Retractable Roof System

High-quality materials like aluminum and tempered glass typically increase the price but ensure durability and low maintenance. Premium finishes and UV-resistant coatings may also add to the cost. These are also known as sliding glass systems.

Why Choose a Retractable Roof?

  • Flexible comfort: enjoy the breeze in the morning and close up for midday sun or a quick shower.
  • Bigger usable hours: turn hot or windy zones into spaces you can use most of the day, most of the year.
  • Neat appearance: slim profiles, hidden fasteners, and matching RAL colours keep the design modern.
  • Low maintenance: powder-coated aluminium won’t warp, swell, or rot in heat and humidity.
  • Upgrade-ready: add lighting, side screens, heaters, or glass to extend the season.
  • Material Quality
  • System Type
  • Automation Features
  • Weather Resistance
  • Design Complexity
  • Installation Requirements

How a Retractable Roof Works

The roof uses sliding modules that move along quiet tracks. Press the remote—or use an app—and the panels stack to one side (or split stack), opening the roof. Stop at any position for partial shade. Close fully when you want complete cover.

  • Sliding/stacking panels: open up to ~75–90% of the roof area depending on layout.
  • Smooth motors: outdoor-rated drives with soft start/stop reduce noise and wear.
  • Integrated drainage: when closed, water channels into perimeter gutters and down the posts.
  • Optional louvers: in mixed systems, front bays can be louvered while rear bays retract.
Retractable Roof Systems
Retractable Roof Systems

Factors Affecting Retractable Roof System Pricing and Design

  • Total Surface Area
  • Customization Options
  • Load-Bearing Structure
  • Material Requirements
  • Motorization and Automation
  • Installation Time and Complexity
  • Weather Resistance Features
  • Energy Efficiency Options
  • Brand and Warranty

Controls & Automation

Every system ships with a simple remote. Most clients also add phone control and basic automation:

  • Remote: open/close/stop plus lighting control.
  • App: check status, set timers, and create scenes (“Breakfast”, “Sunset”).
  • Sensors: wind and rain sensors can auto-close the roof for safety and to protect furniture.

Why Choose Al Mada for Retractable Roof Systems?

At Al Mada Aluminium & Glass Contracting, we specialize in creating innovative retractable roof solutions tailored to your needs. With over two decades of expertise, we deliver high-quality installations that combine style and performance.

Design Options

  • Configurations: freestanding or wall-attached; single bay or multi-bay for large terraces.
  • Finishes: fine-texture mattes and wood-look films in popular RAL colours.
  • Lighting: dimmable LED strips or downlights housed in the frame.
  • Comfort add-ons: wind-resistant screens, infrared heaters, and misting systems.
  • Glazing: enclose sides with sliding or stacking glass to block wind while keeping the view. For full-height motion, see our motorized sliding glass solutions.

Where a Retractable Roof Fits Best

Homes

  • Poolside lounge with open sky in the morning and shade by noon.
  • Rooftop pergola that opens for airflow but closes for privacy and dust.
  • Garden dining that stays usable in light rain.

Hospitality

  • Restaurants increase covers by making outdoor seats comfortable all day.
  • CafĂ©s keep service running when sun angle or wind changes.
  • Hotels create premium cabanas and terrace bars with a clean, branded look.

Technical Notes (UAE Conditions)

  • Structure: architectural aluminium profiles sized to your spans and fixing points.
  • Power: single 220–240V feed; we coordinate outlet position and load with your electrician.
  • Drainage: concealed gutters and downpipes inside posts; outlet locations agreed at survey.
  • Wind: retractable roofs require careful design in high-wind zones. We use robust profiles and confirm safe operation based on your site’s wind exposure—especially on tall buildings and coastal areas.
  • Maintenance: occasional rinse and wipe; an annual check keeps motors and seals in top form.
ItemTypical RangeNotes
Bay width3–4 m typical (larger by design)Multi-bay modules for bigger terraces
Projection2.5–6 m typicalSpan depends on substrate & wind exposure
HeightCustomWe check door/AC/duct clearances on site
PowerSingle 220–240V feedRemote included; app/voice optional
MountingFreestanding or wall-attachedAnchors sized to slab, beam, or footing

Sizes, Power & Mounting (Quick Guide)

Retractable Roof vs Motorized Louvered Pergola

  • Retractable roof: best when you want a large, open sky feeling. Panels stack to open most of the roof area.
  • Motorized louvered pergola: best for fine control of light and airflow; louvers tilt for shade and close for rain. Learn more on our motorized pergola page.

Project Steps

  1. Site visit & measure: spans, fixing points, electrical access, drainage outlets, and wind exposure.
  2. Design & proposal: layout, finish, controls, and a clear itemised quote with options.
  3. Fabrication: precision-cut profiles, pre-fitted hardware, quality checks.
  4. Installation: clean, scheduled assembly; coordination with your electrician if needed.
  5. Handover: we set your presets, pair the app, review care tips, and provide your warranty pack.

Popular Combinations

  • Retractable roof + glass: add motorized sliding glass around the sides for wind protection while keeping the view.
  • Retractable roof + screens: use wind-rated screens for shade, privacy, and insect control.
  • Retractable roof + heaters/misting: keep evenings comfortable across the seasons.
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