Aluminium Terrace Enclosures in Alicante: A Practical Guide

If you're thinking of enclosing the terrace in Alicante, start with what really matters: orientation and salt spray. If you live in San Juan Playa, the Levante wind brings in fine sand and humidity; in Elche, dust shows up more in the tracks. That's why you should prioritize frames with thermal break and glazing that slows heat gain. In practice, a 4+4/16/4 low-e with solar control works very well: in August the living room doesn't overheat as much and the floor stops "burning". Also think about how you'll use it: if you tend to open daily for ventilation, a sliding system is convenient; if you want extra weathertightness on the seafront, consider lift-and-slide or hinged casements on the sides. A detail many overlook: the bottom track. A low one prevents trips, but you need good drainage so that a gota fría doesn't push water in. And yes, the gaskets (EPDM) and brush seals do more for noise than it seems. Real example? An apartment in Benalúa with traffic: after enclosing with double glazing and sealed frames, calls no longer echo in the living room, and in winter the blanket comes out of the drawer less often.

Let’s be clear: aluminum without a thermal break on a south-facing facade in Alicante heats up like a frying pan. Better to use profiles with Thermal Break (TB) and a finish designed for coastal areas: marine anodizing or Qualicoat Seaside powder coating. For glazing, for terraces usable year-round, the proven classic is 4+4/16/4 low-e with solar control; if you get direct sun from 12 to 6 pm, step up to a selective solar-control (e.g., 70/35) and you’ll notice cooler afternoons without plunging the terrace into semi-darkness. Go for 2- or 3-track sliding if you open it a lot; if you prefer a clean view, combine fixed + sliding leaf on the most exposed panels. Glass curtain or ‘closed’ aluminum? The curtain is discreet and ventilates extremely well, but it insulates less in winter, and on the seafront the salt air is harsher on it. On cost: indicative prices per m² in the province — basic sliding without TB from 180–300 €/m²; with TB and low-e glass, 350–600 €/m²; lift-and-slide or large spans, more. This isn’t a price list; it’s so you can compare quotes sensibly and with the same technical "package".

Before measuring, ask whether your building/HOA allows enclosing the terrace: the homeowners’ association approval is often key, and some municipalities require a notification or minor permit (especially if you alter the façade). On site, measure floor slopes and decide where water will drain: check the sill drainage and leave a slight ramp to the outside so rain doesn’t come in. Plan roller shutters, insect screens, and outlets from day one (changing them later is a pain). Typical timeline: site visit and measurements, a simple drawing, fabrication in 2–4 weeks, and installation in 1 day for 6–10 m² if the opening is ready. Coastal maintenance: rinse with fresh water monthly if you’re near the sea (profiles, tracks, and hardware), dry, and apply a dry lubricant to the rollers. Ask for micro-ventilation in the hardware to prevent condensation on humid nights. Aesthetic note: RAL 7016 looks modern, but many communities require RAL 9016 white; better to confirm in writing. And one last tip: request an adjustment visit at 6 months (brush seals, closing pressures) once everything has “settled.” That half hour makes all the difference in how the assembly closes.