Covering for terraces

The perfect compromise between opening and protection, natural light and shading, ventilation and temperature maintenance is represented by bioclimatic pergolas. These innovative outdoor aluminium coverings are in fact able to completely transform the face of any terrace, making it usable well beyond the summer season. The Pratic pergolas are equipped with a covering with adjustable and retractable sunshade blades that allow natural lighting and ventilation to be adjusted to achieve maximum climatic comfort at all times. In case of rain, instead, the blades close, protecting the internal space from light rainfall and allowing rainwater to flow under the pergola, through a system of perimeter gutters hidden inside the uprights. Pratic bioclimatic pergolas are outdoor aluminium structures that can be installed in different ways, depending on the needs: they can be positioned inside a niche, leaning against an existing wall, or inserted in the centre of the terrace, thanks to an elegant and minimal self-supporting structure. By flanking several modules, even of different sizes, it is then possible to create the ideal configuration for the covering of each terrace, always customisable with your favourite colour and a wide selection of optional extras. Among the most used accessories there is no lack of perimeter LED lighting or integrated with the blades, together with the glass closures which, thanks to their insulating properties, make the open air space pleasant all year round.

Among terrace structures, opening solutions are today the most sought-after by those who want to give up neither shelter nor contact with the sky. The mobile covering goes from fully closed to fully open depending on your needs. In bioclimatic pergolas, it is the adjustable sunshade blades that regulate natural light and ventilation – and, in some Pratic models, they become stackable or even retractable, packing together to leave the view of the sky almost completely free. In pergolas with sliding PVC cloth, on the other hand, the covering rolls up to open the view and stretches out when protection is needed. In both cases, the movement is automated and can be controlled by remote control, app or home automation, for a terrace that is versatile in every season. 

Together with the simple and elegant aluminium solutions, the world of outdoor structures also offers refined wood variants, perfect for environments with a warm and classic design. Also in this case, it is possible to customize your terrace cover with the desired options, such as lighting, glass perimeter closures and remote control movements. The covering, on the other hand, is different, with usually two possibilities depending on the needs of use: a filtering fabric for sun screening only or in highly resistant PVC cloth, designed to protect the space below from rain and bad weather.

PVC terrace coverings are the most popular and economical option. Unlike bioclimatic pergolas with sunshade blades, terrace coverings with PVC cloth allow for different lighting and ventilation settings. This type of mobile covering can in fact be wrapped to open the view to the sky, while with the cloth stretched out, the structure makes it possible to protect the space from sun, light rain and wind. The PVC fabric is in fact particularly suitable as a mobile outdoor covering because of its resistance and water resistance. The Tecnic covering, used for Pratic’s aluminium pergolas, is guaranteed fireproof, stain-resistant and UV-resistant, as well as being equipped with a special drip-proof device that prevents water from flowing under the screen.

The choice of a terrace covering also depends on the weather conditions you want to shelter from, because each solution responds differently to sun, rain, wind and snow. Protection from the sun and UV rays is the basic requirement, ensured both by pergolas and by the technical fabrics of awnings: besides creating shade, screening improves thermal comfort and, in front of glazed surfaces, reduces the overheating of indoor rooms.

Against light rain, pergolas offer the best protection: in bioclimatic models, rainwater is channelled into the gutters hidden in the uprights, which drain it to the ground, even when a platform is installed. Coverings with PVC cloth in turn provide shelter from light rainfall thanks to waterproof cloths and drainage systems integrated into the uprights or the front bar.

As for wind, Pratic pergolas can rely on the perimeter glass walls of the Glass Series, while awnings feature dedicated technologies. On some arm awning models, the Flexcontrol device absorbs stresses up to 70 km/h, while vertical awnings with Magnetic Lock System manage wind pressure by releasing and re-engaging the front bar. Weather sensors and anemometers can also trigger automatic closing as the wind intensity increases.

Each covering must in any case be sized according to its actual exposure: in case of strong wind, rain or snow load, it is the Pratic retailer who indicates the configuration and limits of use, also for the most exposed installations such as penthouses and top floors.

To make a terrace comfortable in every season, the covering is often combined with perimeter closures that provide shelter from wind, low-angle sun and prying eyes. The most effective solution is vertical awnings, offered by Pratic in two versions: the fully concealed Raso awning, integrated into the pergola profile, and box awnings that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. They slide on Zip guides or cables, which hold the fabric at the sides and ensure its stability even in moderate wind, while the wide choice of technical fabrics, filtering or blackout, allows you to strike the right balance between shelter, privacy and view of the outside.

Together with the structure, it is the optional extras that turn a terrace pergola into a real outdoor room. The most essential is lighting: Pratic pergolas integrate low-consumption LED systems into the covering, which can be installed along the covering profile and platform or integrated into the screening and uprights, always creating perfect lighting comfort. And with Home Automation systems, everything can be easily controlled via remote control, mobile app, voice command or weather sensors.

In terms of everyday comfort, power and USB sockets – which can be integrated into the uprights and concealed behind a small cover – power any device directly from the structure. The Set modular platform, with aluminium profile and a surface customisable with different outdoor floorings, corrects slopes and differences in level, creating a flat surface and facilitating water drainage from the uprights. The Living Series accessories – Mod-Lines equipped walls and Drapes ornamental curtains – and the Ray decorative profiles enrich the design of the pergola in an elegant and functional way.

Since they are largely made-to-measure products, terrace coverings have no list price: the cost takes shape on each individual project and varies according to the type of structure, materials, dimensions, model and optional extras chosen.

Broadly speaking, the most affordable solutions are essential mobile coverings – awnings and pergolas with PVC cloth – designed to shade and shelter the terrace in the simplest way. Higher up the range are closed and automated coverings, such as bioclimatic pergolas with perimeter glass closures and integrated home automation: a greater investment, which translates into a terrace that can be enjoyed in every season. For a reliable cost estimate tailored to your space, the best option is to request an on-site inspection with a personalised quote from Pratic specialist retailers.

A terrace covering is an investment designed to last, and its longevity depends above all on the quality of the materials and on correct maintenance. Aluminium structures are the most practical options: resistant to corrosion, they only require periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance – especially if treated with top-quality QUALICOAT Class 2 approved paints, like those used by Pratic. The PVC cloths of sliding coverings and the technical fabrics of awnings are selected to withstand UV rays and bad weather, and are best preserved with regular cleaning to remove dust and residues. Perimeter glass walls and automated components, in turn, benefit from periodic checks that ensure smooth sliding and full functionality over the years. Materials designed for outdoor use and professional installation remain the best guarantee for enjoying your terrace covering for a long time.

Each solution reflects a different way of living the terrace, and it is useful to know its character in order to choose the covering best suited to your needs. Awnings are the most immediate solution: economical, easy to install, perfect for gaining shade in summer or for enjoying light shelter. Pergolas with PVC cloth, on the other hand, extend protection to light rain as well, thanks to their retractable and waterproof covering, while keeping costs contained.

Aluminium bioclimatic pergolas are instead the most complete and versatile option: the sunshade blades allow light, shade and ventilation to be regulated and, when combined with glass walls and perimeter awnings, they turn the terrace into an outdoor room that can be enjoyed all year round. It is the most complete proposal, which is naturally reflected in a higher price. Finally, verandas with glass closures offer maximum protection and real thermal insulation, in return for a greater investment and greater attention to authorisation aspects.