Whether you want to create a garden room, add a dining area to your kitchen or restyle the entire space as a living room, conservatories are a great way to increase your living space and add value to your property. The roof is the most important part of the structure though, and as such it should be carefully chosen to suit the design and construction of your conservatory. With new technologies available, there are now more choices than ever before when it comes to the materials used for a new or replacement conservatory roof.
The most common material for a conservatory roof is polycarbonate, which was the go-to option until around 2011. Polycarbonate has many benefits including a good price point, excellent light transmission and the ability to block UV rays across both the A and B frequency range (ordinary glass only blocks UV-B). Polycarbonate is also an eco-friendly option, being recyclable and made from polyethylene and not toxins such as lead.
Glass roofs are a step up in price but they have advantages too, such as allowing plenty of natural light and being easy to clean. They can help to make your conservatory more energy efficient and are ideal for lean-to and smaller conservatories. Modern double-glazed glass has been engineered to reduce condensation and help your conservatory remain warm all year round. For a more contemporary feel, roof lights can be fitted, with options such as self-cleaning glass and low emissivity glazing helping to lower your energy bills further.
Standard solid roofs are a fantastic solution for creating a year-round space but they are expensive, partly because of the framework and support (such as extra battens and rafters) that are required to cope with the weight. Also, if the existing conservatory frames are timber they will need upgrading to withstand the extra load.
If budget is a concern, there are still ways to create a comfortable and usable conservatory all year round, such as installing warm roof insulation. This reduces heat loss by preventing cold air entering your home and hot air exiting.
Alternatively, you could consider a lightweight internal roof system that is far cheaper than a standard solid roof. These are designed to fit in with your existing conservatory and come in a wide range of colours. They can also incorporate a Velux-style window or two to keep the space bright and allow natural light in.
If you are looking for a company to supply and install a new or replacement conservatory roof, we at Roofworx Southwest can help with our comprehensive roofing service. This includes a full structural survey and building regulations approval, ensuring that your new roof meets the latest requirements and is safe, habitable and energy efficient. Find out more by using our online quoting tool to get a no-obligation quote tailored to your specifications within minutes. Alternatively, you can contact us and speak to a member of our friendly team directly. We are always happy to talk through your options and provide advice on the best product for you.