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 home improvements with the highest return on investment. You gain useful square metres at a much lower cost than a conventional extension. While extending a home can cost between €1,200 and €2,000/m², a terrace enclosure moves in a range of €280 to €900/m² depending on the type chosen.
Moreover, the gained square metres add to the property's useful surface area, increasing its valuation. According to property portal data, a properly enclosed terrace (with permit) can increase property value by 8% to 15%.
💡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 as official INSTALLUX distributors and STRUGAL manufacturers.
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.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Glass | 10 mm tempered safety glass, optional 5+5 laminated |
| Maximum height | 3,000 mm |
| Maximum leaf width | 800 mm |
| Thermal insulation | Wind and rain protection. No RPT (not complete insulation) |
| Acoustic insulation | 22-28 dB |
| Ideal for | Malaga coast, terraces with views, hospitality |
| Estimated price | €280-450/m² installed |
2. Aluminium Sliding Enclosures
STRUGAL sliding enclosures are the most versatile option, combining large glazed surfaces with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
| STRUGAL Series | Tracks | Uw | Max leaf size | Price/m² |
|---|
| S160 Sliding | 2-3 | 1.4 W/m²K | 3.0 x 2.5 m | €350-500 |
| S52 Aluminium Sliding | 2 | 1.6 W/m²K | 2.5 x 2.5 m | €300-450 |
| S160 Lift & Slide | 2 | 1.3 W/m²K | 3.0 x 2.8 m (400 kg) | €450-650 |
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 PVC profiles and 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. Roof options include polycarbonate (economical, good light), laminated glass (maximum light and aesthetics), sandwich panels (maximum insulation), or combinations.
Estimated Prices for Enclosures in 2026
| Enclosure Type | Price/m² installed | 10 m² terrace | 20 m² terrace | Features |
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| Glass curtains | €280-450/m² | €2,800-4,500 | €5,600-9,000 | 10 mm tempered glass |
| Sliding aluminium RPT | €350-550/m² | €3,500-5,500 | €7,000-11,000 | Double low-e glazing |
| Fixed + opening RPT | €300-500/m² | €3,000-5,000 | €6,000-10,000 | Maximum insulation |
| Complete veranda | €500-900/m² | €5,000-9,000 | €10,000-18,000 | Roof included |
€3,500-10,000Total budget for average terrace (10-15 m²)
365Days of use per year with enclosure
8-15%Property value increase
Permits and Regulations in Granada and Malaga
⚠️ImportantOne of the most important aspects before enclosing a terrace is understanding urban planning regulations. Requirements vary by municipality, but there are general rules you should know to avoid legal issues.
| Enclosure Type | Permit Required? | Estimated Permit Cost | Average Timeframe |
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| Glass curtains without fixed guide | Generally no (consult) | — | — |
| Fixed or sliding enclosures | Minor works licence | €300-800 | 1-2 months |
| Verandas with roof | Minor or major licence | Architect project: €800-2,000 | 2-4 months |
Building Community Approval
If you live in an apartment building, you will need owners' community approval for any enclosure that alters the facade. At Tecnisun we help with the necessary documentation, including 3D renders and technical reports that facilitate approval.
Recommended Combinations by Terrace Type
| Terrace Type | Recommended Enclosure | Complements |
|---|
| Penthouse with views | Glass curtains | Bioclimatic pergola + blinds |
| High-floor flat (windy) | STRUGAL RPT sliding | Double glazing + mosquito nets |
| Ground floor terrace | Fixed + opening sections | Shutters + mosquito nets |
| Detached house | Veranda or lift-slide | Pergola + curtains + LED |
| Hospitality terrace | Pergola + glass curtains | Heating + audio + LED |
What Our Clients Say
"We enclosed our 12 m² terrace in our Malaga flat with STRUGAL sliding doors and it has been life-changing. We use it as a dining room from October to May, and in summer the doors open completely to merge with the living room. The investment of €5,800 was recovered in quality of life from day one. Tecnisun handled everything including the community approval documentation, which made the whole process painless." — Carlos and Maria, Malaga.
"Our Granada penthouse terrace was unusable from November to March due to the cold. We installed glass curtains on three sides and now enjoy breakfast with Sierra Nevada views every morning, even in January. The 8-15% property value increase alone justifies the investment." — Family Rodriguez, Granada.
The Installation Process with Tecnisun
- Free technical visit: Precise measurement with laser level, terrace study, orientation and wind analysis
- Detailed quote: Material options, finishes and fixed prices. 3D render included for projects over €5,000.
- Permit processing: If you need a works licence, we manage documentation with our collaborating architects
- Custom manufacturing: In our Granada workshop with STRUGAL and INSTALLUX profiles. Average lead time: 3-4 weeks
- Professional installation: Our own specialised team, average 2-3 days. Final cleaning included.
- Warranty and after-sales: 10 years on profiles, 5 years on hardware. Optional maintenance plans.
Maintenance of Terrace Enclosures
A terrace enclosure requires minimal but consistent maintenance to ensure decades of reliable performance. For sliding systems, clean the lower tracks monthly to prevent debris accumulation that impedes smooth operation. Lubricate rollers and tracks with silicone spray twice yearly. For glass curtains, clean the folding mechanism quarterly. Inspect all rubber seals annually and replace if cracked or flattened. At Tecnisun we offer dedicated maintenance plans for enclosures, starting from just €80 per visit, which include all cleaning, lubrication and inspection tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enclose my terrace without community permission?
Not advisable. Even if some enclosures do not require a municipal licence, if you alter the building's facade you need community agreement. Acting without authorisation can lead to complaints and demolition orders.
Does a terrace enclosure count as built area?
It depends on the type. Fixed enclosures with roof generally do count (which may generate capital gains). Glass curtains and removable pergolas usually do not. Check with your local council before deciding.
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.
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. This process can add 2-3 months to the timeline but is mandatory.
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. Malaga also has stricter acoustic requirements than Granada for enclosures near residential buildings.
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 Type | Thermal Impact | Heating Savings | Cooling Savings |
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| Glass curtains (no RPT) | Wind and rain protection only | 5-10% | Minimal |
| Aluminium RPT sliding (Uw 1.4) | Good thermal barrier | 15-25% | 10-15% |
| Fixed + opening PVC (Uw 1.0) | Excellent thermal barrier | 20-35% | 15-25% |
| Complete veranda (insulated roof) | Best possible | 25-40% | 20-30% |
When combined with SAXUN screen blinds for solar control, an enclosed terrace with RPT enclosure can reduce the adjacent rooms' energy consumption by up to 35%, as the enclosure acts as a thermal buffer zone.
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.