A conservatory can be a wonderful addition to any home, providing a light-filled space to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of indoors. When your conservatory is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, it’s likely to become a dumping ground.
Is your conservatory no longer the inviting, usable space it was intended to be? Instead of serving as a bright and comfortable area for relaxing, dining, or entertaining, it often becomes a forgotten corner of the home—a place where clutter accumulates. An uncomfortable room naturally discourages regular use, leading homeowners to relegate it to storage for items they don’t use daily.
The conservatory feels more like a burden than an asset, diminishing its value both as a functional living area and as a feature of the home. By refurbishing your conservatory—improving insulation, upgrading glazing, or replacing the roof—you can transform it into a space that is comfortable year-round, preventing it from becoming a dumping ground and restoring its role as a vibrant and practical part of your home.
How to Make Your Conservatory More Useable
There are many ways to improve the usability of your conservatory, from simple additions like blinds to more transformative options, such as replacing the conservatory on the existing base. The right choice for you will depend on your budget and how you envision using the space. Whether you want a cosy year-round retreat or a modern, functional extension of your home, there’s a solution to suit your needs and goals.
Before You Start
Before deciding on the type of conservatory refurbishment you want, first consider how you plan to use the space.
Will your refurbished conservatory be a cosy lounge for relaxing, a bright home office, a dining area for entertaining, or perhaps a playroom for the kids? Understanding its purpose will help guide your choices, from the level of insulation needed to the type of flooring, glazing, and even furniture.
A year-round living space might require a solid roof and underfloor heating, while a summer retreat could prioritise ventilation and light control. Defining your needs upfront ensures your refurbishment meets both practical and aesthetic goals.
Let’s explore some of the options.
Insulation and Temperature Control
The ultimate goal of making a conservatory more usable is to improve insulation and temperature control. This involves minimising glare from the roof and windows while reducing heat loss through the glass during the winter months.
The level of heat and glare you experience will largely depend on the orientation of your conservatory. For instance, south-facing conservatories can be particularly challenging to keep cool in the summer, often requiring a complete roof replacement to effectively manage the temperature.
Bear this in mind when considering the following choices.
Conservatory Blinds
The most obvious solution to heat and glare in a conservatory may be blinds, but they don’t always solve the problem.
While blinds can reduce direct sunlight and provide some insulation, they often fall short in regulating extreme temperatures, especially in conservatories with poor glazing or inadequate roofing. In south-facing conservatories, for example, blinds may limit glare but do little to combat overheating during summer.
Blinds can gather dust over time, making them harder to maintain, and they can trap flies and insects, especially in the folds or between slats. Once insects start to stain the blinds, it’s difficult to have them look nice.
Types of Blinds
There are several types of conservatory blinds to consider, each offering unique benefits.
Pleated blinds are a popular choice, providing a sleek and tailored look while being versatile enough to fit various window shapes and roof panels.
Roller blinds offer a simple, modern solution with a wide range of fabrics and patterns to match your décor.
Wood weave blinds bring a touch of warmth and texture and a colonial feel, diffusing light gently while maintaining privacy.
Sail shades are an increasingly trendy option, with their minimalist, floating design adding a contemporary feel while effectively reducing glare and heat. Each type caters to different style preferences and functional needs, making it easy to find the perfect match for your conservatory.
Roof blinds allow you to control light levels and add a layer of privacy, making the space comfortable during mild weather. However, if you need your conservatory to be a year-round living area, blinds alone may not provide sufficient insulation or temperature regulation, especially in extreme weather conditions. For occasional use in favourable conditions, though, blinds can be an attractive and flexible choice.
When to Choose Blinds
Blinds may be suitable if your conservatory is not South-facing and you want the flexibility of maximum light on duller days. If you have the luxury of enough space so that your conservatory can be used only on perfect days and do not need it on days that are too hot or too cold, blinds may be enough to help you get the most use out of the room.
Side Blinds for Conservatories
You can choose almost anything for your windows in the conservatory, but it’s important to consider how well they can withstand prolonged sun exposure. Options like roller, pleated, and Venetian blinds are popular due to their durability and light control.
While Roman blinds and curtains look stylish and cosy, they are prone to rotting or fading when exposed to intense sunlight over time. For a longer-lasting solution, consider blinds made from UV-resistant materials or coated fabrics designed specifically for conservatories. Blinds like Intu and Perfect Fit can be installed easily without drilling.
Conservatory Heating
Heating is often neglected during the purchase phase of a conservatory, as many homeowners focus on the space and how it will function during warmer months. However, without adequate heating solutions, a conservatory can become uncomfortably cold during the winter, limiting its usability and making it less of an asset to the home. Older conservatories were designed with minimal insulation, leading to significant heat loss that standard heating methods struggle to compensate for.
Electric radiators or portable heaters can provide quick warmth, but they may not be the most efficient for long-term use. Underfloor heating is a popular and discreet solution, evenly distributing heat throughout the space without taking up wall or floor space. You can integrate your conservatory into the central heating system. If your conservatory is open to the rest of the house, we certainly recommend extending your heating system, as it’s important that the conservatory does not reduce the thermal efficiency of the house.
Choosing the right heating solution depends on your budget, the size of your conservatory, and how frequently you use it, but proper insulation is essential to maximise efficiency and comfort.
