Choosing Efficient And Durable Materials for Your Conservatory
If you are investing in a conservatory, you want to be confident that the structure will last and work with the rest of your house to retain efficiency and keep bills low. One of the most important ways of achieving this is through selecting the right materials for the additional space.
There are a few considerations when choosing materials, such as budget and maintenance, but durability and energy efficiency should be some of the first thoughts you have when looking at a material.
At Richard Thomas, we have been designing and installing conservatories across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire for the past 20 years. During this time, we have gained invaluable knowledge on the various materials available, which we use to advise and guide you through the process of selecting your conservatory materials.
In this blog, we run through choosing efficient and durable materials for your conservatory.
Understanding the Key Factors for Choosing Conservatory Materials
Before starting to look at materials, it is important to understand what key considerations need to be made.
- Durability – You want your conservatory to last as long as possible, so you need to be aware of how long each material will last and the maintenance requirements to keep it standing.
- Energy-efficiency – You don’t want the new space in your home to leak warmth or let hot summer temperatures penetrate the room, so you need to know how the materials prevent these.
- Aesthetic and style – You will probably want the extension to seamlessly blend into your existing building, so it is important to understand how materials work together to complete a look.
- Cost – If you have a budget, it is important to know how much each material will cost so that you can make a decision that is budget-friendly.
Choosing the Right Frame Material for Your Conservatory
There are a few materials that you can choose for the frame of your conservatory.
uPVC
uPVC is a cost-effective and low-maintenance material that is durable and thermally efficient.
However, this material has limited colour options, meaning it might not suit more traditional buildings.
Aluminium
Aluminium metal frames will be strong and durable while also being lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
The material allows for slimmer frames, so you can have more glass in the structure, enabling more natural light.
The disadvantage of aluminium as the frame of a conservatory is that it has poor thermal efficiency, meaning it won’t help you keep the room at a consistent temperature. Plus, it can be slightly more expensive.
Timber
Timber offers aesthetically pleasing options matching more traditional or historical buildings due to its natural look.
It is a natural thermal insulator too, meaning it will contribute towards the room’s overall energy-efficiency.
However, it can be slightly more costly and requires frequent maintenance, such as painting and sealing.
Composite
Composite materials will combine the look and insulation properties of timber and the durability of aluminium.
Similar to timber, composite materials are slightly more expensive and will require professional and careful installation.
Selecting The Glass
A conservatory is characterised by the amount of glass windows within the structure. Historically, you would have had to compromise energy efficiency and durability when installing glass conservatories. However, over the years, double-glazing and triple-glazing have changed that.
There are now several glass options for you to choose from for your conservatory.
Double-Glazing
Double-glazed windows or glass are popular options for conservatories because they provide good thermal and noise insulation, meaning neither temperature nor noise can escape or enter.
Additionally, it is a cost-effective solution, meaning it suits all budgets.
This glass type perfectly balances efficiency performance with cost and budget.
Triple-Glazing
Triple-glazed glass offers many of the same benefits as double-glazing. However, it is slightly better.
With an additional layer, this type of glass provided superior thermal efficiency and noise reduction.
It also offers enhanced security, which double-glazing doesn’t guarantee.
However, the better performance comes at a slightly higher cost.
Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass
Low emissivity glass works by reflecting heat back into the room while allowing plenty of natural light in.
This type of glass is incredibly energy-efficient, especially in cooler climates, helping you reduce energy bills.
Self-Cleaning Glass
The final option available is self-cleaning glass. This is a tempting option because it requires less maintenance than alternative glass options.
This glass has a special coating that breaks down dirt, so you don’t have to worry about regularly cleaning it.
Choosing the Right Roof Material for Your Conservatory
The next decision you will need to make will be the roof materials. Traditionally, these were glass, however, as we shift to a more energy-efficient society, glass is becoming less popular in favour of other solutions.
Polycarbonate Roof
A polycarbonate roof is lightweight, cost-effective and will provide great thermal efficiency, meaning you won’t lose heat through your roof.
It is ideal for those adding a conservatory on a budget or for slightly smaller conservatories.
If considering this as an option, it is important to be aware that when it rains, it can get noisy as the water hits the roof. Additionally, it tends to have a shorter lifespan when compared to glass.
Glass Roof
Glass roofs are the traditional roof materials, meaning they create a more traditional look. They also allow more natural light in, creating a brighter space. With the right glazing, they can also be thermally efficient.
The disadvantage of glass roofs is that they are heavier than other options, meaning they require stronger structural support underneath.
Solid Roofs
This final solution is gaining traction. Solid roofs, either tiling or hybrid, provide excellent thermal insulation that can blend seamlessly with the main house.
Plus, as it is a solid material, it provides more privacy compared to glass. On the flip side to this, it does mean that less natural light is let into the room.
However, these roofs are more expensive and, similar to glass, will need strong structural support.
Flooring Choices
The final material choice you will need to make is your flooring. While it might not feel it, picking the right flooring can have a big impact on your conservatory energy efficiency.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is durable and easy to clean with the added benefit of having plenty of options, so you will find a colour, texture or pattern to suit the style and feel of your new space.
However, if you don’t have underfloor heating, it will always be cold on your feet, no matter what time of year it is.
Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is another easy-to-clean solution that fits well in traditional-style spaces.
While it doesn’t get as cold as tile flooring, it can still feel cold to the feet during the colder months but often feels more inviting. It is a great insulator, meaning it will contribute towards keeping your conservatory at a consistent temperature.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that wood is susceptible to moisture and sunlight damage, meaning it needs regular maintenance.
Laminate or Vinyl Flooring
Laminate flooring is possibly the most affordable flooring option. It is easy to install and low-maintenance.
The disadvantages of laminate or vinyl flooring are that it looks less natural and is less durable than tile or wood. It won’t take much for it to scratch or even for a piece of furniture to put a hole or tear it.
Our Experts Are Here To Help
There are many material choices you need to make for a conservatory, from choosing the frame structure to the windows, roof and flooring.
Each of these elements will work towards the overall energy efficiency and durability of your new space, which is why it is important to know as much as possible about each of your choices.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Richard Thomas are here to help.
We provide a comprehensive service that includes bespoke design and installation of your conservatory. We predominantly use the Ultraframe hup! system, which cuts down planning and construction time so you can enjoy your new space as soon as possible.
This system is completely customisable, allowing you to create a space that is bespoke to your needs and desires. We will sit with you to design the conservatory using our CAD design software so you can visualise each of your choices.
Call us today on 01202 488944 or complete our online contact form for guidance or expertise on your conservatory.
