From constantly being in their conservatory this summer, some conservatory owners will spend very little time in their extension in winter as it’s just far too cold when temperatures are low. It’s an unfortunate situation as a conservatory would be a spectacular place to host the Christmas dinner and festive celebrations.
The windows will be partly responsible for letting cold air enter into the space as they may offer poor insulation, but it’s the roofing system that will be the root cause of the problem as traditional glass/polycarbonate roofs have very low thermal efficiency levels.
In the majority of situations, these roofing systems can be replaced with a solid roof, so long as the existing windows/base can cope with the weight of a new roof.
The installation of a quality solid roof will turn a chilly conservatory into a cosy one and do much more than that too…
When to Replace a Conservatory Roof
Common indicators that it might be time to replace your existing conservatory roof include frequent temperature discomfort, leaks, visible damage, or significantly increased energy bills.
Identifying these signs early can prevent further damage, improve comfort, and enhance the useability of your conservatory throughout the year.
Addressing these issues before it becomes a bigger problem and replacing a conservatory roof with a solid roof ensures a more comfortable and energy-efficient space.
Lower Heating Costs
Many customers ask us “are solid roof conservatories any good at reducing heating bills?” Improved insulation will lead to a reduced reliance on heating and less heating usage will cause a significant reduction in heating costs as heating old conservatories can be really expensive. The energy savings made could be big enough to cover the original cost of the solid roof, so buying one is a no-brainer.
Although exact numbers will vary based on factors such as the size of the conservatory and local climate, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to see savings of up to 15-30% on their heating bills.
A solid roof provides superior insulation compared to traditional glass or polycarbonate roofs. These materials have lower thermal efficiency, meaning they allow more heat to escape during the winter. A solid roof is designed to retain heat, significantly reducing the need for additional heating.
Achieve a Timeless Look
You can have a solid roof supplied with either lightweight tiles or slates. These faux tiles and slates are modelled on traditional tiles and slates and come in traditional colours, so they look virtually the same as the real thing. Once the roof has been incorporated into the design you would honestly think by looking at it that it is the original roof and not a replacement.
These are available in a variety of styles and colours, including classic shades like terracotta, grey, and black, allowing homeowners to match the roof seamlessly with their existing property aesthetics. The materials used are lightweight yet durable, ensuring long-lasting performance and a natural look.
There are several types of roof windows available, including fixed and operable versions, in various sizes. Fixed roof windows provide constant natural light without ventilation, while operable windows can be opened to allow for airflow, enhancing the ventilation in your solid roof conservatory.
The installation process involves carefully positioning these windows to maximise natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency. Strategic placement and high-quality glazing options, such as double or triple glazing, help to maximise light transference and keep the space well-insulated.
Keep the Sunshine Flowing
The addition of a solid roof without roof windows will result in a loss of natural light inside the structure because of the presence of those tiles / slates. If this is a concern then one or more roof windows can be included in the roof covering to ensure that lots of natural sunlight can enter into the space and illuminate the interior.
Options include fixed skylights, which provide continuous light, and operable skylights, which can be opened for ventilation. These come in various sizes to suit different needs and preferences.
Roof windows and skylights allow abundant natural light to flood the conservatory, creating a bright, inviting, and comfortable living space. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes the conservatory more functional and enjoyable to use year-round.
Boost Property Value
Research has shown that a conservatory installation can add around an average 7 per cent to the value of a property, but that won’t be the case if the conservatory is unusable for much of the year. Once thermal efficiency has been restored via a solid roof, the conservatory will become an invaluable place again and this will be reflected in the valuation of a house.
A functional, comfortable conservatory with a solid roof is more appealing and valuable to potential buyers. The improved thermal efficiency, combined with the aesthetic upgrade, makes the conservatory a desirable feature, increasing the property’s marketability and value.
Homebuyers are increasingly valuing energy efficiency in properties. A solid conservatory roof significantly enhances energy efficiency, reducing heating costs and environmental impact, making the home more attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
Solid Conservatory Roof With Skylights
There are various types of skylights available, including fixed skylights for constant illumination and operable skylights that provide both light and ventilation. Skylights come in different shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, and even custom shapes to fit unique design needs.
Skylights in a solid conservatory roof offer numerous benefits, including enhanced natural light, which reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day.
They also improve ventilation, helping to regulate temperature and air quality. This combination of light and air makes the conservatory a more pleasant and versatile space.
Much of the work involved in creating a solid roof takes place away from the relevant home to simplify the installation process once it’s ready to be fitted. Most of the time it only takes us a few hours to make a solid roof watertight and finalising the fitting only takes a few days – this will cause minimum disruption at the house.
To see the full range of replacement roofs available at TWC click here.
