Conservatories have become a very popular home addition and are often seen in a variety of styles, sizes and designs. But one area that is often overlooked in this regard is the roof, which is a key feature that needs to be designed with care if you want your conservatory to be a successful investment.
The right conservatory roof type for your property will depend on a number of factors including your budget, the amount of light you need in the space and the style that you’d like to have installed. This is a hugely important decision, so it’s vital that you get the right one for your home and lifestyle.
Firstly, you’ll need to decide which of the following types of conservatory roof would best suit your needs and your budget: Solid/tiled, glass or hybrid (combining the thermal benefits of a solid roof with the light that comes from glazing). You should also consider the level of lighting that you need in the space, as well as the size and layout of the room.
A Solid Roof
The most common option for a conservatory is a solid roof. These are available in a variety of shapes and colours and are designed to give you a modern, extension-like living space.
They’re also very strong and can be designed to be fitted with full height glazing panels or smaller Velux style windows, which will increase the amount of natural light that you have in your conservatory. They’re also available as a completely solid roof without any windows or glazing, if you prefer the look but don’t want the extra thermal efficiency that a tiled roof offers.
You’ll also need to consider the u-value of your conservatory roof, which is an important factor in its energy efficiency. A lower u-value means that heat can penetrate less of the roof material, which will help your conservatory stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
If you’re looking for a glass roof, then you can opt for the latest technology in double glazing which is very efficient at keeping your conservatory warm and preventing the loss of internal warmth. This is great for energy conservation, as you won’t have to worry about your heating bills being inflated.
There are also many other types of glass roofs to consider, such as self-cleaning and tinted. Self-cleaning glass reacts with the sun’s ultraviolet rays to break down dirt, making maintenance a lot easier. Tinted glass can be used to reduce glare, protect furniture from UV rays and enhance the look of your conservatory.
Choosing the correct conservatory roof type is a big decision, but it will be worth it in the long run as it can significantly improve the performance and appearance of your new extension. You’ll also save money on your energy bills, as you won’t have to use air conditioning in the summer and won’t have to worry about your conservatory leaking during the colder months of the year.
