Right now, we’re seeing high demand for minimalist solutions like post-free glass railings that offer maximum views. Black-lacquered aluminum railings are also extremely popular for their modern look and low-maintenance nature. Many people also choose to integrate lighting into their outdoor railings to create an atmospheric setting on the patio even after dark.
A windbreak is usually defined as a screen wall or a taller railing (typically over 110 cm) designed to block drafts. The definition may vary depending on local building codes, but in practice, it is a structure that provides shelter for a specific part of your patio. If the structure is taller than 180 cm or if it is placed near the property line, it may in some cases be classified as a fence, which may require a building permit.
Side mounting can often be an advantage for windbreaks because it provides a very stable structure and saves space on the surface itself. By attaching the posts to the side of the balcony slab or deck frame, it is often possible to use stronger fasteners, which is critical for tall glass panels exposed to wind loads. It also creates a sleek and “floating” look.
The price is primarily determined by the railing’s total length, the type of glass (such as tempered laminated glass), and whether you choose fixed or adjustable modules. The choice of material for the posts (aluminum or stainless steel) and any powder coating also affect the final price.
The factors that most influence the price of a railing are the choice of material and the railing’s total length. An aluminum railing is generally more affordable than a stainless steel railing, and a post-free glass railing falls into the higher price range due to the use of heavy-duty glass. The choice of glass type (e.g., frosted or tinted) and optional features such as a wooden top rail also affect the final cost.
Glas är ett överlägset material när du vill ha ett hållbart och underhållsfritt skydd. Trä kräver regelbunden målning och plast riskerar att gulna eller repas över tid. Ett glasräcke som fungerar som vindskydd är tillverkat av härdat säkerhetsglas som tål extremt väder, är lätt att rengöra och höjer dessutom fastighetens estetiska värde på ett sätt som temporära lösningar i plast eller trä sällan gör.
I de flesta fall är det tillåtet, men det styrs ofta av lokala regler eller din bostadsrättsförening. Ett transparent glasräcke som fungerar som vindskydd är ofta lättare att få godkänt än täta paneler eftersom det inte förändrar byggnadens karaktär lika drastiskt.
Innan du monterar bör du alltid kontrollera om det krävs bygglov eller ett godkännande från styrelsen.
Yes, a glass windbreak can certainly be taller than a standard railing, but there are important factors to consider. Technically speaking, it is possible to customize the height to maximize the shelter effect. However, it’s important to remember that tall glass sections on a balcony may require a building permit since they affect the appearance of the facade, and they also place higher demands on the stability of the mounting due to increased wind pressure.
Effective wind protection is often the key detail that transforms a weather-exposed outdoor space into the most-used room in the home. When the wind picks up, napkins fly away, candles go out, and cold food replaces a warm dinner—a summer evening that was supposed to be spent outdoors quickly turns into an evening indoors. By combining the functionality of a classic railing on a patio or balcony with protective glass panels, you can create a space that’s both open and sheltered from drafts.
At Balustrade Store , we manufacture every windscreen for patios, balconies, and outdoor areas based on your specific measurements at our own factory in Ängelholm. Instead of using standard systems that require uncertain on-site adjustments, we deliver a technically engineered kit tailored to your installation area. Custom sizing is always included—you don’t pay extra to get the windbreak in exactly the right dimensions.
Balcony windbreaks are one of our most popular applications—especially in apartment buildings and condominiums, where balconies are often located high up and are therefore particularly exposed to the wind. A windbreak attached to the balcony railing solves this problem without blocking the light or the view:
Keep in mind that replacing windbreaks on a balcony in a condominium almost always requires the board’s approval, since the balcony is considered part of the building’s facade. Check with your homeowners’ association before placing an order—and for larger condominium projects where the entire building is to receive new windbreaks at the same time, we offer project plans with coordinated delivery.
For the balcony, patio, and terrace in your garden, windbreaks often make the difference between a space that’s used 30 days a year and one that’s used 80+ days a year. Windbreaks for balconies from Balustrade Store are available in several designs:
Consider the direction of the wind on your specific balcony—it’s not always the same as the prevailing wind in the area. Stand on your balcony on a windy day and feel where the wind is coming from. That will determine where the windbreak should be placed and how high it needs to be.
With the innovative Flex system, you can decide for yourself when to use the windscreen. On sunny days, Flex functions as an elegant glass railing with an unobstructed view—but when the wind picks up, you can easily raise the movable glass sections to create immediate shelter. It’s a movable windscreen with a sturdy construction, ideal for balconies and patios where the sun, view, or wind vary throughout the day.
Flex is our most technologically advanced windscreen solution and is ideal for those who want maximum flexibility without compromising on stability or safety.
For those looking for a permanent glass windbreak, there are three systems to choose from:
All three systems use tempered and laminated safety glass, which is required for glass windbreaks that also serve as fall protection on balconies and elevated terraces.
One of the smartest choices for balconies and patios is to combine wind protection and privacy screening in a single design. A glass railing in an opal (frosted) or gray finish blocks the wind just as effectively as clear glass—while also blocking the line of sight from neighbors and passersby. You get two functions in one design, which saves both money and space on your outdoor area.
This is particularly valuable on balconies in apartment buildings, where visibility from neighboring balconies is a recurring problem, and on patios where the neighboring property is close by. Read more about the visibility perspective under “Privacy Protection.”
In practice, a glass windbreak functions like a sail, which means the structure is subjected to significant compressive forces during severe weather. Therefore, the technical design and choice of materials—high-quality aluminum or acid-resistant stainless steel (AISI 316) in coastal environments—are absolutely crucial for long-term durability. We design our posts and fasteners to ensure a secure fit, regardless of whether you choose to install the railing on a wooden deck or in concrete.
Our manufacturing process is certified by RISE in accordance with EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011—the harmonized standard for load-bearing steel and aluminum structures. Safety is at the heart of our production: we use only laminated safety glass in all our windbreak solutions. Two glass panes are bonded together with a strong plastic film that holds the glass in the frame even if, against all odds, it were to shatter—an essential safety feature, especially for installations that serve as fall protection at greater heights.
For more detailed information on regulations, drop heights, and usage classes, read our deck guide, balcony guide, or safety guide.
We’ve removed the barriers to buying railing systems online. In our 3D configurator, you can experiment with different materials, heights, and glass types—such as frosted glass, which serves a dual purpose as both a windbreak and privacy screen—and see the price update in real time. This gives you full control over costs and a clear picture of what the final result will look like before you place your order.
When your order leaves our factory, it is a complete kit that includes everything needed for a professional installation. By following our personalized installation instructions and instructional video guides, you—as a DIY enthusiast—can achieve a result with professional-quality craftsmanship on your own.
With Balustrade Store , you get a windbreak that combines Swedish quality with modern design—design your solution using the configurator above, or contact our customer service for advice before placing your order.
