A conservatory is a fantastic addition to any property.
It gives you additional space in your home and can serve many functions, from a dining room or additional sitting room, to a playroom for the kids.
They give you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and get the benefits of plenty of sun, while also keeping you sheltered and protected from the unpredictable British weather.
However, with all that glass, there is a trade-off.
The sun beating down on the glass warms the air inside, while the insulating properties of the glass trap the heat inside, creating a greenhouse effect. This can make it very uncomfortable to sit in, and at a time when you most want to be enjoying your conservatory.
Luckily, the temperature in your conservatory is quite easy to manage and by following these tips, you can keep enjoying your conservatory, even in the most unforgiving sunshine.
Solar controlled glass
Double glazing is now available with solar controlled glass.
This is a specially coated glass that allows the sunlight to pass through, while deflecting around 50% of the heat.
It can be fitted to the panels likely to receive the most sunlight, meaning you can still enjoy the view and get the benefits of the sunlight, without baking. Solar controlled film can also be retro-fitted to the glazing, offering the same effect to conservatories already installed.
Blinds
Blinds allow you to control the amount of sunlight, and therefore heat, entering the room.
By angling the blinds relative to the direction of the sunlight, you can protect your conservatory from the heat at peak times. Closing the blinds at night and while the conservatory is not in use will also prevent the interior from heating up in the early morning sun, before you get a chance to enjoy the room.
Ventilation
Opening a door to allow the warm air to escape and a cool breeze into the conservatory is a quick way to get some relief from the heat.
However, you can also have windows fitted with vents above the glass. This allows the air to circulate throughout the day, keeping it cool, while also preventing any build-up of moisture inside.
During a heat wave, it’s also a good idea to open the door for a time before you go to bed to allow the warm air to escape and create a good starting temperature for the next day.
Shade
Careful planning of your conservatory’s location before its even built will give you an advantage when it comes to keeping it cool.
If the planned area is south facing, it is likely the sun will be beating down on your conservatory for most of the day.
You may want to consider a more sheltered location or moving the conservatory to the side of the house where it will get fewer hours of sunshine.
You could also consider planning to install the conservatory beneath the shelter of a tree to provide some additional protection.
At Spire Glass, we’ve been expertly installing windows and doors across Salisbury and Wiltshire for many years. When it comes to conservatories, we’re able to provide advice and guidance to get you along the way. Get in touch today.