The terrace is an architectural space, open, accessory to a building, which in the Italian tradition finds an enormous response, especially as regards the uses to be allocated to this type of outdoor space. With Le Corbusier, the terrace becomes a place to live, inhabited. The term terrace refers to the flat roof, which covers a building. It can also be a paved space within a garden, furnished and connected to the house, but also an urban area within public areas, of large dimensions, with a view of the landscape, as often happens in villas or public parks. The terrace is distinguished from the terrace, because it has no protrusion unlike the latter, but only acts as a cover. The terrace, however, becomes an integral part of the house and must be fully lived. To make the most of it, it can be furnished and designed with materials that are well suited to the architectural style of the house. In the summer it can become a place to enjoy pleasant activities, relax, eat, study or hang out with friends. There are different types of roofs on the market, which must be chosen based on the climate and the use that will be reserved for this space. Obviously the costs vary according to the materials and above all the roofs will have to comply with national standards regarding snow and wind loads and will be anti-seismic. This guide will give advice on the types of roofs on the market, describing the characteristics and uses for which they are reserved. The typologies will concern roofing intended for private homes, which can be the classic roofing similar to solar awnings, in wood, aluminum and glass.

The solar awnings obviously combine practicality with elegance and design, they are recommended in particularly hot or sunny regions, intended for purely summer use. They are versatile covers that adapt to any size or surface. The best quality ones have a system of bolts and components that are resistant to humidity and rust and are tested to withstand very strong winds. Some have advanced motorized closing systems, and can be opened or closed according to climate changes, up to 50% disappear. This makes the terrace usable even in winter, as there is no danger that bad weather will ruin the roof. Among the models that can be installed on the terraces there are those with arms, drop-down, and hood. The arm awnings open thanks to the push of two or more extendable arms. Drop awnings can be operated by winch or motor and canopy awnings are ideal for villas. They usually have a resealable structure and shapes that vary from round to more sophisticated ellipse.

The wooden roofs are of great value, they adapt to mountain regions and are particularly suitable for living the terrace in winter. Elegant and light, they have an aluminum supporting structure, which is covered with wood. They adapt to humidity, wind and snow. These too are often motorized and can be opened or closed to enjoy even the beautiful sunny days. The most technological have heating and thermal insulation systems, which allow them to withstand low temperatures. These covers can be supported by transparent panels, placed laterally, which will not spoil the external view. Alternatively, as a cover, you could also opt for the classic pergola in solid or laminated pine, which can be completed with grilled panels, decorative elements and flower boxes. The wooden roofs are also of the ventilated lamellar type, which offer great advantages for living comfort. The ventilation chamber ensures air circulation that improves thermal quality, avoiding condensation, melting large irregular quantities of snow and in summer gives fresh air. In this case the budget will go up and many rules for the design will have to be respected.

Of extreme refinement and lightness, these thin and more expensive covers adapt to any climate and architecture and are contemporary in style. The glass panels are usually sliding and constant ventilation allows a pleasant climate in the room below, guaranteeing protection from the rain and allowing you to enjoy the surrounding nature. There are also pre-painted aluminum structures with sliding canvas cover, cheaper, in PVC or transparent crystal. The closure with the panels allows a considerable energy saving, respecting the environment and exploiting the unused spaces, reducing external noises. Aluminum also allows the creation of removable structures, which can be stored at home because they are foldable. The cover plates as well as glass can be made of polycarbonate. Installation is not always easy, as there are specific municipal regulations to be respected.

To conclude, we remind you that the bureaucracy in this regard is quite quirky. As regards the application for building permit to the Municipality, it will be necessary to assess whether the coverage will cause an increase in the volume of the surface greater than a percentage established by the municipal regulation. If the terrace is in a condominium, it is necessary to ask for the authorization for the roofing works, during the condominium assembly, to avoid ending up in court and giving rise to long disputes. If the condominium does not authorize the fixed cover, you can opt for a removable one, as long as it is installed three meters from the neighbor. Failure to observe this distance will result in penalties of up to 10 thousand euros.