A common question with many homeowners looking at refurbishing an older conservatory is whether to have a new glass or solid conservatory roof. The truth today is that the glass you buy today for a conservatory is unlike the old glass or polycarbonate of old conservatories.
Technology, performance, quality and design is different compared with the glass in even a 10-year old conservatory. In this article, we give some information about whether to choose a glass or solid conservatory roof
Helping you choose between a glass or solid conservatory roof
Companies specialising in the refurbishment of conservatories often say a solid roof is better than the existing glass. This is true. Our own Thermotec aluminium roof system offers substantially better benefits over the existing glass or polycarbonate in a conservatory.
However, it’s also important to have balance when choosing. We should discuss the merits of the latest high-performance glass available for new conservatories. This is assuming you were buying one in 2021 where glass is nothing like old glazing.
The truth is, the modern glass products for conservatory roofs are substantially better than old simple double glazed units with an airspace in between.
Warm edge spacer bars, coated performance glass, self-cleaning, glass colours and solar control. These are just some of the features you get today with modern glass units. Safety is even better as it’s common to find triple glazing or one sheet of extra-strong laminated. As well as this, modern glass units are also extremely well insulated for U-Values.
And just like glass in new windows and doors, modern conservatory glass retains the heat in the home. AS well as this, it helps reflect heat away in the summer. Combine this with insulated pelmets and other features on modern conservatories you buy today, insulation gets even better. Of course, glass also lets in lots of natural daylight.
What is best on an older conservatory? Glass or a solid roof?
The market for replacement conservatory roofs is substantial. As well as glass, there are all sorts of products suitable for conservatory refurbishments.
For older conservatories our Thermotec roof panels come with a longer warranty than most glass units. Even better is the substantially thicker insulation and more colour choice.
New glass in a conservatory roof will provide more light than solid roof panels. However, even on the brightest and warmest days you’ll need to consider some form or roof blinds to reduce the solar glare. Our panels don’t.
The performance benefits of modern glass compared with old glass units and polycarbonate aren’t disputed. It’s a choice of what material works best for you and your particular conservatory requirements.
Of course, the main benefit of Thermotec panels is their suitability for every conservatory type regardless of material. And they typically take just one day to install.
More information about the best roof for your conservatory
Contact us and find out more about the insulation, installation and performance advantages of aluminium panels. We’ll be happy to talk through your options when choosing between a glass or solid conservatory roof.
