Retractable Roofs Vs Fixed Glass: Assessing Which is Most Effective for Restaurants
One of the most important choices when planning outdoor dining for your restaurant is the type of roof. Should you install a fixed glass veranda or purchase a retractable roof system? Depending on your operational model, location, and desired customer experience, these all have their places in the hospitality industry.
Fixed Glass Verandas: The Premium Selection
A fixed glass veranda provides you with a permanent, covered dining area. The glass roof remains in place, regardless of the weather, constructing an area that feels like outdoors, without all the unpredictability. Restaurants gain natural light, customers see the sky, yet rain and wind are kept sealed on the other side of the glass.
Simplicity is the primary benefit. There is nothing to open or close other than regular housekeeping. Staff is unaffected for the day and are not required to check the weather forecast to see if they will need to retract the roof. It just works.
Fixed glass exhibits exceptional performance against the British climate. sudden showers won’t have you rushing to cover diners or pack furniture. This space remains usable in torrential rain as well as scorching sun. This dependability equates to revenue: you can comfortably seat customers outside and have the confidence they won’t be problematic.
It also makes temperature control easier. since the structure is fully enclosed (or at least covered), you can add heating and it won’t immediately disappear into the ether. This makes the space feasible during autumn and winter, which is something you want to do when you’re trying to maximise ROI.
The downside? Fixed glass means… glass. During those rare perfect summer evenings, you can’t have a fully retractable option. Some customers want that fully al fresco feel, and a glass roof, no matter how clear, alters that slightly.
Retractable Roofs: Flexibility at a Price
Retractable roof systems give you choices: lovely day outside? open it up fully. Rain on the horizon? close it down. You get the best of both worlds but, at least in theory.
Operating retractable roofs is straightforward. When weather is nice, customers enjoy dining on the terrace. Convenience and choice can be great selling points, especially for establishments that benefit from complimentary climate dining.
Retractable roof systems use modern, simple technology. Most are motorized and remote-controlled, allowing customers to open or close them within seconds. Some systems even have weather detectors that will automatically close the roof to keep the audience dry.
Flexibility comes with an array of complications, however. Operating the system can require extensive training to ensure that it can be used responsively in busy situations. If no one is on the roof, it becomes a game of roof roulette, waiting.
Retractable roofs are designed to move, and with that comes the increased risk of malfunctions that will require costly maintenance. Undoable maintenance is also designed into retractable systems with seals, tracks, and motors that move regularly. If careless, leaves and debris can clog the system, and moving parts are especially vulnerable to erosion from coastal salt air.
When trying to maintain heat control, issues arise as expensive heating systems are less effective when the warmth escapes through the open roof. Some restaurant owners end up keeping the sliding roof closed most of the time, going against the point of spending more for flexibility.
Fixed glass verandas are less expensive to install and maintain. There is no need for complex mechanical systems with the structure and glazing, which means less expensive systems overall. Over 5 to 10 years, the difference in maintenance costs starts to become significant.
The initial and ongoing costs for retractable roofs is higher. You’re investing in complicated mechanisms and engineering that are more expensive to repair than a broken glass pane.
Also, consider your expected usage. Weather is more likely to be changable in some locations with retractable systems make more sense. On the other hand, if the goal is to have weatherproof outdoor seating that works regardless of the weather, then the extra for retractability is likely not worth it.
Making Your Decision
Think about your teams capabilities as well. Do you prefer outdoor dining to be simple or can you handle the additional care needed for retractable systems? How important is it to you to have control over the dining environment as opposed to letting Mother Nature decide?
Either choice is a fit for restaurants. Fixed glass walls give you dependability and ease. Retractable roof systems give you adaptability as well as the unique experience of dining under an open sky. The right choice for you will depend on your preferences, your location, and how you want to manage the outdoor dining experience.
