Industry News
Industry News
Sep. 03, 2025
When planning to build a covered padel court, one of the first questions clubs and investors ask is: What should the roof height be? The answer is not just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating the right conditions for competitive play, enhancing player comfort, and ensuring your investment remains attractive for years to come.
In Brazil, where padel is experiencing rapid growth and is now one of the fastest-rising racket sports after football and volleyball, roof design has become a defining feature for both private clubs and commercial facilities. With more than 1,500 courts already built in Brazil as of 2024 (source: World Padel Report), many investors are realizing that roof height can directly impact gameplay quality, energy efficiency, and even club profitability.
According to the International Padel Federation (FIP):
● Minimum height: 6 meters – acceptable for recreational play or smaller clubs.
● Recommended height: 8 meters – the ideal clearance for professional play and tournaments.
● Premium height: 10 meters or more – suited for multi-sport complexes and high-end venues that want maximum flexibility.
The reason behind these figures is simple: padel is a sport where lob shots are fundamental. A roof that is too low restricts this tactic, frustrating players and lowering the perceived quality of the court.
Brazil presents a unique combination of climate, land conditions, and player expectations that make roof planning particularly important:
▶ Climate and Rainfall
Brazil’s rainy season can disrupt outdoor play, particularly in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and the southern states. A properly designed roof ensures that play continues year-round, without interruptions.
▶ Heat and Ventilation
Northern and coastal regions often face high humidity. Roofs with sufficient height—8 meters or more—help with natural airflow, preventing heat buildup and improving player comfort.
▶ Growing Competitive Scene
Brazil has started hosting more regional padel tournaments. Clubs that want to attract these events must meet the 8-meter recommendation to be eligible.
Fortune Padel has designed roof systems that address the needs of both private clubs and commercial operators in Brazil. Three of our most popular models include:
A fixed roof court using PVDF-coated fabric and a reinforced steel structure. This design is highly resistant to Brazil’s rainy conditions while offering strong light diffusion and low maintenance costs. Ideal for clubs seeking a reliable, budget-friendly covered solution.
A premium retractable roof system that gives clubs maximum flexibility. Open the roof during sunny afternoons, close it during storms. With an 8-meter clearance, this option appeals to Brazilian investors targeting premium membership experiences and year-round revenue.
Many Brazilian players are coming from tennis and expect professional-grade facilities. A low ceiling may discourage long-term memberships.
Electricity in Brazil can be costly. Roof height, combined with PVDF-coated surfaces, influences how much natural light can be used during the day.
Clubs that invest in only 6-meter roofs often regret the limitation when they want to host competitive events. Future-proofing with at least 8 meters avoids costly renovations later.
In some municipalities, zoning codes set maximum building heights. Early planning helps ensure compliance without sacrificing court standards.
Recreational Clubs: 6–7 meters may work if the target audience is casual players.
Professional Clubs: 8–9 meters should be the standard, ensuring tournament eligibility.
Premium Facilities: 10 meters or more deliver the best comfort and long-term flexibility, particularly for multi-purpose venues.
At Fortune, we don’t just supply padel courts—we partner with investors to design facilities that succeed in local markets. For Brazil, that means adapting to the rainy season, offering corrosion-resistant materials for coastal zones, and ensuring roof height and design meet international standards.
Whether you choose the Covered Court, the Electric Roof Court, or the Standard Underground Roof, our solutions are engineered to balance performance, cost efficiency, and long-term durability.
Looking to build or upgrade a padel court in Brazil? Contact Fortune today to discuss the right roof height and design for your project.
