subject: What Are the Roof Options for Contemporary Conservatories? [print this page] What Are the Roof Options for Contemporary Conservatories?
Classic conservatory styles are made with glazing on the walls and roof, professionally sealed and designed with traditionally appealing angles and patterns. More modern conservatories are not bound by custom though, and can be designed and built with different specifications to suit your contemporary lifestyle and tastes. When thinking about the roof on a newly built conservatory there are really two options: Glass or Plastic.
What Are the Benefits of Classic Glass Roofs?
You might have assumed that every conservatory sported a glass roof and so never gave any thought to the benefits of this material. But with the affordability of plastic, glass now has to make its case and consumers need to be convinced that the extra money is worth it.
There is no doubt that glazing provides the best insulation value on conservatories. Even very thick layers of plastic cannot create the heat loss barrier that glass can, meaning your heating bills for a conservatory that is used all year round will be less with glazing installed.
Glass is also much better for viewing, although that may not be an issue on the roof. If your addition is well covered in trees a clear view through the glass may be wasted, although it is worth it to note that glass will not stain as easily as plastic does when leaves and organics sit on it.
Glazing roofs are also heavier to install, which results in a more solid roof structure that is harder to break into and holds up better in any weather. You have the option of an operable window in a glass roof, which is unlikely to be designed in a plastic roof, but this can also present a security hazard if not closed and locked.
What Are the Benefits of Modern Plastic Roofs?
Today's conservatories are built for homes of all sorts, not just sprawling estates in the country. Suburban family homes are the perfect spots for modern orangeries that add sunny spaces for the kids to play and parents to entertain and relax in. That is likely why plastic roofing is making such a mark in the industry.
The lightweight construction of a plastic roof makes it much cheaper to install. Also, since less heavy structural framing is required and the overall price of plastic sheathing is much less than glass, the total cost of this style of conservatory is much less. Plastic will not provide as clear a view as glass will, but this can be an advantage in situations where privacy is desired.
In the end, many experts in the industry will state that glazing roofs are the best options for conservatories of any style. The strength, durability and insulation levels that glass delivers make it superior to plastic in most cases. However, the fact that plastic is more affordable makes installing a conservatory possible for more homeowners - and that is a great thing for both the industry and UK residents alike.
