Transform your conservatory with a solid roof

If your conservatory or orangery extension is more than a few years old, chances are that you are just considering opening the doors on it again.

A traditional conservatory, with an old-style glass or polycarbonate roof, often sees the mercury plummet in winter, meaning the room is little warmer than outdoors.

Heat in any room rises and if the roof isn’t insulated, then not only is it difficult to keep warm but energy bills increase.

As the sun comes out, solar gain means that the temperatures rise again, but in the middle of summer this can make a conservatory uncomfortably hot.

There is a solution that doesn’t mean tearing down your conservatory, and it’s a replacement solid or thermally-efficient glass roof.

The solid roofs are well-insulated, making them comparable to one of traditional slate or tile construction. They are also relatively quick to install, making them a great alternative to a full rebuild.

There are two options available:

• The first is to install a traditional tile-effect roof made from lightweight aluminium panels that are super-insulated and come in a range of finishes, designed to match the roof of your home.
• The second is the contemporary LivinRoof, a hybrid solid and glass roof, that allows you to ‘zone’ part of your room where you would like more light or shade. This roof has a stunning, modern appearance.

A solid roof will also change the interior of your conservatory, the ceiling will be plaster-boarded, and you can add lighting, such as down-lights, wherever you feel it would work best.

As the thermal efficiency of your conservatory is improved, you may have the option of removing any doors between it and the main living areas of your home, meaning it really will become a year-round room.