your terrace with glass?

By choosing to enclose your terrace with glass, you gain:

  1. Extending the time you use the terrace - a built-in terrace can serve you all year round.
  2. Increasing the value of the property - An aesthetically pleasing and modern terrace enclosure can increase the value of your home.
  3. Comfort - whatever the weather, the terrace will be a space that can be used in almost any conditions.

Protection against water and wind

The glass panels in the terrace development are properly sealed to protect the space from water and wind. During installation, special seals are used between the panels and the substrate to prevent water penetration. In addition, all components of the system are designed to withstand wind forces. The panels are assembled in a way that allows them to remain stable even in stronger gusts.

Burglary resistance

Although toughened glass is impact resistant. Not against break-ins. If you are looking for a solution to increase security, consider using additional layers of laminated glass (PVB) or incorporating burglar-proof systems in the door design. 

Technical options available on the market

There are a variety of solutions available on the market for glass decking. You can choose between:

  • Sliding panels - allow the space to open and close smoothly to adjust the level of ventilation and wind protection.
  • Folding systems - a more compact solution that allows the panels to be folded into one place for complete spaciousness.
  • Fixed panels - non-sliding, fixed-mounted, provides greater stability but limits flexibility of use.

Thermal insulation of a glass terrace structure

Enclosing a terrace with glass provides some thermal insulation, but it should be remembered that glass is not a highly insulating material. Depending on the thickness of the glass and the quality of the seals used, the temperature difference between the inside of the enclosed terrace and the outside can be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. If you want better thermal insulation, it is worth considering additional solutions, such as the installation of insulating glass units, which will improve the thermal insulation properties of the development.

Sliding glass panel system - order an enclosure at Otwrane.pl

Our service zhe side panels of the sliding glass panel system is the option for those who want to add a modern touch to their terrace while maintaining functionality and comfort. The system consists of individual wings up to 100 cm wide and 270 cm high. The glass panels are made of toughened glass (ESG) 10 mm thick. If you have any questions about glass decking or would like to find out more about our range, please contact us!
Call: 530 336 595
or
write: wycena@otwierane.pl

We will be happy to answer all your questions.

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