Wondering what is the best roof insulation? Conservatories are wonderful additions to any garden because they allow you to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by things like wasps, pollen, and other allergens. If you don’t have a good roof over your head, you’re going to swelter in the summer and shiver in the winter. Before the year 2010, it was required that the roofs of all conservatories in the UK be made of at least 75% ‘glazed materials.’ As a result of this limitation, many older greenhouses and conservatories were constructed with low-quality glass or inexpensive polycarbonate. As a result of the recent changes to building standards, you now have a wider selection of materials from which to construct the roof of your Conservatory Roof.
Should I proceed with replacing the conservatory’s roof?
Some individuals are spending their lives under a substandard conservatory roof and are completely oblivious to the opportunities they are passing up. If your conservatory has any of these issues, it’s time to consider getting an upgrade:
- A stifling heat throughout the warmer months
- Cold and arctic weather throughout the winter
- The sound of rain on the roof
- Leaks, mould, and/or condensation may be present.
What kinds of roofing materials are ideal for a conservatory?
Tiles, polycarbonate, and glass are the three options available to you for the material that will make up the roof of your conservatory. Your decision will be heavily influenced by both your financial resources and the purposes for which you want to utilise the conservatory. If you want your conservatory to be an accurate representation of the great outdoors but don’t want to spend a lot of money doing it, the fourth and most economical alternative is to have no roof at all.
The following is essential information on each kind of material your need to know for the best conservatory roof insulation.
1. Conservatory roofing made of glass
Glass, the undisputed king of transparency, is the material you should be looking for if you want to let natural light into your conservatory. Glass, so long as it is kept clean, will gladly let any sunshine travel right on through, lighting up your conservatory and giving the impression that the area is far larger than it really is. In addition, any plants that are kept in a glass conservatory are sure to have a far higher chance of survival in comparison to their plant kin who are kept beneath a roof made of tiles or polycarbonate.
Glass has been transformed into a thermally efficient powerhouse thanks to the development of double glazing, which means that glass conservatories are no longer merely pricey greenhouses. Because the heat from the inside of your home will not escape via a glass roof, you will see cost savings on your monthly energy costs. The lifespan of a glass roof with two layers of glazing is at least 15 to 20 years.
The development of modern technology has also resulted in the creation of some rather innovative types of glass, such as acoustic glass which prevents unwanted noise and self-cleaning glass which, when exposed to sunshine, breaks down debris, and “tinted glass,” which shields against ultraviolet radiation and prevents your furniture from fading. Last but not least, glass maintains its attractive appearance throughout time, which means that your conservatory is sure to leave an impression on guests.
2. Conservatory roofing made of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate, which is manufactured by stacking many layers of plastic sheets with an air gap in between each one, is the most cost-effective material. Polycarbonate, although having a look that is somewhat less refined than glass, yet allows a considerable lot of natural light to pass through it. The majority of polycarbonate roofs have a lifespan of at least 15 or 20 years, which means that you won’t need to do much in the way of maintenance for them.
However, polycarbonate is the material that costs the least, but it has many drawbacks that make it an undesirable option. Most importantly, its thermal efficiency is fairly low, which means that the room will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter when you use it, depending on the season. On top of this, precipitation may often produce quite a loud noise when it drops on polycarbonate, which means that you won’t be able to take any naps throughout the rainy season inside there.
3. Conservatory roofs can be either solid or tiled
Although a tiled roof may let in less natural light than glass or polycarbonate, it will make your conservatory seem more like an extension of your house and give it a more traditional look. Because it has unmatched thermal efficiency, you may use it throughout the whole year without having to worry about the environment is too hot or too cold. Because of the increased insulation and less glare, your conservatory will be able to serve a whole different role than just “the area you drink tea when your grandma It might turn into a guest room or a home office, for instance.
Is a roof made of glass preferable to one made of polycarbonate?
Yes. Even though a glass conservatory roof may be up to four times more costly than a roof made of polycarbonate, a glass conservatory roof provides several additional advantages.
Glass is a far better insulator than polycarbonate, which means that your conservatory will remain warmer even throughout the winter months if you choose to use glass rather than polycarbonate. Because of this, you will use your central heating system less often, which will result in lower energy costs for you.
Glass conservatory roofs also allow for far more natural light to enter the space than polycarbonate roofs. Polycarbonate is often manufactured using a plastic that is somewhat opaque, which means that your view of the outside world will be obscured.
If you need to find out more information on conservatory roof insulation and acoustic glass windows, get in touch with CUIN experts today.
