Many homes in Newcastle and across the UK include conservatories to enjoy extra living space, feel at one with the garden, and improve the property value. The issue many homeowners find is the climate creating fluctuating temperatures that make the space comfortable for only a few months during the year.
Common problems with insulation and incessant glare can be resolved with a qualified, reputable service such as Ace Conservatory Newcastle. Companies like this aim to provide practical solutions for homeowners meant to create a functional space to be enjoyed year-round despite the weather.
This means making the conservatory comfortable in the summer heat and frigid winter when homeowners typically close the room off. A few simple guidelines can transform the way you use your conservatory, whether enduring extreme temperatures or heavy rains typical with winter in the UK.
How To Make a Conservatory Usable Year-Round
The climate in Newcastle and surrounding areas is relatively temperate and cool, making a conservatory’s efficiency critical. An energy-efficient space will not only save on utility costs but allow the use of the favored space in even the coldest conditions.
Overall, the conservatory’s design, materials, and construction determine its efficiency. The large glass panes allude to poor efficiency allowing heat in during the summer and cold with winter.
Properly insulating the roofing, flooring, and walls, along with double or triple-glazing windows and adequate ventilation for humidity control and temperature regulation, are essential solutions.
Homeowners can further keep the inside comfortable with new technologies such as heat pumps and adding thermal blinds to achieve natural light while preventing heat build-up.
Visit https://www.e-architect.com/articles/how-to-make-your-conservatory-usable-all-year-round for details on transforming a conservatory for year-round use. Then follow below for specific tips on updating your conservatory for year-round use.
Upgraded roof
Upgrading the conservatory roof to either a tiled or solid roof can create incredible energy efficiency and well insulate the space. You can enjoy a consistent temperature allowing a comfortable atmosphere in the most extreme conditions.
Glare and noise will be reduced for a more appealing environment. It can be frustrating to have the sun glaring in the glass or rain and wind, creating distractions, particularly if you use the room to work or relax.
An upgraded roof adds to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal tying the conservatory in with the rest of the home. If a roof upgrade is too ambitious or costly at this point, consider roof insulation as an alternative. Go here for guidance on conservatory roof replacement.
Roof insulation
Conservatories are typically poorly insulated. The glass structure is aesthetically appealing but offers little protection from harsh Newcastle elements. In the early 2000s, stringent regulations dictated that the roof be primarily transparent.
These rules have since changed, allowing more flexibility in adding insulation to the structure. This is the ideal way to prepare the room for winter use as the insulation blocks the cold temperatures and frosty drafts associated with the conservatory.
- Thermal wadding and aluminum foil: These materials are a favored option for absorbing heat in the winter and releasing it as the temperatures heat up. Aluminum foil reflects heat and the thermal wadding has pocket of air in which it absorbs the heat. It’s a budget-friendly and efficient choice.
- Ceiling blinds: An affordable option for insulating the roof is through the use of ceiling blinds fit to cover the roof. These offer user-friendly open and close functions and provide an effective approach to keeping winter’s cold air out.
Heating
Adequate insulation will minimize heat loss through the roof and windows but it won’t entirely eliminate waste. Connecting the structure, constructed almost wholly of glass, to the primary heating system is discouraged considering the amount of heat that could be lost.
The recommendation is to choose a free-standing or wall-mounted system that operates manually for heat when you need it. This allows controlled utility costs and greater efficiency. For optimum energy efficiency, modern green heating systems such as heat pumps are an option that more people are choosing.
Floors
The conservatory can simply be too cold once autumn sets in, particularly in the UK, where the climate is often cool and damp. Not only is it wise to have a heating system for the room, but it’s also worth considering heating the flooring. Walking on a cold floor is uncomfortable, even when a room feels warm.
While a west system attaches to the home’s boiler, a dry or electric system is separate from the primary heating. It’s important to remember that underfloor heating, separate from the primary system, is a considerable investment.
Cooling
Conservatories facing south endure the summer’s blazing sun, making the space’s temperature uncomfortable. The sun’s rays beating in through the large glass panes can be unbearable despite windows and doors being open. A couple of solutions are available to relieve the heat.
- High-efficiency glass: High-efficiency glass will deflect some of the sun’s heat in the summer and will also keep the room warmer in the winter. The glass is costly to retrofit, making it a better option when constructing the conservatory.
- Air conditioning: If you can’t enjoy the room even with a fan for any length of time, it could be worth considering the addition of air conditioning. The costs for operating the system can be relatively low, with the incredible benefit of enjoying a comfortable room.
Final Thought
Conservatories are a favored addition to Newcastle homes. The investment would seem more worthwhile to homeowners if they could use the room throughout the year, but the UK climate doesn’t accommodate a comfortable year-round experience.
Often, conservatories are closed off in the extreme temperatures which can account for much of the summer and winter. Fortunately, it is possible to reclaim this space as valuable square footage.
A qualified, reputable conservatory contractor has the knowledge and expertise to offer practical advice for your project. The professional will implement effective solutions to transform the space into a functional, pleasant extension of your living space to be enjoyed all year.