Year-round terrace roofing – 5 solutions for your garden

With year-round terrace roofing, the covered open space can be used relatively unrestrictedly throughout the year. The only prerequisite is for the canopy to be weatherproof and protect against any weather conditions – be it snow, hail or storm.

There are different types, shapes and sizes of canopies. These depend on your needs. What they all have in common is that they expand your space, be it for private use, as a carport, space for toys or other utensils or as an expanded space in the catering industry. For the latter, in particular, it is possible to install side walls in addition to the roofing, since these side walls also represent a privacy screen in addition to weather protection and thus delimit the space from the outside.

There are several ways to cover the terrace all year round. From a green pergola to a slatted roof, depending on the intended use and size of the open space, there are several options of terrace roofing:

• Transparent terrace roofing made of glass or plastic with the option of installing sun sails
• A natural roof made of plants or bamboo mats for shading
• Roofing made of timber or wood slats, fabric, metal or aluminum
• Fixed terrace roofing as part of the architecture of the house
• Adjustable (slatted) roofs that can be controlled at the touch of a button

Before you decide on an option, you should clarify your intentions. Do you want a covered, half open seating area? Do you want a conservatory with an open sliding door for gastronomic purposes? Or do you want a natural roof made of plants? There is a suitable solution for every intention, size and individual aesthetic concept.

Terrace roofing made of aluminum offers several advantages. It is particularly weather-resistant and easy to maintain compared to many wooden canopies – both after heavy rain and in case of intense sunlight. aluminum is harder and more scratch-resistant than conventional wood and thus offers reliable protection against corrosion. Due to its low weight, aluminum terrace roofing is also suitable for large open spaces.

The aesthetic options for canopies made of aluminum are versatile. They can be individually designed and flexibly extended or modified.

Wooden canopies are either glazed to provide a wooden look or painted in a color of your choice. You have a wide range of options: Whether oak, mahogany, walnut, pine or other glazes, or varnishes in carmine red or anthracite – the choice is yours.

A terrace covered by glass roofing offers the feeling of sitting outdoors in any season. Glass roofs let sunlight shine through and allow an undisturbed, clear view of the (starry) sky even in case of wind and rain.

The roofing usually consists of laminated safety glass. The latter is composed of at least two glass panes that are connected by a plastic film. On the one hand, the film protects against fragmentation caused by mechanical impact such as hail and, on the other hand, against injuries as a result of possible damage. The resulting splinters cling rather than falling onto the terrace below.

Glass terrace roofing is usually a structure made of a glass-aluminum combination. This offers greater stability, is better suited for large areas, can be equipped with glass sliding walls and also makes it possible to install gutters or sun protection devices, for example electrically operated fabric awnings to protect against the dazzling sun.

Terrace roofs do not necessarily have to be connected to a building, but can also be erected free-standing. Freestanding canopies can be placed outdoors wherever you want, for example, to cover an unused corner in the garden or garden furniture.

Free-standing terrace roofing is made of aluminum, glass or wood and can be configured to be either open or closed. Wooden gazebos like the ones provided by STROHBOID are half open for warmer months, which means a draft of air ensures a pleasant atmosphere inside.

A conservatory, often advertised as a cozy, enclosed living room with a garden or outdoor flair, is an alternative to a terrace covered by roofing with side elements. Conservatories protect against wind and weather in a similar way to patio roofs. If these are connected to the heating system of the residential building, they also keep cold/warm outside temperatures outside thanks to temperature regulators.

Depending on intended use, personal preferences, local weather and climate, a conservatory increases the value of a property. Accordingly, the acquisition costs and the construction costs are also higher. Since the conservatory adds an expansion to the house, a building permit must be applied for prior to construction.

There are three types of conservatories:

• Cold conservatories, which are frost-free and unheated and are primarily suitable for keeping plants and storing objects during winter.
• Medium-warm conservatories, which are heated to a temperate between 12 °C and 19 °C and are suitable for living only to a limited extent depending on the season.
• Warm conservatories, which are heated and suitable for year-round use.

From a construction law point of view, terrace roofing and residential winter gardens differ insofar as the conservatory is subject to stricter regulations, e.g. the conservatory must meet certain requirements for commonly used areas.

There is also an essential difference in terms of construction: While a conservatory is rainproof, airtight and windproof, and is sheltered from the outside climate, terrace roofing – even if it includes lateral windbreak elements – does not have to meet these criteria.

STROHBOID⁠gazebos are very popular year-round terrace roofs for restaurants, coffee shops or private gardens – for example, as a conservatory. STROHBOID offers various durable gazebos that are suitable for everyone, depending on the intended use and budget – be it to provide protection from the rain, wind or sun.

What happens if you build a terrace roof without permission?

Anyone constructing a terrace roof without permission will have to pay a fine. Under certain circumstances, the roof may even have to be removed.

How much does a terrace roof incl. Installation cost?

There is a terrace roof for every budget. The costs depend on several factors:

• Material: Wood/aluminum/glass
• Size of the terrace roof
• Type of construction: Is it a custom-made product or a kit?
• Roof shape: Slanting vs. flat roof
• Additional elements such as side panels, sliding elements, sun protection devices, lighting, etc.
• Assembly costs
• Maintenance and care costs: Wood is more complex and expensive to care for than aluminum.

Does terrace roofing make sense?

Depending on intended use and whether you are the home owner or not, a terrace canopy may be worthwhile. If you like to spend a lot of time sitting outdoors, an awning will not be enough. Weigh the pros and cons of your current situation with your desired idea – with the help of an expert – in order to find the best solution.

How far does a terrace roof have to be from the neighbouring property?

The distance to the neighbouring property depends on the respective local regulations. The best way to find out is to contact the building authority of your municipality, as the municipal regulations may deviate from the national building regulations.

Can the neighbour appeal my application for terrace roofing?

In principle, the neighbour can appeal your application for terrace roofing. However, if the construction follows the development plan, his objections are void. In the interests of both parties and mutual appreciation, however, you should always take possible objections into account.

When does an illegal construction built without permit become statute-barred?

There is no statute of limitations for constructions erected illegally; even an entry in the land register does not protect against penalties. You can apply for a subsequent building permit; however, this is not a guarantee for a subsequent building permit.