All windshields that completely block the wind also obstruct visibility. Except for one.
Glass is the only material that fulfills both of these purposes at the same time. It blocks the wind without obstructing the view, which is a key reason why glass has become a popular choice for patios with unobstructed views.
But a glass windbreak isn't the only type of solution. The type of glass, its height, and how it's mounted determine whether the result will be a pleasant shelter or just a wall that the wind blows over and around.
Why glass and not something else?
A wooden or aluminum windbreak with slats allows air to pass through between the slats. It dampens the wind but does not eliminate it entirely—and at the same time, the structure blocks part of the view.
Slats block the wind
The air continues through the openings between the slats. The wind speed decreases, but you don't get the same level of protection—and the slats still block the view.
A dense screen with an unobstructed view
The glass has no openings through which the wind can pass. At the same time, the light and the view are preserved through the continuous glass surface.
The glass is airtight. The wind stops, but visibility remains.
If you’d like to compare different materials and see how height, placement, and design affect the result, you can read our comprehensive windbreak guide . Here, we’ll take a closer look at what sets different glass solutions apart.
Clear, frosted, or tinted?
The type of glass determines how much of a view, light, and privacy the windscreen provides. The right choice therefore depends on what you primarily want to preserve—and what you want to block out.
- Clear glass
- Maximum light and a completely unobstructed view. The standard choice when the view is a key reason for sitting outside.
- Frosted and opal glass
- Lets light through as a soft, diffused glow but blocks the view from the outside. A great choice for balconies and patios in densely built-up areas.
- Tinted glass
- Reduces visibility from the outside and glare from the sun without completely blocking the view. It’s particularly well-suited for exposed south-facing locations.
- Split batch
- Frosted glass at the bottom and clear glass at the top provide privacy at seating height while maintaining the view above.
How high does the windbreak need to be?
This is where many people go wrong, and the reason is almost always the same: the shield isn't high enough. Wind that hits a shield doesn't disappear; instead, it goes over the edge and folds down on the other side.
If the screen is too low, the air that’s been pushed down can end up right where you’re sitting—sometimes as a colder and more turbulent airflow than the one you were trying to avoid.
| Total height | What You Get | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 110–120 cm | Primarily, the height of the railing and the limited wind protection when you're seated. | Places where the wind is usually light. |
| 140–160 cm | Measure the height while seated, for example, at a sofa or dining table. | Most patios. |
| 170–180 cm | Greater protection that provides support even when you're standing. | Exposed locations and corner solutions. |
The measurement is taken from the floor to the top edge of the windscreen—that is, the railing and the taller section of the windscreen combined. If you already have a railing that is 90–110 centimeters high, the height is supplemented by glass above it.
Fixed or adjustable?
The choice mainly comes down to how often you want to be able to open up your patio. A fixed windbreak provides stable protection at all times, while a retractable one can be adjusted to suit the weather.
Three Solutions for Different Needs
The mounting is what's supposed to hold it in place
The glass’s solid surface is what provides effective wind protection. At the same time, this means that the force of the wind must be absorbed by the posts, fittings, and the base to which the railing is attached.
Three Things to Check Before Placing Your Order
The mounting should be sized according to the location and the finished structure—not solely based on the existing railing or surface.
The Basis
Check what the posts will be attached to and whether the material is sturdy enough to support the load.
The Design
Be especially careful on balconies, existing railings, and pedestal-mounted terraces, where anchoring may be limited.
Wind Conditions
Take into account the height of the windbreak, any open corners, and how exposed the patio is when it's windy.
Tempered and Laminated Safety Glass
Tempered glass has greater strength, while the lamination holds the pane together and helps it remain in place if the glass is damaged. The type of glass construction required depends, among other things, on the location and whether the windscreen also serves as a fall protection barrier.
Learn more about how glass surfaces should be designed with personal safety in mind in the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning’s guidelines on glass safety .
Glass or Plexiglas?
Plexiglas is often used as a generic term for transparent acrylic. When it comes to permanent windbreaks, it is primarily clarity, scratch resistance, impact resistance, and dimensional stability that distinguish these materials from one another.
| Property | Tempered Laminated Glass | Acrylic, Plexiglas | Polycarbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity Over Time | Very good and reliable. | Made of UV-stable material, but the surface may become dull due to scratches. | It depends on the disc's UV protection and surface treatment. |
| Abrasion resistance | High. | Low. Sand and dry wiping can cause visible scratches. | It was not coated with a special wear-resistant surface coating. |
| Impact resistance | Tall, but glass can break. | Higher than that of ordinary glass. | Very high. |
| Dimensional Stability | Very high. | Move around more when the temperature changes. | It also moves when the temperature changes. |
| Weight | The heaviest of the materials. | Significantly lighter than glass. | Significantly lighter than glass. |
| Outdoor Expression | Maintains a hard, clear surface. | It may take on a more scratched and dull appearance. | The surface treatment determines how well the clarity is preserved. |
Here's How to Keep Your Glass Windshield Clear
A glass windbreak requires little maintenance compared to wood. It doesn't need to be oiled, painted, or stained—a couple of thorough cleanings per season are usually enough.
-
Rinse off loose dirt
Start with water so that sand, pollen, and other loose dirt aren't dragged across the glass surface during cleaning.
-
Wash with a mild detergent
Use lukewarm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. That's all it takes to clean most marks left by rain and regular use.
-
Rinse and dry
Rinse off any remaining cleaning solution and, if necessary, dry with a clean, soft cloth to reduce the risk of streaks.
Not sure about the height, glass type, or mounting?
Describe where the windbreak will be placed, how exposed the location is, and what it will be attached to. Our customer service team will be happy to help you choose the right solution before you place your order. The windbreaks are custom-made in Ängelholm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Windbreaks
Here you'll find brief answers about height, types of glass, mounting, and the difference between fixed and adjustable awnings.
How tall should a glass windbreak be?
For shelter while sitting, a height of 140–160 centimeters works well for most patios. In more exposed locations, or where you want shelter even while standing, 170–180 centimeters may be more appropriate. The measurement is taken from the floor to the top edge of the windbreak.
Why is there a draft behind my windshield?
The wind blows over and around the screen. If the windbreak is too low, the air can fold down right behind it, and open corners can let in wind from the side. A taller screen or two L-shaped sections often provide better shelter.
What type of glass is used in windshields?
Windbreaks should be constructed using safety glass appropriate for their location and the loads they will bear. Tempered glass has higher strength, while laminated glass remains intact if the pane is damaged. If the windbreak also serves as a fall protection barrier, the glass structure must be designed accordingly.
Is Plexiglas a cheaper alternative?
Acrylic, often called Plexiglas, may have a lower purchase price and weigh less than glass. However, its surface scratches more easily, and its quality and UV protection affect how well the material retains its clarity outdoors. For a permanent windbreak, glass is often the better long-term choice.
Can I install the windshield on my existing railing?
Sometimes, but first the railing’s anchorage and the substrate must be inspected. A sealed glass section absorbs the entire wind load and can generate significant lateral forces. The fastenings must therefore be sized for the finished structure and the site’s wind conditions.
What is the difference between fixed and adjustable?
A fixed windbreak provides permanent and stable protection throughout the season. An adjustable windbreak can be lowered when conditions are calm and raised when more shelter is needed, but it also has more moving parts.
Does the windscreen also provide privacy?
It depends on the type of glass. Clear glass preserves the view but does not block the view from the outside. Frosted or opal glass provides clear privacy, while tinted glass reduces visibility from the outside. A divided pane with frosted glass at the bottom and clear glass at the top provides both privacy and a view.
