Many conservatories start as a much-loved sunroom, only to turn into a space that no one wants to sit in. A glass or polycarbonate roof can make the room baking hot in the summer and still leave the space chilly in the winter. If this is the case for your home, then a tiled conservatory roof Northampton homeowners recommend can give you the year-round usability you’ve been searching for.
Why Older Conservatory Roofs Struggle
Most older conservatories have polycarbonate sheets or substandard glazed units. Though they let in lots of light, they don’t retain heat and allow outside elements to quickly change the internal temperature of the conservatory. In the winter, your heater tries to warm the room, but the heat escapes out the roof quickly. Rain and hail can be very loud on thin roofs. Leaky seals can lead to draughts and condensation.
Homes in Northampton are no different. Our weather changes from dull and gloomy to bright and warm, and a conservatory has to take all of that. A properly insulated conservatory roof helps moderate the temperature, allowing the room to really be used all the time.
What a Tiled Roof Actually Involves
The existing glazing is replaced with a modern insulated, lightweight tiled roof system. Compared to traditional materials, the tiled roof system utilises a series of engineered panels to distribute the load of the roof more effectively. The tiled roof system means homeowners can replace their conservatory roof, rather than the whole conservatory.
The finished roof will blend nicely with the main house as if it were a natural extension. Tiles can be chosen to match your existing roofline, and so the conservatory will sit nicely with the house. The inside of a conservatory has a smooth plaster ceiling, like any other regular living room.
The Everyday Benefits
The most obvious change is comfort. An insulated and solid roof takes away the extreme temperature swings that glass roofs are infamous for. Homeowners can take advantage of the newly insulated roofs and use the room when it’s still hot outside, and not have it feel stuffy. Likewise, they can use the room when it’s still cold outside and not have to turn up the heat.
Other benefits include:
- Decreased glare on televisions and other screens
- Less noise from rain and wind
- Requires less cleaning and maintenance compared to glass or polycarbonate roofs
- Ceiling mounted lighting can be used to simulate a night time effect.
- An addition that feels like a real room can be attractive to future buyers
As heat escapes through the walls, many people report the rooms feel more economical to run. Results vary, but better insulation is rarely a bad thing. You can also use the walls in any way that suits you, the size of the room, and the existing frame. If, for example, you put shelves in the wall, that would be possible as well.
Things to Check Before You Commit
Because not every conservatory is compatible with every roof type, it is important to be careful. The best place to start is to ask a trusted installer to take a look at your frame and base. A good survey will assess if additional work is needed prior to the roof being replaced and will explain any reasonings.
It is also sensible to enquire about planning and building regulations. Replacing a conservatory roof may be considered different from building a new room and a professional installer should be able to explain what is applicable to your property. Ask what guarantees are offered, how long the work is expected to take and how the installer is going to cope with the weather during the job.
Consider how you’ll use the space as well. A home office, for example, needs access to abundant natural light and even temperature control. In contrast, a dining room may need proper dimming control for the chandelier. Keeping your end goal in mind will make selecting the roof and finishing materials much simpler.
Planning the Project
Compared to building an extension, having a new roof fitted causes far less disruption to your home. Replacement roofs can typically be fitted in a matter of days, rather than weeks, and are usually scheduled for spring or autumn, when the weather is more settled. In the spring and autumn, the new roof can be enjoyed immediately.
Look at a few quotes, completed projects, and talk to past customers if you can. A good installer will take the time to explain all your options and help you understand the value you will get in added comfort and ease of use.
A conservatory is traditionally a beautiful addition to a home, but if yours is not as usable as you would like, a tiled roof solution can change the space from a partially useful, somewhat forgotten add on, to a properly used and highly valued addition to the home.