The owners of a beautiful property in Oakville loved their view of Lake Ontario but rarely used their patio due to the strong winds coming off the water. They needed a solution that would block the wind without blocking the view.
The Challenge: High Winds & Unobstructed Views
The patio was elevated and exposed to high winds, often exceeding 50km/h. Standard picket railings wouldn't provide any wind protection, and a full sunroom would be too expensive (upwards of $50k) and would obstruct the open-air feeling they wanted. The client needed a middle ground: structural integrity without visual clutter.
The Solution: 12mm Tempered Glass Wind Wall
We designed and installed a custom 6-foot tall frameless glass wind wall on the lake-facing side. Here is how we engineered it for safety and style:
- 12mm Tempered Safety Glass: We upgraded from the standard 10mm to 12mm thickness to handle the increased wind load.
- Heavy-Duty Spigots: Instead of a bottom channel which can collect water and dirt, we used marine-grade stainless steel spigots (Duplex 2205) which offer superior corrosion resistance.
- Seamless Transition: The wind wall transitions gracefully into standard 42-inch height glass railings on the sides, maintaining a cohesive look.
The Result
The homeowners now enjoy their morning coffee on the patio, protected from the wind while enjoying a crystal-clear view of the lake. The property value increased, and the "usable square footage" of their home effectively grew by 400 sq ft.
"Aluminum Solutions transformed our patio. We used to sit inside and look at the lake. Now we sit outside and feel like we're part of it." - Sarah & Mark, Oakville
