Glass Curtains for Terraces: Is the Investment Worth It?

Introduction: what are glass curtains?

Glass curtains are frameless glazing systems that allow you to enclose terraces, porches and balconies while maintaining 100% visibility. Unlike traditional aluminium or PVC enclosures, glass curtains use 8 or 10 mm tempered glass panels that fold like a concertina and stack to one side, leaving your terrace completely open when you want to enjoy the outdoors.

At Tecnisun C.B. we install glass curtains on residential and hospitality terraces in Granada, Malaga, the Costa Tropical (Motril, Almuñécar, Salobreña) and the Costa del Sol (Nerja, Torrox, Vélez-Málaga). Every installation is custom-made and adapted to the specific climate conditions of each area.

Advantages of glass curtains over traditional enclosures

Glass curtains offer benefits that conventional aluminium or PVC enclosures cannot match:

• Total visibility: with no intermediate vertical profiles, the view is panoramic and uninterrupted. Ideal for terraces with sea views (Costa del Sol, Nerja, Almuñécar) or views of the Alhambra in Granada.
• Full opening: panels fold and stack to one side, leaving 90-95% of the opening free. Your terrace goes from enclosed to open in seconds.
• Wind protection: resistance to winds of up to 100-120 km/h depending on configuration (tested per UNE-EN 12211). On the Malaga coast, where the levante wind can be intense, this protection is vital.
• No building work: installed with mechanical fixings to the ceiling (or beam) and floor, with no need for masonry, plastering or painting.
• Partial acoustic insulation: although not airtight like a PVC enclosure, they reduce external noise by 15-25 dB, enough to muffle urban traffic.
• Added property value: a terrace with glass curtains increases the property's valuation by 8-15% (according to Andalusian valuation data).

Glass curtains vs enclosures: full comparison

To help you decide, we compare glass curtains with the traditional aluminium and PVC enclosures we also manufacture at Tecnisun:

Glass curtain prices in Granada and Malaga (2026)

Prices vary by dimensions, glass type and installation complexity:

For hospitality terraces in Granada and Malaga, prices may vary based on local terrace regulations. Check our price calculator for a personalised estimate.

Installation in coastal areas: Motril, Almuñécar, Nerja, Salobreña

Terraces on the Granada and Malaga coast have specific requirements we know well from over 30 years of experience:

• Salt air: hardware and tracks must be AISI 316 stainless steel (marine grade) to resist salt corrosion. Standard galvanised steel models deteriorate in 3-5 years on the seafront.
• Levante wind: in Nerja, Almuñécar and Motril, the levante wind can reach 80-100 km/h. We reinforce fixings and use 10 mm glass on exposed installations.
• Solar radiation: on the Costa Tropical, direct solar radiation on glass can raise the interior terrace temperature above comfort levels. We recommend solar-control glass (selective coating that transmits light but reflects infrared heat).
• Coastal regulations: some installations near the maritime-terrestrial public domain require authorisation from the Coastal Authority. Our team handles the necessary permits.

Glass curtain maintenance

Maintenance is simple and infrequent:

• Glass cleaning: water and neutral soap every 2-4 weeks. In coastal areas, weekly to remove salt.
• Track lubrication: apply silicone spray on the top and bottom tracks every 6 months.
• Hardware check: tighten screws and inspect bearings annually.
• Seals and brushes: replace every 5-7 years depending on wear and sun exposure.

Frequently asked questions about glass curtains

Are glass curtains safe with children and pets?

Yes. 8-10 mm tempered glass is safety glass: if it breaks (which is very unlikely), it shatters into small blunt fragments with no sharp edges, like car glass. Additionally, the curtains have a bottom locking system that prevents accidental opening.

Do they protect against rain?

They protect against vertical rain and lateral wind. However, as they are not airtight (there is a small gap between panels), very heavy oblique rain may allow some water in. For total rain protection, we recommend an airtight enclosure.

Do they require planning permission?

In most municipalities in Granada and Malaga, glass curtains do not count as built area (as they are not airtight) and only require prior notice or a responsible declaration, not a building permit. In buildings with a community of owners, check the statutes.