How to protect your terrace from the levante in Cádiz

Short answer: The most effective way to protect a terrace from the levante in Cádiz is to enclose the exposed side with securely anchored toughened glass curtains and, if you also need shade, to combine them with a pergola or roof designed for wind loads. Conventional awnings must be retracted when the levante blows hard, and on the coast every material has to be able to withstand the salt air.

Why is the levante so hard on terraces in Cádiz?

The levante is an easterly wind that picks up speed as it passes through the Strait of Gibraltar. It blows most often between spring and autumn, just when you use your terrace most. During strong spells, AEMET (Spain's state weather agency) issues warnings for gusts of 70 to 80 km/h on the Cádiz coast and in the inland campiña, and stronger still around the Strait.

For a terrace, that means three problems at once:

• Wind force on awnings, parasols, plant pots and furniture.
• Sand and dust that get into the house and scratch surfaces.
• Salt air, which on the coast corrodes fittings, screws and poorly protected metals.

There are solutions designed for exactly this. The key is to choose wind-resistant systems and materials made for a marine environment.

Which solutions work against the levante?

Solution	Protects from wind	Protects from sun	Bear in mind
Glass curtains	Yes, it closes off the front	Not on their own	Toughened glass of the right thickness and good anchoring
Bioclimatic pergola with side enclosure	Yes, if the sides are enclosed	Yes, with adjustable louvres	Sized for wind to the manufacturer's specifications
Fixed or retractable roof	From above	Yes	Combine with a side enclosure in exposed areas
Vertical screen awning	Partly, it filters the air	Yes	Retract in strong wind; best with side tracks
Folding-arm awning	No	Yes	Always retract in a levante; a wind sensor is advisable

Can glass curtains withstand the levante?

Yes, as long as the system and the installation are right. They are the most direct way to block the wind without losing the view. On exposed terraces, three details make all the difference:

1. Glass thickness. 8 mm toughened glass is the norm. For tall openings or façades very exposed to the east, it is worth going up to 10 mm or considering laminated glass.
2. Anchoring. The tracks must be fixed to solid parts of the floor slab and the ceiling, with suitable screws and fixings. Good glass that is badly anchored is no use.
3. Bottom track with drainage. When the levante brings wind-driven rain, the water is pushed against the enclosure; a track with drainage outlets stops it building up.

With the panels closed, the terrace stays sheltered even when it is blowing hard outside. Find out more about our glass curtains. If you are torn between glass and aluminium, read our full comparison.

What if I also need shade?

In Cádiz the levante usually comes with sunshine and heat. To cover your terrace without battling the wind, there are two ways to go:

• Bioclimatic pergola with adjustable louvres. The louvres tilt to give shade or ventilation and close when it rains. With glass curtains on the exposed sides, you create a sheltered space. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on louvre position in strong winds. Find out more about our pergolas.
• Fixed or retractable roof. A sturdy roof above and glass curtains across the front is the most robust combination for very exposed terraces. Browse our range of patio roofs.

If you prefer lighter sun protection, vertical screen awnings with side tracks withstand wind better than a free-hanging awning. Even so, in a strong levante it is best to retract them. A motor with a wind sensor retracts them automatically when the wind picks up.

How do you choose materials that resist salt air?

The wind is the problem you can see. Salt air works silently. For an enclosure to last on the coast:

• High-quality lacquered or anodised aluminium. There are coating certifications for marine environments, such as the Qualicoat Seaside label, which is worth asking for on seafront properties.
• Stainless steel screws and fittings in a marine grade, such as AISI 316 (A4).
• Bearings and moving parts made of materials that do not rust.
• Avoid mixing metals that can cause corrosion between them.

We work with manufacturers such as KE, Bandalux, C3 Systems and Strugal, and we choose every component with the climate of the Cádiz coast in mind.

What maintenance does a terrace exposed to the levante need?

Not much, but it needs to be regular. A simple routine prevents most faults:

1. Rinse the glass, frames and fittings with fresh water every few weeks in summer and after every levante storm.
2. Clean the tracks of your glass curtains. The sand blown in by the levante is what most stops the panels sliding smoothly.
3. Use mild soap and soft cloths. No scourers or abrasive products on glass or lacquered surfaces.
4. Check the screws and anchors once a year.
5. Retract your awnings when there is a wind warning, and don't leave loose objects on the terrace.

Do I need permission to enclose my terrace?

Yes. Enclosing a terrace requires council approval and, in a block of flats, the agreement of the community of owners. We explain this in our guide to planning permission for enclosing a terrace. And if you'd like an idea of the cost, see how much it costs to enclose a terrace.

Protect your terrace with people who know the levante

From our base in El Puerto de Santa María, Kristall has been working across the province of Cádiz for more than 25 years. We visit you, assess how exposed your terrace is and give you a free quote. Write to us through our contact page or by WhatsApp on 665 26 11 55. You'll find more questions answered in our FAQ.

FAQ

Sources

• https://www.esdiario.com/andalucia/260921/198247/viento-levante-pone-alerta-provincia-cadiz-marca-arranque-caluroso-otono.html (in Spanish)
• https://www.esdiario.com/andalucia/250410/156925/fuerte-viento-azota-litoral-andaluz-marca-arranque-viernes-santo.html (in Spanish)
• https://www.eltiempo.es/andalucia/avisos/sabado.html (in Spanish)

Written by the technical team at Kristall Cerramientos, installers of glass curtains and pergolas in El Puerto de Santa María for over 25 years.