Building a Complete New Conservatory on the Existing Base
Replacing the entire conservatory while keeping the existing base may be perfect if you want to change the whole conservatory without starting from scratch. This allows you to upgrade the structure with improved materials, such as energy-efficient glazing, insulated frames, and a durable roof, while saving on the costs and disruption of laying a new foundation.
It also provides an opportunity to address issues like poor insulation, draughts, or outdated designs that may have made the original conservatory less functional. By retaining the existing base, you can transform your conservatory into a comfortable, stylish, and energy-efficient space tailored to your current needs, all while maintaining the footprint of the original structure.
Should You Replace the Whole Conservatory
You may face the decision of whether to upgrade the roof or replace the entire structure on the existing base. While upgrading the roof can improve comfort and energy efficiency, there are several compelling reasons why building a completely new conservatory might be the better option.
From addressing structural issues and enhancing energy performance to achieving a more modern design and maximising usability, a full rebuild offers many advantages that go beyond a simple roof replacement.
Consider a full replacement if any of the following apply:
Structural Issues with the Existing Conservatory: The current structure may be outdated, damaged, or no longer fit for purpose.
Improved Energy Efficiency: New frames and glazing can significantly enhance insulation and reduce energy costs compared to older materials.
Customisation Options: Building new allows you to tailor the conservatory’s design, such as adding bi-fold doors, improved ventilation, or different window placements. You may also add or remove dwarf walls or change windows for walls.
Change of Colour: Our customers are quite often replacing white windows with colours such as grey, green and wood effects, in which case, it’s natural to want the conservatory to match. A complete rebuild also offers the opportunity to change the colour and finish of the conservatory, allowing it to better complement the rest of the property.
Do You Need to Change the Windows?
Whether you need to change the windows in your conservatory depends on their current condition, the level of energy efficiency you require, and the overall look you’re aiming for. If your existing windows are old, inefficient, or damaged, replacing them with modern, energy-efficient glazing can greatly improve insulation, reduce noise, and enhance comfort.
We will only sell you what you need. Our customers are often surprised when we tell them there is nothing wrong with the windows. If they are the right configuration, the right colour and are still energy efficient, why change them?
Upgrading the Conservatory Roof
Upgrading the roof of your conservatory is the most effective way to improve the comfort and usability of your conservatory throughout the year.
Whether your current roof is outdated, poorly insulated, or simply not meeting your needs, a roof upgrade can transform your conservatory into a more energy-efficient, temperature-controlled space.
From replacing a glass roof with a solid or hybrid option to enhancing insulation, upgrading the roof addresses common issues like overheating in summer and excessive cold in winter.
Replacing Polycarbonate or Glass Roofs with Modern Polycarbonate
Modern polycarbonate materials offer enhanced insulation, better UV protection, and greater durability compared to older glazing options.
Polycarbonate panels are also lighter and more impact-resistant, making them a safer choice for areas prone to harsh weather conditions. Available in a range of thicknesses and finishes, new polycarbonate can help regulate the temperature inside your conservatory, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter when compared to old glazing or polycarbonate roofs.
Polycarbonate is never better than modern glazing or solid roofs but it does give a low-cost option. Some customers like the coloured panels, which also give more privacy than glass from neighbouring upstairs windows.
Replacing Polycarbonate or Glass Roofs with Modern Glass
Modern glass options, such as low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, are designed to reduce heat loss and prevent overheating, offering better temperature control throughout the year. This upgrade not only improves the conservatory’s comfort by maintaining a more consistent indoor climate, but it also enhances natural light without compromising on insulation.
New glass panels are more durable and provide superior clarity compared to older glazing, resulting in a brighter, more attractive space. Additionally, with the latest advances in glazing technology, you can enjoy reduced UV damage to your furniture and flooring, further adding to the long-term value of your conservatory.
Replacing Polycarbonate or Glass Roofs with Solid Tiles
If you want to turn your conservatory into a room that can be used for any purpose all year round, then a solid tile roof with a plastered ceiling is, without contest, the best option.
Solid tile roofs provide superior thermal regulation, keeping the space warmer in winter and cooler in summer by reducing heat transfer. They also help eliminate the common issues associated with glass and polycarbonate roofs, such as glare, noise from rain, and overheating.
A tiled roof will also provide a more cohesive and permanent appearance that matches the rest of the home. Additionally, tiled roofs are durable and long-lasting, requiring less maintenance than glass or polycarbonate, making them a smart investment for long-term comfort and style. Making the conservatory a room that can be counted as additional space in the same way that an extension is, will improve the value and saleability of your home.
Why Choose Styleglaze Installations for Your Conservatory Refurbishment?
Choosing Styleglaze Installations for your Conservatory Roof Replacement means partnering with a trusted Cardiff-based company renowned for its expertise, premium products, and exceptional customer service.
With years of experience in delivering bespoke home improvements, Styleglaze Installations ensures each installation is tailored to your property’s needs. Our commitment to quality means you’ll receive durable, energy-efficient products that enhance your home’s aesthetics and value.
When you choose Styleglaze Installations, you’re not just upgrading your property—you’re investing in a reliable, customer-focused experience from start to finish.
Get in touch to book a free home visit. Call 01327 300 650, email sales@styleglaze.co.uk or use our contact form.
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