When conservatories were first conceived, they were loosely defined as a home extension that had at least 75% of the roof constructed from ‘glazed materials’. This meant that conservatory roofs were often made from thin sheets of polycarbonate, a lightweight, weather-resistant material that could be cheaply and easily installed as it didn’t require the conservatory frame to support a large amount of weight.
Unfortunately, while polycarbonate conservatory roofs are a common sight in the UK, they pose some significant disadvantages to sturdier structures:
- Year-round temperature management is challenging, particularly in summer, when conservatories with polycarbonate roofs become too hot, and in winter, when the temperature plummets.
- During rainfall, noise levels can be excessive, so simple activities such as reading or watching television, are often difficult to enjoy.
- Polycarbonate roofs offer poor sound insulation, so local garden noise is likely to penetrate the conservatory more easily than the main house.
- Over time, the appearance of a polycarbonate roof can deteriorate, affecting the overall aesthetic quality of the design. Regular maintenance is necessary to remove moss and debris.
Solid Roofs: The Cost-Effective Alternative
A viable choice is to replace a polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid roof. Constructed from solid glass or tiles, a conservatory solid roof is an investment worth making, as there are several key benefits to enjoy:
- Constructed from robust and durable materials, a solid roof eliminates the risk of the roof caving in.
- Better thermal efficiency is achieved, so the conservatory can be used all-year-round, without it becoming too hot or cold.
- Solid roofs offer superior acoustic insulation, preventing external noise sources from disrupting family life.
- A solid roof helps prevent your conservatory becoming damp and mouldy in winter.
- The improvement in the appearance of the conservatory will add value to your home.
What Are The Key Considerations When Choosing a Solid Conservatory Roof?
A solid roof is heavier than a standard polycarbonate roof, so it’s important to ensure that the frame can support its weight and that the footings are deep enough. Adhering to Building Regulations is critical.
If using glass in a conservatory solid roof, make sure that it is a high-performance specification, to improve thermal and acoustic insulation. At Harveys Windows, our solid glass roofs offer U-values as low as 0.15, delivering excellent thermal efficiency and making your conservatory easier to use and cheaper to heat.
Make Sure You Choose a Qualified Solid Roof Installer
By choosing a professional and experienced conservatory solid roof installer, you can be assured of a cost-effective, high-quality, and safe job. Additionally, our solid roofs at Harveys have a starting price of only 10K!
To find out more about our conservatory solid roofs, please get in touch today on 0116 497 6188.
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