Conservatory Roof Options
Some conservatory roofs turn what should be your favourite indoor-outdoor space into a miserable, uncomfortable place to be. They can result in mouldy spaces that leave you shivering in winter, sweltering in summer, and deafened by the noise of heavy rain striking the roof. If you find yourself in this situation, there are some measures you can take to improve the comfort of your conservatory.
The lifespan of your conservatory roof may be coming to an end, or perhaps you are sick of putting up with the obvious issues with your current roof. If you find yourself in a position where you need/want to replace your conservatory roof, there are a few options available to you. You can find out more about the pros and cons of different types of conservatory roofs here, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Options conservatory roof replacements include:
Polycarbonate
Glass
Insulated Aluminium Panels
Insulated PVC Panels
Hybrid - Insulated Panels Or Tiles with Glass Inserts
Insulated Lightweight Tiled System
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs are the cheapest option available, but they aren't as popular as they used to be because of the increased availability of other options and changes in building regulations.
Polycarbonate roofs can be engineered to provide different degrees of transparency, temperature regulation, and light regulation. However, in hot weather, the conservatory can still get uncomfortably hot due to the lack of insulation.
With a polycarbonate roof, you may save money upfront, but you sacrifice quality. The clear plastic of a polycarbonate roof may have a glass-like feel, but it still looks cheap in comparison to other materials. You end up with a conservatory that is too hot in summer, too noisy (especially when it rains) or too cold in winter to even use. Not to mention the energy bills if you do attempt to heat it.
Glass
Glass conservatory roofing is a great way to let natural light flood into your home. It can be adapted to different styles and shapes, from lean-to to a large atrium-style roof. Quality glass is durable, provides better insulation than a polycarbonate roof and is more aesthetically pleasing.
A downside of glass is the greenhouse effect, which can make the space too hot in summer and too cold in winter. However, some glass conservatory roofs make use of advanced glass technology to reduce this effect.
One of the disadvantages of having a glass conservatory roof is the increased cost. Glass is more expensive than other materials, and when you factor in the cost of solar protection and triple glazing, it can become quite pricey. Additionally, a glass conservatory roof is unlikely to increase the value of your property. Glass inserts in an insulated roof, be it tiled, PVC or Aluminium are a great option as they add light to your space but don't compromise much on thermal performance. At Eco Warm Space we call this our 'Hybrid' option.
Following relaxation of building regulations in 2010, solid insulated roofs can usually be fitted to a conservatory without planning permission, these options are below.
Insulated Aluminium Panels
Aluminium conservatory roofs are stronger than many other roofing materials, can be customised to your requirements, and can fit into your existing conservatory roof structure.
Lightweight, robust aluminium roofing panels provide the insulation needed to keep a conservatory cool in summer, warm in winter, and quieter in bad weather.
Aluminium conservatory roofs have an advantage over timber or plastic structures in that they last much longer, even without requiring regular cleaning. They're also more durable in extreme weather conditions. Another plus is that aluminium roofs secure and strengthen your conservatory.
The downside of choosing aluminium panels is that they're at the upper end of the market in price and considerably more expensive than polycarbonate ones, but then they do transform your space into one that you can enjoy all year round.
Insulated PVC Panels
Insulated PVC conservatory roofs, can also be customised to your requirements, and can fit into your existing conservatory roof structure.
These lightweight & robust roofing panels provide the insulation needed to keep a conservatory cool in summer, warm in winter, and quieter in bad weather.
They transform your conservatory into a room that you and your family will want to use, no matter what the weather. They are a great bridge better the vastly inferior polycarbonate panels and the more expensive tiled or aluminium options.
Hybrid - Insulated Tiles Or Panels With Some Glass Inserts
A hybrid conservatory roof is a mix of glass and solid sections, which allows for light to enter the room through the glass panels while also providing insulation from the tiles or panels.
This type of roof can be architecturally impressive, adding value to your property and is seen by many as the ultimate solution. We would strongly advise the use of High Energy Efficient, Solar Control Glazing Panels so as to not affect the thermal performance of your roof too much, but these can be a little pricey.
Insulated Tiled Roofs
If you want to increase the market value of your home and want a more traditional look, then tiled roofs are a great option for conservatories. Compared with polycarbonate and glass roofs, tiled roofs make conservatories appear more like a natural extension of the house. You still get plenty of daylight coming in through the glass walls, but the solid roof provides better temperature regulation.
Tiled roofs can be a great choice for conservatories, they often have the best U Values and you can always opt for some glazing panels (Hybrid) to be fitted to add some extra light. They are the upper end of the market in terms of price, but again transform your room.
Conservatory Roof Styles
There are five main types of conservatory roofs:
Victorian – the most popular style, this classic design is characterised by a steeply-angled roof and a bay front. Along this edge, the roof ‘fans’ out using triangular panels to create a curve.
Edwardian - generally a double hipped roof, in some cases, it may only have 3 sloping panels. The fourth side, where the final slope would have been is attached to the main property.
Gable – two sloping panels down the sides create a triangular shape over the entrance. This conservatory roof style helps give the impression of height
Lean-to – a basic, simple conservatory roof shape, with a single sloped roof. At its highest point, the roof sits against the main property.
Double-hip – two sets of double panels that slope in four directions, giving the appearance of being separate to the main property
Roof Style Variations often include:
A P-Shaped conservatory roof is created when you combine a square conservatory with a Victorian conservatory style. Generally, a lean-to or an Edwardian conservatory are extended to one side with a Victorian room. The curved bay window edge gives the composite style a P shape.
A T or L-shaped conservatory roof style is created by putting together two square shaped conservatories. If you have one long shape with another square shape sticking out at a right angle on one end, you get an L-shape, where as if the square is added in the middle you get a T-shape.
It is worth noting that Eco Warm Space offer replacement insulated roof options for all shapes and styles of conservatory.