Why Conservatories Get Too Hot or Too Cold
Most older conservatories were built with polycarbonate or glazed roofs. These let in plenty of light but offer far less insulation than a conventional roof. On a sunny day the room heats up quickly and can become uncomfortable, while in winter heat escapes through the roof almost as fast as it can be put in, so the room is often too cold to use. Blinds and fans help a little, but they do not tackle the cause.
Polycarbonate roofs bring other problems as they age. Sheets can discolour, seals and glazing bars can leak, condensation can form on the underside in cold weather, and heavy rain can be loud enough to drown out conversation.
A solid, insulated roof changes how the room behaves. It evens out the swings in temperature, cuts down rain noise and makes the space feel like part of the house. A conservatory that was rarely used can become a dining area, playroom or home office.
Building Regulations and Structural Checks
Replacing a glazed or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid, insulated roof usually needs Building Regulations approval. Building Control will want to see that the new roof is structurally sound and properly insulated, and that the existing frames and base can carry the extra weight.
That last point is the one most often overlooked. Many conservatory frames and bases were designed for a light roof, and a tiled roof is considerably heavier. Depending on what we find, the options may include:
- using the existing structure where it is confirmed to be suitable
- adding a structural ring beam or posts to carry the roof
- rebuilding dwarf walls or frames that are not up to the load
- choosing a lighter-weight roof system
Where the conservatory needs more extensive work, our home extensions team can advise on turning it into a fully built room instead.
