Conservatories have become a popular way of adding more space to our homes and are one of the most cost effective ways of extending your living area. They can be used for a variety of purposes from a games room to an office, dining room or just somewhere to relax. They are also very versatile, offering a range of different styles and roof options.
Choosing the best material for your conservatory roof panels can make a big difference to the finished look and how much maintenance it needs over the years. This will depend on the style you want, the glazing options and how it is to be fitted.
Timber: If you are looking for a classic and traditional design, then timber is the way to go. This can be in the form of either cedar, Douglas-fir or pine or even more ornate hardwoods such as oak and mahogany.
These timbers are strong and can withstand a lot of damage from the weather. They are also more decorative than uPVC and can be made in a variety of colours.
PVC: If you are looking for a more modern, aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective option, then uPVC may be the choice for you. This is a low maintenance material that can be painted or stained to match the rest of your home.
Glass: A well-designed, high quality glass roof will be a great addition to your conservatory. It will help to increase the amount of natural light that comes into your conservatory, whilst also improving thermal efficiency and reducing condensation problems.
The roof itself can also be a very attractive feature and adds value to your property. It can be glazed in any colour and is also available with a range of options for lighting, including LED strips or solar tubes, which will provide a natural light that will make your conservatory feel even more comfortable.
Acoustic: Using laminated or enhanced acoustic insulation glass can reduce the noise that reaches your conservatory from outside, such as rain, music, traffic or aircraft. This is especially important if you have children or pets who will need to be entertained in the conservatory.
Sound reducing sheets are simple to fit and can be installed within a day, all that is required is a sharp knife for trimming, a screw driver and a rubber mallet.
They can also be retrofitted to existing polycarbonate roofs for a further reduction in noise, which is particularly useful for older properties and people who have sensitive ears.
Unlike many other materials, polycarbonate doesn’t easily shatter and will keep its pristine appearance for years to come. It can withstand boiling and freezing temperatures without losing any of its toughness, meaning it will survive most of the consequences of harsh weather conditions such as storms, hail or falling branches.
It is also easy to clean and maintain and has a long lifespan. It can be treated with a mild cleaning solution to keep it looking fresh.