How to Improve The Insulation Of A Conservatory

• June 18, 2019|
• News|
• Darren Clarke

The technology used in glazing and conservatories, in general, has improved significantly in recent years. That means if you’re buying new conservatories in Cheshire you’ll have a space that’s an asset to your home and that can be used all year round.

However, many older conservatories suffer from being overly hot in the summer, and too cold and damp in the winter. This can result in a number of issues, including condensation and damp. So what can you do if you have a conservatory that’s not well used, but that you want to breathe new life into?

An article for the Irish Times recently offered some advice about insulating existing conservatories. Responding to a query from a reader, Noel Larkin, chartered building surveyor and member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors in Ireland, offered some advice.

The question related specifically to insulating a conservatory roof, but Mr Larkin pointed out that you need to view your conservatory as a whole and not just focus on one part of it.

“Because of the age of the glazing to conservatories, the insulation quality of windows and doors is likely to be low,” he explained. “Therefore, insulating the roof alone without a holistic view of the entire structure may be throwing good money after bad,” he added.

If you are planning to add a roof over your conservatory’s glazed ceiling, it’s important to consider a number of factors, Mr Larkin said.

For example, there’s the risk of condensation forming on the inner side of the glazing, between the glass and newly fitted insulation. That can lead to a build of dampness and affect the impact the insulation has.

Replacing the whole roof may therefore be a more preferable option to long-term performance and to make the space usable all year round.

But it’s also important to consider the energy efficiency of the doors and windows in this instance, to make sure you get the full benefits. Despite improving an old conservatory being a potentially expensive project, Mr Larkin believes it is worth the effort if you plan to keep the structure.

“Take the advice of your local building surveyor in determining the best fit in your own particular case,” he recommended.

Earlier this year, Which? highlighted some of the most common regrets homeowners had about installing a conservatory – and how you can avoid them.

In its survey, 36 per cent of people said that they’d make different choices when selecting a conservatory if they could go back. One of the top regrets was not choosing self-cleaning glass, with 33 per cent citing this.

What’s more, 28 per cent would now like to have a larger conservatory in their home having experienced the benefits it brings. And 21 per cent said they’d choose a roof made of glass if they could go back.

Finally, 16 per cent said that they wished they’d chosen anti-glare glass for their conservatory. When you’re looking for a way to add space to your home, it’s worth considering all these factors. Even if it costs a little more or takes a little longer for your conservatory to be built, it will be worth the expense and effort if it adds a light and beautiful space to your property.