Conservatory glass roof - your real life experiences please!

BlondeHeadOn

I am currently planning a conservatory, and am getting very bogged down in the different roofing glass available. There is a lot of sales blurb about how good each version is or how brilliant different coatings are - but not so many unbiased reviews from the customers. So I am asking if anyone has any experiences of glass conservatory roofing that they would like to share....

To clarify, I am not interested in polycarbonate for the roof – don’t like the look, don’t like the sound when it rains, and want to be able to see the stars through the roof at night.

So, it has to be glass. The question is: which glass? And why?

Any experience of good or bad buys in the glass department, please let me know…


(By the way, I am planning to have an outside overhead (and hopefully automatic) awning to cover the roof and shade the direct sun, instead of blinds.)

JulieM

We have a glass roof on our conservatory and whilst I agree it looks better and cuts down noise, it does get awfully dirty with bird mess, algae and even raindrops mark it. I have to clean it regularly from outside with a long handled cleaning brush then pour water on it from an upstairs window. You mentioned an awning to cover the roof but will it be in use all year round?

BlondeHeadOn

JulieM wrote: »

We have a glass roof on our conservatory and whilst I agree it looks better and cuts down noise, it does get awfully dirty with bird mess, algae and even raindrops mark it. I have to clean it regularly from outside with a long handled cleaning brush then pour water on it from an upstairs window. You mentioned an awning to cover the roof but will it be in use all year round?

The awning will be one of those automatic ones that will cover the area of the conservatory roof (which has made the choice of design easy, it will be a lean-to type). This will keep the sun from hitting the glass when required (and retract into the wall thingy when not needed), but the roof will still need cleaning.

I guess all conservatory roofs, whether glass or not, will have the same problem with needing to be cleaned. I suppsoe that self-clenaing glass only works on vertical surfaces? (or does it...?...)

This is a useful point, thank you - I will have to make sure that I factor having to clean the roof into my plans!

Viper_7

Have a glazed roof and I'll do it again. (Pilkington low E / Bronze tint)
Overall structure is much stronger to support the weight.
It looks better
It is quieter.
It will last much much longer.
It's easier to clean - no green cack build up you see with polycarbonate.
No furniture fade (don't have blinds) why block the views!

I only clean it twice a year - use car shampoo. It creates a good barrier and any bird droppings etc don't stick and wash off with the rain.

I'd recommend an opening roof light.


Cons - I have 3 p annals fail - condensation inside, but all replaced foc under guarantee.

Has it for 11 years now, neighbours polyroofs look really nasty now, mine looks as new.

JulieM

Suppose a lot depends on where you live, maybe ours gets messy because we live in the country and back on to farmland. Thanks for tip about car shampoo.

Viper_7

I live in the country. Cows/sheep in the field oppositeCar shampoo has no salt in it, so no damage to the UPVC or rubbers.
The polish contained creates a good barrier against muck.

To detract the birds, as we have lots of wooded areas around, I have a bird table/water etc. They then steer towards that and keep away from the conservatory.

Do clean it when it's cool though with no direct sun, or streak/water marks are inevitable.

I like you, hang out the upstairs window with a hose and long brush!
Can stand directly on it but find there is no longer a need.

Big thing for me though with Glazed roof though is that the entire build is so much stronger in order to support it. You end up with an overall stronger construction.

Still remember the installers turning up with the van on it's axles...pannals must weigh some!

capeverde

one of the best is pilkintons activ-blue which is self cleaning for conservatories. You can also get this with blinds built inside the sealed units, they are automatic and fold away out of sight. Obviously expensive but very good.

Viper_7

capeverde wrote: »

one of the best is pilkintons activ-blue which is self cleaning for conservatories. You can also get this with blinds built inside the sealed units, they are automatic and fold away out of sight. Obviously expensive but very good.

Other than the look - it looks blue!
Bronze tint was my preference, much more natural.

All you need to know about conservatories: http://www.ask-questions.com/

capeverde

Viper_7 wrote: »

Other than the look - it looks blue!
Bronze tint was my preference, much more natural.

All you need to know about conservatories: http://www.ask-questions.com/

It'll brighten up your day!!! Its not that blue, just accentuates a summers day.

Viper_7

capeverde wrote: »

It'll brighten up your day!!! Its not that blue, just accentuates a summers day.

grey then...! ;-)

Jonesya

Before having the conservatory built I'd suggest having any handy perches above the conservatory (TV aerials etc) removed or relocated. Parents had a TV aerial on the gable end above their conservatory, the birds would sit on it and plaster the glass roof.