A conservatory can add much-needed living space to a home and help bring the outdoors in, but you need to make sure you can control the temperature so it can be cosy in winter and cool in the summer.
How do you regulate temperature in a conservatory?
'Due to the British climate, we have the challenge of keeping the conservatory warm in the winter and cool in the summer,' says Phil Goult, Head of Conservatory Development at Anglian Home Improvements. 'So you need the right combination of insulation and ventilation.'
'Choose traditional foundations and an insulated base. Then think about frame design and how many opening doors and windows you need.
'Roof vents are a great idea in a south-facing conservatory and can be manually or electronically operated to allow hot air to escape, plus you can leave them open when you’re not at home. Ventilated eaves and a ventilated ridge (the highest part of the roof) will let hot air escape and circulate to regulate the temperature.
'You can also choose options such as Anglian’s Solaroof, which is a film that mediates the Sun’s rays. The wafer-thin film is fitted onto the glass and is essentially like putting sunglasses on top of your conservatory. The tinted film reflects 75% of the Sun’s heat away from the conservatory’s interior, reduces glare by 80% and blocks 98% of the UV rays that can cause furniture to fade. It’s a really worthwhile upgrade.
The quality of the overall conservatory build is also vital as you want the whole thing to look good and be energy efficient and secure, as well as last for many years to come, so make sure you choose a maker that’s approved by the British Board of Agrément.'
Can blinds help keep your conservatory warm during winter and cool during summer?
'Many people struggle with the temperature in conservatories,' says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys. 'With so much glass, it can be difficult to retain heat in the winter, but in the summer heat is absorbed and the room becomes unbearably hot.'
'It’s important to deal with the roof first, as this is where lots of heat tends to escape. Pleated roof blinds have a special coating that helps prevent heat loss in winter and reflect sunlight to keep the conservatory cool in summer.
'Transition blinds are made using two fabrics to form one blind with two layers. They work especially well on the sides of a conservatory. The ‘top’ layer is a neutral fabric that softly diffuses the light for a lovely daytime feel. The fabric on the ‘bottom’ layer is made with honeycomb cells that trap heat. So as the evening draws in and the temperature drops you can create a comfortable ambience that’s cosy and warm.'