Outdoor Covers

Roofs for outdoor terraces: aluminium and PVC covers without uprights for large-format spaces

Covers for terraces and patios: what they are and how they differ from pergolas

Covers for outdoor terraces are sliding PVC roof systems on aluminium guides that are installed between walls or in existing openings without the need for an independent load-bearing structure. Unlike bioclimatic pergolas — which have their own columns and beams — or aluminium pergolas with canvas, covers for patios and terraces make use of existing walls as fixing points, eliminating the need for major building work and additional permits in the majority of installations. The result is a completely open retractable terrace roof, with no intermediate pillars to interfere with the usable space or circulation.

Cortinsa offers two models of Pratic exterior cover: the Pratic Tecnic with a guide profile of 5×10 cm and coverage of up to 1300×800 cm, and the Pratic One with a 10×16 cm profile and coverage of up to 1300×900 cm. Both share the patented anti-drip system, Qualicoat Seaside Class 2 powder coating and Made in Italy manufacture. The sliding PVC canvas packs into a minimal space when not in use, allowing the space to be enjoyed open on clear days and deployed in seconds against rain or intense heat.

Aluminium terrace roofs: technical features that make the difference

The defining feature of Pratic aluminium terrace covers is the absence of uprights in the covered span. The tension of the sliding PVC canvas is transferred entirely to the lateral guides fixed to the walls, with no intermediate supports to limit the space. Available fabrics include fibreglass filter options with protection of up to 95% of UV rays — ideal for terraces with glazed facades where solar control is sought without losing natural light — and opaque, smoked or transparent PVC fabrics for full protection against rain. The integrated lateral water drainage manages rainfall without the need for additional guttering. The motorisation available on both models is compatible with rain, wind and light sensors that automate the opening and closing of the cover, and with LED Line lighting integrated into the rails for night-time use of the space without any additional electrical installation.

Covers for porches and terraces in hospitality, residential and corporate spaces

Covers for outdoor terraces have three main usage profiles. In hospitality and catering, they are installed on restaurant and hotel terraces where automatic motorisation and resistance to the elements are priority criteria. Restaurant terrace roofs with a rain sensor allow the terrace to remain operational in unexpected weather conditions without manual intervention. In luxury residential settings, they are frequently used in villas and penthouses with patios or terraces bounded by walls, where a cover without pillars and minimal visual impact on the existing architecture is sought. In offices and corporate spaces, Pratic covers are specified for internal courtyards and office-floor terraces with integrated building automation. The ease of installation — without major building work in most cases — makes removable terrace covers the preferred solution also in residents’ communities and spaces where reversibility of installation is a requirement.

Installation of terrace roofs in Barcelona and Madrid

As official Pratic installers in Barcelona and Madrid, Cortinsa provides guidance on selecting the most suitable model — Tecnic or One — according to the depth of the space, the condition of the fixing walls and the level of motorisation required. The free technical visit includes on-site measurement and assessment of installation feasibility. For projects requiring technical specification, the Cortinsa BIM Library makes Revit (.rfa) and IFC files for Pratic models available to architects and engineers. Pratic modern terrace covers are frequently combined with Markilux lateral or vertical awnings to create fully protected outdoor spaces throughout the year in Barcelona and Madrid.