By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy.

Which is the Best Type of Conservatory Roof Insulation

Conservatory Roof Insulation
Ratings
(1)

There is no doubt that a conservatory can be a beautiful addition to any home, unfortunately they can also come with a problem or two. One of the main issues faced by homeowners is that conservatories can be freezing cold in winter and extremely hot in summer. There is also the problem of condensation, mould, glare and furniture that fades over time. One of the main reasons that conservatories face issues such as these is that they are often not properly insulated.

It can be difficult to properly insulate a conservatory for a number of reasons. One of the things that make conservatories so attractive is the amount of light they let into the home. So, it is understandable that homeowners don’t want to cover up their windows, however there is another answer when it comes to temperature control and it is a relatively easy fix.

One of the main reasons why conservatories have temperature issues is a lack of proper insulation and that starts with the roof. During colder months a lot of heat escapes through your conservatory roof. Because heat rises if you have an uninsulated conservatory roof any heat you generate will just end up escaping through the roof. This will result not only in your conservatory feeling icy cold but will lead to an increase in your energy bills.

In the summer, the conservatory roof can actually make things worse by reflecting light and heat around the room, trapping the heat inside like a greenhouse. Glass roofs, in particular, act like a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun’s rays. This not only raises the temperature but also creates an uncomfortable glare and can cause your furniture and furnishings to fade.

So, how do you solve this problem? Well the most obvious thing to do is get a conservatory roof replacement that provides you with better insulation. However, there are a number of options available to you, so how do you know which one is best meets your needs.

So, let’s take a look at the types of conservatory roof insulation and how efficient they are, so you have all the information you need before making your choice.

Insulated Panels

One of the most effective types of insulation for conservatory roofs are insulated panels. This is because they are specifically designed for the job of insulating your conservatory roof. They have a U Value of 0.29 which is eight times lower than that of polycarbonate that has a U Value of 3.8. The U-Value measures how much heat passes through a material. A lower U-Value means better insulation because less heat gets through. This makes the U-Value a handy tool for deciding on the best insulation for your conservatory roof.

Insulated panels are constructed from aluminium wrapped thick insulation meaning that not only is it watertight but that there will be no deterioration over time. This makes insulated panels the ideal choice when it comes to conservatory roof information. Not only are they strong and lightweight but can usually be installed on any type of conservatory roof as they will fit into any existing framework.

When you are choosing conservatory roof insulation you also need to consider how much light you would lose. Insulating panels for your conservatory roof can come with different finishes to suit your preferences. By choosing a reflective coating on the underside of the panels you can keep the space bright and airy by bouncing light around the room.

Alternatively, a matte finish can give the inside of the roof a cosy, warm feel, resembling a regular painted ceiling. You don't have to replace all the panels either; you can keep some glass panes to let in natural light while still benefiting from improved insulation.

Tiled Roofing

Another option open to you when choosing conservatory roof insulation is tiled roofing. This will generally require you to fit a replacement roof to your conservatory. Thought of as one of the more aesthetically pleasing forms of roof insulation, a tiled roof will give your conservatory the look of an extension.

As it is one of the heavier options when it comes to conservatory roof insulation one things to take into consideration is whether the framework of your conservatory can cope with the weight. Before deciding on a tiled roof as an insulation upgrade you should assess the age and strength of your current framework and whether it will be able to cope with the weight. This is a reason why this type of conservatory roof insulation may not be suitable for every one.

Another thing to think about is the U Value of the roof which can range from 0.10 which provides good insulation to one that has no insulating properties. So, the type of insulation you use will determine whether a tiled insulated roof is a good choice.

There may naturally be some light loss when you install a tiled conservatory roof as it effectively gives you a normal ceiling the same as other rooms. This means that light will enter through the windows and therefore not be reflected as well as some alternative methods of conservatory roof insulation. However, you could install a skylight which will provide you will additional light.

img-20191121-wa0010

Tinted Glass or Window Film

Tinted glass is another option available to you when when looking to improve your conservatory roof insulation. If this method appeals to you but you are working to a budget then window film is a possible alternative.

Both these options offer you the same benefits such as lessening the glare and preventing furniture in your conservatory from fading. The fact that tinted glass has the same U value as clear glass means it doesn’t actually have any specific insulating properties so the number of panes of glass you use will determine the insulation level it offers you. However, one of the main benefits of tinted glass is that it keeps excessive sunlight out of your conservatory which will minimise the greenhouse effect which means it will be somewhat cooler during the warmer months.

One thing to be take into account is the weight of your roof especially if you are using more panes which can make it a relatively heavy option. As with tiled roofing this can prove a problem in some instances. One thing you won’t have to worry about is the amount of light that this type of roof lets into your conservatory.

When you compare it to other types of conservatory roof insulation tinted glass or window film is probably more affordable. This is certainly true in the case of window film which homeowners acn buy and fit themselves. But when it comes to regulating temperature this type of roof insulation is not as good as some other options. Another downside to glass is that it amplifies the sound of bad weather like rain and hail. It also requires regular cleaning to get rid of leaves or debris from your roof.

Thicker Poly Carbonate

If you currently have polycarbonate conservatory roof panels and want better insulation you could replace them with thicker ones. If you do this you will need to slightly adjust the structure of your roof and increase the depth of supporting struts to make it possible to fit thicker polycarbonate panels. Before deciding on this as an option homeowners should check it is feasible.

Polycarbonate panels have a U-Value ranging from 3.8 to 1.4, depending on their thickness. Thicker panels offer better insulation, but they might not fit into the original frame of the conservatory, potentially necessitating a roof replacement, which can be quite disruptive. Nevertheless, polycarbonate is a relatively lightweight insulation option for conservatory roofs and might be more suitable than tiled roofing.

When choosing conservatory roof insulation, noise is often a consideration. Unfortunately, polycarbonate can be quite noisy during rain and hail. Over time, polycarbonate can degrade, leading to damage and leaks, especially in severe weather conditions where the damage can be particularly significant.

The thickness and colour of polycarbonate panels will determine the amount of light getting into your conservatory. If you have polycarbonate panels they will still allow light into your conservatory so it will remain bright. Polycarbonate has to be cleaned regularly and you will need to ensure debris is removed to avoid potential damage or leaks.

On the whole polycarbonate is a decent option when it comes to conservatory roof insulation, however when you compare it to some other options, like insulated roof panels, they can fall short in certain places.

Triple Glazing

Another option available to homeowners for conservatory roof insulation is triple glazing. With a U Value of 1.2 it is better than polycarbonate panels but less effective than insulating roof panels. Triple glazing can mitigate the transfer of heat which in turns helps regulate temperature while reducing damp and noise.

Triple glazed windows allow plenty light into your conservatory which is a positive, however if you are thinking of using it to watch TV or a home office this may prove problematic. In the same way as with glass panels triple glazing needs cleaning on a regular basis to avoid a build up of dirt and debris which if left will make your home look unsightly.

Triple glazing is a stronger option than single or double glazing, reducing the risk of damage from bad weather, accidents, and debris. However, its weight needs to be considered when choosing this type of conservatory roof insulation. While triple glazing might fit into the existing roof frame, the frame's strength must be assessed beforehand to ensure it can support the additional weight.

Hopefully the information provided in this blog post will leave you better informed on the most suitable type of conservatory roof insulation. However, if you are still unsure why not contact the team here at direct roofing who will be only too happy to help.

  • Hits: 712