Your conservatory’s roof is probably the primary component of its structure and final appearance. It protects the structure and helps to prevent extreme weather conditions.
A lot of conservatories built in the 1990s feature polycarbonate roofs because they were the cheapest material in the period. The use of polycarbonate roofing has created problems for homeowners who have these roofs, so let’s look at what Glass stands for.
Alternatives For Conservatory Roofing
A conservatory roof made of glass is the most sought-after option for homeowners throughout the UK. Their popularity stems mainly from their ability to let sunlight enter the room.
One of the major benefits of how much does it cost to replace window is the variety of options you have. One of the most popular options can be thermally efficient Glass because it decreases the quantity of heat that can escape.
Thermo-efficient Glass may be coated by a fine coating that reduces glare. It typically consists of 2 panes Glass. If you own the conservatory you’ll know how difficult it is to clean the glass panels.
This is why tinted Glass is becoming more popular with customers to cut down on the sun’s glare through your extension.
Conservatory Roofs That Are Tiled
Tiled or solid roofing is the second choice in the case of conservatories. The solid or tiled roofing is used to create a conservatory that is an extension that is more durable which is basically adding another room to the house.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof
The main challenge to a Glass conservatory roof would be polycarbonate roofing. Polycarbonate is a less expensive alternative to Glass however it offers a variety of advantages over the other.
Therefore, you are able to make an informed decision about what is the best choice suitable for your particular project. This blog will explain the main distinctions between polycarbonate as well as glass for your average cost to replace windows options.
Efficiency
The best conservatory roof insulation offers over polycarbonate is the thermal insulation it offers. The majority of polycarbonate roofing constructed in the 1990s is now in poor condition and has limited insulation properties at the time.
Polycarbonate roofing is often characterised by an effect of greenhouse, which can cause extreme heat during summer and incredibly cold temperatures in winter. Glass roof panels are a great option for securing the heat that is kept in throughout the winter months, conserving money on heating bills!
Sound Insulation
The main purpose of conservatories is to create an area for relaxation for you and your loved ones to enjoy throughout the year.
If you’ve ever been in the conservatory of an interior made of polycarbonate, especially when it rains you’ll be aware of the inadequate sound insulation. Glass can significantly lessen the sound issue because it has a much better sound insulation.
Aesthetics
With Glass it is possible to have many possibilities in regards to the design you want your conservatory to appear. Clear Glass allows natural light to be absorbed into your home, while allowing stunning views of the world outside.
Durability
The past few years, the polycarbonate was acknowledge as a superior protection material, which is ideal for conservatories. But, over time, polycarbonate roofs are susceptible to leaks and damage. Glass Conservatory roof panels are far more durable and resistant to the elements.
Maintenance
Glass conservatory roofing of glass is protect with a layer that repels dirt. Because of this, glass conservatories need very little maintenance to maintain in good condition. With roofs made of polycarbonate, frequent cleaning is necessary to avoid the growth of moss and other dirt.
What Are The Benefits Of Polycarbonate Roofs, Compared To Glass?
If you are building an extension or a conservatory, you’re confront with a daunting dilemma: what material to pick to build your conservatory’s roof.
There are two options available on the market and both come with their own distinct set of benefits and drawbacks. One is polycarbonate and the other is glass.
Glass Conservatory Roofs: The Alternatives
If you’re considering both options there are sub-categories. Here’s a list of most popular glass types:
Glass Option 1: Active Neutral (grey) which allows 56 percent light transmission and 68% solar radiation with U-Value of 1.0
Glass Option 2: Active blue which allows 50 percent light transmission, 77% solar radiation, and is U-Value of 1.0
Glass Option 3: Active sunshade blue, which permits 27 percent light transmission, and 80percent solar transmission, and has a U-value of 1.0
There are numerous ways you can customise the glass roof of your home. Just because there are many types of conservatories as well as a range and styles that you can select from.
The above options are especially appreciate by property owners. But, you could also take it a step further and choose tints, frosting, and other attractive effects for the glass.
Glass Roofing Has Many Advantages
What is the best roof insulation offers a variety of advantages that make a glass conservatory roof an extremely desired option. Here are 3 main advantages of this choice:
Sound Insulation
In comparison to polycarbonate, the sound-insulation qualities of glass roofs are superior. It’s not easy to completely stop rain sounds however; it’s definitely less when you have glass roofing.
High-Quality Light Quality
Clear glass is definitely the leading choice in terms of the lightness of. A fully glass conservatory can create a distinct ambience in the space.
Long Lifespan
Glass has a long-lasting lifespan that can resist the stress of the elements for many years. A major reason for many homeowners glass is the winner in the conservatory polycarbonate or glass battle by a wide margin.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roofs: The Alternatives
Polycarbonate is a substance comprise of thin sheets of plastic that are on top of each other. Here are a few diverse polycarbonate options available:
Polycarbonate Choice 1: clear polycarbonate which permits 63 percent light transmission and 60% solar energy transmission and has a U-Value of 1.5
Polycarbonate Option 2: Opal polycarbonate which allows 15 percent light transmission, 35percent solar radiation, and has U-values of 1.5
Polycarbonate Option 3: Bronze polycarbonate which allows 20 percent light transmission, 23percent solar radiation, and has a U-value of 1.5
Polycarbonate Option 4: Bronze/opal Polycarbonate that permits 10 percent light transmission, 15 percent solar transmission, and has a U-value of 1.5
Polycarbonate Option 5: Heat shield/Opal polycarbonate which allows 5percent light transmission and 8% solar radiation and has U-value of 1.5
In the graph below the thermal U-value stays the same, however the solar and light transmissions alter. It is possible to choose between one of them. However, when you allow more sunlight, the greater light let in to pass through, the more heat you’ll get too.
The Advantages Of Polycarbonate Roofing
When you think of the concept of a conservatory, most people envision glass. This puts polycarbonate in somewhat of a disadvantage. This unique material, made up of several different layers of plastic, is utilise all over the world for various uses.
The shape of polycarbonate ensures that it is extremely light and brittle, particularly when compared with glass, yet it still functions as an extremely effective roofing material.
Replacement window prices might seem to be the weaker option when comparing which one is better, glass or conservatory polycarbonate however it comes with impressive and attractive benefits and features, such as:
Incredibly Strong
Despite being of polycarbonate, which can’t be though to be one of the strongest substances, it is extremely sturdy and durable.
Cost-effective
Particularly when compared with glass particularly when compared to glass, polycarbonate can be a more affordable roofing choice for homeowners. In addition, the cost of construction is typically less, but it’s also simpler and usually faster to construct with polycarbonate.
Weather Resistant
The design and composition of polycarbonate ensures it provides the highest levels of weather resistance. This applies to both extreme temperatures and low temperatures and even harsh weather conditions like snow and rain.