Conservatory Roofing Options

Woggle

Hi All,

We bought a house a couple of years ago which has a wonderful extension / conservatory off the back of the kitchen (no door between). It also has a bedroom (flat roof) and en-suite off the end.

The extension / conservatory is brick built with windows and 2 outside doors (one either side). However, the problem we're trying to overcome is that the roof whilst having blinds is glass roofed and it gets too hot during the summer and cold during the winter. We're looking for some advice but all the companies seem to have their own preference. I've done a bit of reading and options seem to be:

- Put in under-floor heating and replace blinds with pleated blinds (like from Thomas Sanderson) to help with winter and summer;

- Continue with under-floor heating and replace glass in the roof with improved glass - likely to be expensive for any significant difference in temperature?

- Install a ceiling leaving roofing as is - essentially fill the gap with insulation and plasterboard. Issues I have here is the cost and mixed reviews (can lead to condensation?);

- A variation of the above except clip-in insulated panels rather than full plasterboard;

- Put in an imitation tiled roof and insulate and plasterboard in between - probably a better option based on reviews but again potential cost?

Given the size of the conservatory and extension knocking down and starting again with a proper extension isn't likely to be feasible.

I'd appreciate any comments / suggestions on where to look for advice.

Thanks,

sk240

Is the roof actually glass? or is it polycarbonate?
These guys in the link do various options with polycarbonate, take a look.
http://www.livsupplies.co.uk/conservatory.php

Woggle

Mmm, not entirely sure and whilst we have the details of the extension and FENSA certificate it doesn't actually say what type of glass. Previous owners (it was the owners before them who installed) said they cut a few corners when it came to the roofing - actually looks just like a double glazing.

EDIT - certainly glass and actually from a read it looks as though glass is preferred above polycarbonate.

DRP

I think you would definitely know if it was polycarbonate - it looks like plastic and sounds very loud when it rains!

Woggle

Yes, you're right! Certainly a glass roof.

nobulljusttruth

Thomas Sanderson blinds are very very expensive. Expect to pay £5-6000 for a set. Why not go the insulated faux roof way. This will ensure the hot cold scenario is cured. Internal blinds only offer shade, even the fancy reflective fabrics only offer a degree of insulation, certainly if the room spends most of the time empty with the doors and windows closed.
There are no successful external blinds, which would cure it.

A new roof frame, insulated faux tile set up would be around £4000.
A knock down and rebuild £10000, or more.

Sometimes cheap options are not the answer.