Balcony Enclosure

Balcony Glazing - the retrofitting of an open balcony with glass elements that protect it from the elements, noise, and dirt while also enhancing the usable living space. Depending on the design, we distinguish between frameless all-glass systems and framed versions with aluminum or plastic profiles.

Frameless or Framed - An Overview of Systems

Frameless balcony glazing consists of individual glass panels that can be folded or slid and, when open, slide almost completely to the side. They appear visually lightweight and have minimal impact on the facade - an advantage that can be the deciding factor for historic buildings or discerning homeowners’ associations.

Framed systems, on the other hand, offer greater protection against wind and rain, achieve better sound insulation values, and are generally more affordable to purchase. For locations with high noise levels-such as along major thoroughfares in northern Nuremberg or railway lines-we recommend framed systems with laminated safety glass (LSG) and appropriate sound insulation.

System Comparison:

Feature	Frameless (All-glass)	Framed (Aluminum/Plastic)
Appearance	Very transparent, lightweight	Visible frame profiles
Sound insulation	Low (no seal)	Better, up to Rw 35 dB possible
Airtightness	Limited (slots on the sides)	Good
Price (10 m² balcony)	€7,000-12,000	€5,000-9,000
Maintenance	Low	Medium (seals)
Historic preservation	Often approved	More difficult to obtain approval

Both variants use single-pane safety glass (ESG) or laminated safety glass (VSG). Technically speaking, the glazing is not thermal insulation as defined by the GEG, but it acts as a buffer zone: The temperature on the glazed balcony is significantly higher than the outside temperature in winter, which can reduce heating costs in the adjacent living space by 5-10%.

Permit Requirements and WEG Resolution

A key consideration is the permit requirement. Since balcony glazing alters the exterior appearance of a building, a building permit or at least an exemption from the permit requirement under Art. 57/58 BayBO is generally required in Bavaria. In the past, the Nuremberg Building Authority has taken a more lenient approach to uniform solutions for all balconies in a building than to individual measures.

In the case of condominiums, it should also be noted that while the balcony is often considered separate property, the balcony facade is part of the common property. Glazing alters the appearance of the common building and therefore requires a resolution by the owners’ association pursuant to § 20 WEG. Following the 2020 WEG reform, a simple majority is generally sufficient for structural changes to common property-however, the applicant bears the costs alone if the majority has decided not to apportion the costs among all owners.

We recommend involving both the local building authority and the property management company before planning begins and securing a formal WEG resolution before any planning costs are incurred.

Living Space, Costs, and Sound Insulation

Glazing a balcony has a direct impact on the calculation of living space under the Living Space Ordinance (WoFlV). An open balcony is generally counted as only 25% of the living space, whereas a glazed balcony can be counted as up to 50%. For a balcony area of ten square meters, this means a gain of 2.5 square meters of countable living space-a factor that makes a difference when selling or setting rent.

Calculation example - Nuremberg, 10 m² balcony, purchase price €4,500/m²:

• Before glazing (25%): 2.5 m² counted = €11,250 calculated floor area value
• After glazing (50%): 5.0 m² counted = €22,500 calculated floor area value
• Difference: +€11,250 floor area value, investment costs €6,000-€10,000

Especially in urban areas, glazing scores points with improved sound insulation. Street noise, which enters the apartment unimpeded when the balcony is open, is reduced by 25-35 decibels by the glass surfaces-depending on the system.

Practical Tip for Nuremberg and Franconia

In Nuremberg, balcony glazing is subject to the provisions of the Bavarian Building Code (BayBO). Especially in the Wilhelminian-style neighborhoods of the Südstadt or in the post-war buildings of the Nordstadt, the Building Authority pays close attention to the building’s facade. We recommend submitting a preliminary building application early on, before costs for detailed planning are incurred.

In homeowners’ associations around Nuremberg, we observe that uniform glazing solutions for all balconies in a building are easier to approve than individual measures. A joint concept also significantly reduces the unit cost per balcony-for ten balconies in an apartment building, discounts of 15-25% compared to individual orders are achievable. We assist homeowners’ associations in the region with coordinating such collective measures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balcony Glazing

Do I need a building permit for balcony glazing?

In Bavaria, balcony glazing generally requires a permit, as it alters the building’s exterior appearance. For simpler systems and low-rise residential buildings, the simplified procedure under Art. 59 BayBO or an exemption from the permit requirement may apply-however, this must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The responsible building authority-in Nuremberg, the Building Regulations Office (Dept. 603), Bauhof 2-provides binding information on the specific requirements as part of a preliminary building inquiry. For condominiums, a WEG resolution is also required. We recommend pursuing both permits simultaneously to save time.

How does the glazing affect property value?

Balcony glazing enhances living comfort and increases the countable living space from 25% to up to 50%. Both factors have a positive impact on market value. For rental properties, the increased living space may justify a moderate rent adjustment, provided the glazing constitutes a modernization measure that sustainably increases the property’s utility value. According to Section 559 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the modernization surcharge amounts to up to 8% of the investment costs annually. Important: If the landlord installs the glazing at their own expense and the balcony factor in the lease agreement increases as a result, the lease agreement does not automatically need to be adjusted-a new agreement or a letter regarding a rent increase due to modernization is required.

What ongoing costs arise after the glazing is installed?

The ongoing costs are minimal. The glass surfaces should be cleaned once or twice a year-for frameless systems, a standard glass cleaner is sufficient. Sliding and folding mechanisms occasionally require lubrication of the tracks with suitable track grease; this should be done annually. Frameless systems require less maintenance than framed versions, as no rubber seals need to be replaced. For framed systems, the rubber seals should be replaced every five to ten years to maintain their sealing effectiveness. Annual maintenance costs amount to approximately 100-200 euros for professional cleaning and inspection.

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