Enclosing a restaurant terrace with clear PVC: rules, measuring and fixings

Sep 28

4 min read

Updated: Oct 1

To keep a bar or restaurant terrace open through the cold months without losing light or views, the usual solution is clear PVC panels (also called crystal PVC) hung from the awning or the frame. They block wind and rain, keep the terrace visible from the street and come down again when the good weather returns.

Before you order, be clear on three things: what your local council allows, how to measure each opening and how the panels will be fixed. This guide covers all three and lists the details we need for a quote.

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What local councils usually require

Each town regulates terrace enclosures in its own rules for the use of public space, and they vary a lot from one place to another. In Spain, for example, the Málaga ordinance published on the council website allows terrace awnings to have up to three vertical closures made of flexible and preferably transparent material; the whole set must be removable and the fabric must be fire-treated. Free-standing windbreaks may not exceed 1.50 m in height or block the view.

These requirements come up in many towns:

A valid terrace licence, with the enclosure described in the application: materials, colour and sizes.
Flexible, removable closures, with no building work and no permanent anchors.
Transparency, so the inside can be seen and the street stays visible.
Fabric with a fire reaction test report, which an inspector may ask to see.
Season: some councils only allow the enclosure during the cold months.

Before ordering, check the current rules of your town or ask its public space department. We make the panels; the terrace owner applies for the licence.

The clear PVC we use

We make the panels from 850 g/m² clear PVC, waterproof, UV-protected and treated against mould. It comes on 100 m rolls 1.4 to 1.6 m wide, so wider panels are made by welding several widths together to the size of the opening.

Fire reaction: our CRYSTALPLAST clear PVC has fire reaction class T2 under UNE-EN 15619. Check with your council which class it requires. Other countries use other fire classes; we explain which one each country asks for in fire reaction certificates for tent fabric in Europe.

For skirts, top bands or the awning itself you can combine the clear PVC with opaque fabric in white or a colour. We tell you the fire class of each reference you choose.

Clear PVC or a glass enclosure

No building work: the panel hangs from the awning or frame, with no aluminium profiles, and comes down at the end of the season.
Light and views: clear PVC is very clear, though not as clear as glass. With use it can scratch or lose some transparency if it is not looked after.
Protection: it keeps out wind and rain, but it does not insulate like double glazing.
Heaters: if you use patio heaters, keep the safety distance from the panels given by the heater manufacturer and leave ventilation.

How to measure the panels

Measure each opening separately: the width between posts or supports, and the height from the top fixing point to the ground.
If the floor slopes, measure the height at both ends of the opening.
Say whether the panel should reach the ground or stop at a certain height.
Mark doors or walkways that must stay open: they are solved with separate panels or an opening.
Tell us what the panel will hang from: the awning profile, a tube, a cable or a keder rail.
Send photos of each opening with a tape measure in view.

Old panels also work as a pattern. To measure a whole tent, see how to measure your tent for a made-to-measure cover.

Fixing systems

Eyelets: with rope, bungee cords or snap hooks. The simplest and cheapest system.
Keder in a rail: the top edge slides into a profile and stays taut with no gaps.
Straps and buckles: to hold the panel to the posts or the ground.
Roll-up panel: rolls upwards and is held with ties when you don't need it closed.

If your terrace already has a system, we reproduce it so the new panel fits without touching the frame. Side-guide or motorised systems are supplied by your installer: send us the system's data sheet and we make the panel to suit it.

Cold, condensation and caring for clear PVC

Clear PVC stiffens in the cold. Don't fold it or roll it tightly at low temperatures, as it can mark. Clean it with water, mild soap and a soft cloth, never with abrasive products or solvents, and store it clean and dry out of season.

If the panels mist up, ventilate and move heat sources away. We explain how in transparent tents: how to reduce condensation and look after clear PVC.

What to send us for a quote

Number of panels and the size of each (width × height).
Photos of the terrace and the fixing points.
The fixing system you want to use.
Doors or walkways that must stay open.
Colour of any opaque parts.
Delivery town and the date you need it.

Manufacturing time is confirmed with each quote. Once the goods leave, transport across Europe takes about a week. Ask us about installation too if you need it. More examples on our transparent tents and clear PVC enclosures page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission to enclose my terrace?

In most towns, yes: the enclosure is part of the terrace licence. Check your council's rules before ordering.

Is clear PVC fire-retardant?

Our CRYSTALPLAST clear PVC has fire reaction class T2 under UNE-EN 15619.

How long does a clear PVC enclosure last?

It depends on sun exposure, use and care. Cleaning it with mild products and storing it dry out of season makes it last much longer.

Can I buy just the material and make the panels myself?

Yes. We supply clear PVC on 100 m rolls.

Have your measurements ready? Send them with a few photos of the terrace and we will prepare a written quote.