When it comes to conservatories, most people love the idea of having one but actually using it is another story. Starting in April, it becomes too hot to use the conservatory for anything but summer activities. In the fall, it becomes too cold to use the room. If it rains, conversations are impossible. It is too loud in the room. Most of the time, it is the roof that causes all of these issues.
If you are at the point where a conservatory roof replacement is possible, it is useful to know the three main options. These include solar-controlled glass, a fully tiled insulated roof, or an insulated solid ceiling system. Each option has unique benefits. Your individual needs will determine the best option.
Glass Roofs
The most obvious benefit that comes from having a glass roof is the amount of light that will enter the room. If you have had polycarbonate roof panels that are now old, yellow, and dim, a solar-controlled glass roof will be a significant upgrade. New polycarbonate glass roofs have reflective coatings that still allow light to enter but will reflect and heat and UV light, leaving you with the ideal amount of light and eliminating the “greenhouse” effect.
They are also the fastest option. A glass roof can be installed in a day. The existing structure usually remains, and costs are in the middle range of a ceiling insulation job and a full tile replacement.
The main limitation is thermal performance. A glass roof will always lose more heat than a solid roof, although it is an improvement on polycarbonate. If temperature extremes are the main issue, meaning the room is unusable in July or January, glass will not solve the problem.
Tiled Roofs
The biggest and most effective change you can make to an existing conservatory roof replacement is the installation of a fully tiled insulated roof.
Modern tile systems are light enough to not overload the conservatory frames. The tiles rest on a specially designed insulated deck. This gives the outside the appearance of a house extension rather than a conservatory. The internals of the room have a plastered or vaulted ceiling treatment which makes the room feel integrated to the house rather than a separate seasonal room. Some homeowners like to have a skylight or two to bring back some natural light which works a treat!
Rain noise is simply not a problem. The constant patter of rain on a polycarbonate roof is not there.
Insulated Ceiling Panels
There is a third, slightly unusual, but perfectly valid, option. An insulated ceiling panel system fits below the existing roof structure, leaving the outside unchanged. This option certainly will not give the same performance as a fully tiled replacement, but it is a great option when the roof itself is in good condition and the main problems are heat retention and glare.
Ideal for the right conservatory and budget, it is a pragmatic solution and often quicker to install than either of the above.
Which One Is Actually Right for You?
It honestly comes down to three things. First, how do you wish to use that particular room? Second, how bad is the temperature issue? Third, what is your budget? Homeowners that are truly suffering from a room that is boiling or freezing for long periods of time during the year usually find that a tiled conservatory roof replacement is the only option that fully fixes the issue. If you are moderate towards the temperature problems, light is the priority, and temperature issues are moderate, then glass is the better option.
It makes a great deal of sense to get a proper survey done before you commit to anything. A professional may provide you with a review of the current construction, discuss with you the conservatory roof replacement and the realistic options available, and provide you with a proper estimate. Most people find their surveyors to be quite costly, but the simple fact is, that surveyors generally save you more time than the social surveys that they substitute.