How to insulate a conservatory roof

We get asked lots of questions about how to insulate a conservatory roof. There are plenty companies offering solutions and even more companies offering to do installations. Some are installed from the inside of the roof, some from the outside. There are plenty of options out there, so we have put together this blog to answer some of the most common questions we get asked, liked;

• How can I keep my conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer?
• How do I stop Draughts in my conservatory?
• Is it worth insulating a conservatory roof?
• Is it safe to insulate a conservatory roof?
• What is the best way to insulate a conservatory?

How can I keep my conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer?

Conservatories always seem like a great addition, but they are usually the least used room in a house. Often too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Not only are can the be uncomfortable to sit in, but if uninsulated, in the winter they draw heat from the adjoining rooms and the rest of the house creating cold spots in the house. Low-E insulation is made from a 99.4% pure aluminium with a recycled closed cell foam core. Our pure aluminium facing is not a Mylar and ensure Low-E will reflect 97% of radiant heat that come in contact with the surface. If you would like to learn more about how Low-E Insulation works, you can read out blog How Does Low-E Work

How do I stop Draughts in my conservatory?

There are lots of different types of conservatory frames and glazing system. Some are more thermal efficient and draught proof than others but most old style systems are very draughty. This can cause draughts through your home as well as the conservatory itself. The easiest way to stop draughts is to use an insulation system with a air barrier or better yet an insulation material like Low-E that will reduce or stop draughts altogether. Remember reducing draughts doesn’t necessarily mean sealing up the whole building. You can insulated and reduce draughts while still maintaining breathability.

Is it worth insulating a conservatory roof?

The short answer is yes, having an insulated conservatory roof is VERY worthwhile, for numerous reasons; 

• It will give you back use of extra square footage in your home and increase the value of your property. 
• It will make your home more thermally efficient and reduce your energy bills 
• It will reduce rain noise  

Is it safe to insulate a conservatory roof?

There are lots of companies offering conservatory roof insulation system. Like I said previously, some of these are installed from the inside and some from the outside. The risk with insulating a conservatory roof is adding weight to the roof that the roof system has not been designed to take. In recent years there have been numerous reports of conservatory roofs collapsing after additional weight has been added to the roof.

The most important thing is to ensure the roof can take the additional weight, use an installer that is qualified and insured to carry out the work. I would always recommend using our unique Low-E Insulation which weights less 150g/m2. See below for details of a Low-E approved installer who will assess your roof and determine the safest and most efficient way to insulate it.

What is the best way to insulate a conservatory?

The best way to insulate a conservatory roof is to ensure the materials you specify tick all the boxes and address all of the issues your existing roof is causing.

Make sure it will reflect solar gain (radiant heat) rather than just looking ‘shiny’, or slowing down conductive heat loss (traditional insulation). To understand the difference between ‘shiny’ mylar type insulations and Low-E Insulation your should read our blog How Does Low-E Compare?

Make sure it will stop or reduce draughts through the roof

Make sure it is good value for money

Make sure it is a lightweight system and it does not add excess weight to the roof