Which material is best for use in a conservatory roof?
Tuesday, 25 August 2020
Your perfect conservatory consists of a multitude of different features and materials which can all be unique to your design. From structure to materials, the roof of your conservatory could be in-keeping with period design or contemporary talking point. So the material that is best for one design may not be best for another. With simple alterations to material, frame and colour, the aesthetic and function of your conservatory roof can be radically diverse.
What’s in a Roof?
The roof of your conservatory is integral to its style and function. So which features should you look for when deciding which material is best for use in a conservatory roof? Diffusion of light is one. The purpose of a conservatory is to enjoy the views of the outside whilst remaining under cover. Thermal efficiency is another. Conservatories of old suffered from being too hot in the Summer and freezing cold in the winter. Your choice of roof material will have a decisive impact on insulation. You should also think about noise. Britain is a country of weather extremes, so if your conservatory is unbearably noisy every time it rains, you’ll feel the affect of this over the course of a year.
Roof Classifications
There are five main categories that you’ll come across when looking at which material is best for use in a conservatory roof. These range from the traditional panelled sections that we’re used to seeing, to a roof which is more reminiscent of a home extension.
Glass conservatory roofs
Great because…
Solid glass can be considered as best for use in a conservatory roof. It’s a high quality, durable material which wonderfully diffuses natural light around your conservatory. You will be able to tell a glass conservatory roof because of the quality and gleam of the material. It’ll offer the same level of thermal efficiency as your double glazing, and absorbs noise from wind and rain.
But…
Glass can be a more costly option in your conservatory roof, although its durability goes some way to balancing this out. You’ll need to schedule in cleaning to keep the glass looking attractive. And don’t forget that should we be blessed with hot Summer days, a standard glass roof will absorb the heat to make the space feel hot. (Find out more about Smartglass below to counteract that last one!)
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs
Great because…
A 25mm polycarbonate conservatory roof remains a popular material for use in a conservatory roof. This is because it is an extremely affordable option. Although less durable than materials such as glass and tiles, polycarbonate can withstand prolonged extreme temperatures. With additional coatings and material technology such as ‘Solar Control’ polycarbonate can offer some temperature control.
But…
Standard, untreated polycarbonate can experience several disadvantages. It tends to be noisy in bad weather and struggles to regulate the temperature of the conservatory space. The roof panels can be prone to gathering grime, and it tends to perform worse than glass at diffusing natural light due to its opaque finish.
Hybrid conservatory roofs
Great because…
These part glass, part solid constructions offer the best of both worlds. There are several modular options available. Here at Bill Butters Windows and Doors, you’ll find the Ultraframe UltraRoof and Wendland Roof systems. These systems combine solid panels or lightweight tiling with technical glazing and venting to bring in optimal natural light while providing the ultimate in thermal efficiency and air circulation.
But…
There are implications to your roof being bespoke to your design needs. As responsive systems, they will carry a higher price tag than options such as standard polycarbonate. However, the benefits of use that these systems offer make them worth the investment.
Tiled conservatory roofs
Great because…
Roof tiles can be selected to be in keeping with the rest of your home, so that the flow of the building is uninterrupted. Both thermal efficiency and durability perform extremely well with this material for use in a conservatory roof. Lightweight tiled roof systems like the Ultraroof are easy to construct and highly functional.
But…
With just skylights or Velux to bring in the natural light from above, there is less of a traditional conservatory or orangery feel when choosing tiled roofs.
Flat conservatory roof
Great because…
These flat sections of roof surround a central lantern to draw in natural light. From PVC to roof sheeting and even asphalt or fibreglass, the flat structure with a raised roof lantern is an extremely contemporary look. You’ll benefit from abundant natural light while enjoying the thermal benefits of solid sections of roofing.
But…
Cost can be prohibitive for the kind of advanced sky lantern systems such as Ultrasky. However those who choose to make their investment here find that it’s worth it!
Glass technology
If panelling or another combination style conservatory roof works for you, it’s worth knowing your glass. Because glass is never just glass! Within the material of ‘glass’, there is a multitude of engineered and technical features which will alter both the appearance and performance of this material. Look out for enhanced thermal qualities, tinted performance glass which reduces glare, and easy clean technology. Varieties of Celsius performance glass provide these advantages for your conservatory roof. But at the top of the tree sits Smartglass. This material has smart properties which allow it to react to its environment and conditions to perform at its optimum whatever the weather.
Roof framing
Similarly, the surrounds for conservatory roof panels can be formed form a variety of materials. As you find with window casements, your conservatory roof panels could be formed from aluminium or uPVC. Modular conservatory systems such as Wendland and Loggia, are built with lightweight, sleek materials. This technology provides the ultimate combination of great aesthetics, performance and ease of installation.
Mix and match
The best material for use in a conservatory roof, then, is not one material at all. It is a combination of materials which should be bespoke to your own requirements and your own design. To discover which materials would work best for your concept and budget, just get in touch with us at Bill Butters and benefit from our knowledge and experience.