Why does my conservatory get so cold in the winter and hot in the summer?

A conservatory is the perfect addition to your home when you want to invite the outdoors indoors. But those wide-reaching views can come at a cost.

A traditional glazed roof looks beautiful and allows the light to flood in. But it’s a different story when it comes to conserving heat. Old single-glazing or polycarbonate are poor insulators that amplify temperature extremes. 

In winter the heat escapes through the roof due to lack of insulation. In summer the glass creates a greenhouse effect that can make your conservatory unusable.

Of course there’s a range of solutions, from blinds and fans to conservatory heaters, but you can find yourself spending a considerable amount on what are only temporary fixes.

Why should I replace my conservatory roof?

Have you decided that the cons of your conservatory – expensive and difficult to heat in winter, hard to keep cool in summer – outweigh the pros of gorgeous panoramic views and natural light? In which case, it could be time to replace your conservatory roof.

The good news is that there are a range of replacement roof options available that allow you to use your conservatory all year round.

What is the best replacement Conservatory roof?

The best replacement roof for your conservatory will depend on the style of your conservatory, how you use the space and your budget. These are the most popular options and what you need to know about them:

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the most affordable choice, offering most of the advantages of glass without the cost. New multi-chamber polycarbonate is much better insulated than the traditional material and offers a cost-effective upgrade with minimum hassle.

Glass

Advances in glass technology mean that your conservatory need no longer be unusable for half the year. Double glazing and triple glazing options are powerhouses of thermal efficiency that prevent heat loss with U values as low as 0.8. 

There is also a wide range of additional glass options to choose from with us. These include self-cleaning and UV filter glass, which create a roof that doesn’t need constant cleaning and stops the sun’s rays from ruining your furniture. You can also choose super energy-efficient glass for extra insulation, or Stadip Silence laminate to ensure your conservatory is as quiet and peaceful as it is cosy. 

All this technology means you can enjoy the elegance and style of a glass conservatory without having to sacrifice usability. 

Tile

Tile isn’t a material that has traditionally been considered for conservatories due to weight considerations. However, our lightweight tile options are often more weight-efficient than glass and can be retrofitted to your existing structure. 

Solid roof solutions are in a different league when it comes to thermal efficiency and are the obvious choice when you want to upgrade your conservatory so that it feels like a true extension to your home. Our tiled roof options can be matched to your existing home for a sleek and sophisticated look. 

If you want to create a truly usable space that could be an additional bedroom or dedicated home office, a tiled roof is an excellent choice.

Ultraframe hybrid roofs

If you really want to transform your space and light using the latest technologies then an Ultraframe hybrid roof is the premium solution. Balancing the look of an airy traditional conservatory with the functionality of a solid roof, our Livin Roof and Ultraroof options let you mix and match tiled roof with Velux style windows or glazed panels for the best of both worlds. 

For a modern conservatory with high thermal performance and superb aesthetics, choose an Ultrasky lantern or flat skylight roof for the ultimate in classic or contemporary style with exceptional performance and lightflow.