Before choosing your conservatory roof you will need to decide what you are looking to achieve
A large number of people who have fitted the insulated warm roof systems have originally come to see us to change their deteriorating polycarbonate roof for glass. They then find out about warm roof systems and upgrade to these instead, this reflects how they are looking to use the space.
Glass roofs
Use of new Activ glass means that you can have a glass roof without feeling like you are being cooked by the suns rays. Available in a bronze or blue finish the glass has a built-in material that help reflect the suns rays. The U-value (insulation properties) is better than polycarbonate but does not really compare to a warm roof system. Glass roofs are about 50% better than Polycarbonate roofs, but warmroofs are 5 times better than glass. It is this difference in insulation which changes the use of the room.
Insulated Conservatory Roof– it’s not a roof you’re buying it’s a room
This is a highly insulated roof system that fits on top of your existing conservatory. With a solid, tiled roof on the exterior and plastered with lighting on the interior you are transforming the conservatory into a room. A very bright room, one that you can use all year round. Although this is a more expensive option the transformation is dramatic, you effectively create an additional reception room in your house without having to put on an extension.
Summary
If you enjoy your conservatory, sitting back looking up at the sky, seeing the stars at night and accept that you will not use the roof all year round then the choice is made easier. A warmroof system changes a conservatory into a room, extends the home all year round
Although triple glazing is used in a number of very cold countries the difference is marginal when you compare it to the additional cost. When compared to an out side temperature of 21 degrees with single glazed units the internal temperature would be around 1 degree. This improves dramatically with modern double glazing which records a figure of 16 degrees inside the home. Triple glazing improves this to 18 degrees, it is a marginal improvement in comfort but nothing like the difference between single and double glazing.
Heat Absorption
When the sun is shining outside on a cool day the windows can actually contribute to the heating of your home. When sitting next to a window with the sun shining on you this is really obvious. Double glazing is actually better at turning the sun rays into a net contribution of heat into your home than the triple glazing. In this country, with our climate there is an argument that double glazing is better.
Noise
This is where we see a distinct benefit for triple glazing, but in reality only where there is a more constant source of noise outside the home, such as by a road or near a school. Those living in quieter areas are unlikely to see a difference.
Summary
Triple glazing costs a lot more than double glazing when supplied in the same quality frames. If you live in a noisy area and are keen to reduce the impact of external sounds then you should consider it. For others, if you were to add a liner to curtains you could gain more benefit than that offered for the energy benefits – and save yourself a lot of money!
P Shape and T shape
A T shape is normally combined with Elizabethan, Edwardian or Regency and the P shape with Victorian. These are options to explore if you have the land and want to really create more space in your home.
Orangery
An orangery is something a little more special with a bespoke combination of brick pillars and glass. Creating an elegant extension to a home.
Regency Conservatory
The Regency has a rectangular shape with a high gable end which lets in more light. It creates a new room for your home, especially if created with a solid roof system.
Elizabethan and Edwardian Conservatory
Set on a rectangular base developed with a three pitched roof. The three sided option as with this example butts onto the property wall. The four sided version is known as an Edwardian conservatory and would have a box gutter (where the roof meets the wall).
Victorian Conservatory
These conservatories have the bay curved front, normally either three or five sides. A very versatile style which can be adapted for most gardens, the lengths of the sides can vary as can the angle of the bay section.
Lean to Conservatory
A simple design that suits all styles of architecture. With all conservatory styles shown here there are numerous options that allow you to personalise your conservatory. You can have a low level wall with windows above, alternatively the glass can flow from ground to ceiling.
With Colourchange you can choose your own colour of UPVC or aluminium. The roof could be solid which is the most popular, glass or polycarbonate which is the least popular. Single doors, double doors, bi-fold doors are all options. The number of windows that open is for you to decide. The huge variety of options is why it is so difficult to price without a site visit.
Looking at wooden doors first, a natural finish on a quality wooden door is very appealing. Solid wooden doors that offer the security and insulation qualities of either UPVC or composite are hard to find and inevitably expensive. To keep the natural wood finish looking at its best it will also require a fair amount of maintenance over the years.
UPVC doors took over from solid wood because they offered more insulation against draft and noise and they were maintenance free. Security is also better because they should come with multi-point locking. The down side is that they can appear narrow because of the construction method; panels sit inside a frame. They are cheaper than composite doors, but that does reflect in the quality and appearance.
Composite doors have taken over as the first choice, their construction is more complex involving a number of processes and a mixture of materials. For example glass fibre is often used, compressed under great pressure and then finished in an outer skin that can be made to look like real wood. The combination makes these tougher than wood, they will not warp, are low maintenance, highly insulated and with multi-point locking. Frame and door come supplied together for a perfect fit. Due to the method of construction the composite door also offers better reduction in noise from the outside. We can also supply them in any colour you wish. Maintenance is a wipe down with a damp cloth.
To find Colourchange UPVC turn left on the main road past the entry security area, and take the left just past All Glass.
Unit D4
Base Business Park
Rendlesham
Near Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 2TZ
01394 420774
enquiries@colourchangeupvc.co.uk
