Conservatories are wonderful spaces that bridge the gap between our homes and gardens, letting us enjoy natural light and views of the outdoors. But anyone who owns a conservatory knows that during summer months, they can often turn from pleasant sun traps to uncomfortably hot spaces. At Northwich Glass, we’ve been helping homeowners with their conservatories since 1959, and we’re familiar with this common problem.
The challenge of keeping a conservatory cool during hot days is something many homeowners struggle with. In this article, we’ll look at why conservatories overheat, some quick fixes you can try, and the most effective long-term solutions to make your conservatory a comfortable temperature year-round.
Why Do Conservatories Overheat?
Before discussing solutions, it helps to understand why conservatories get so hot in the first place.
Traditional conservatories work much like greenhouses. The sun’s rays pass through the glass panels and polycarbonate roof, warming the air and surfaces inside. This warm air becomes trapped, causing temperatures to rise quickly. On hot days, this greenhouse effect can make your conservatory unbearable.
Many older conservatories have single glazing or basic polycarbonate roofs with limited thermal efficiency. These materials allow too much heat to enter during summer and offer poor insulation during colder months. The result is a space that’s rarely at a comfortable temperature.
Another issue with older conservatories is ventilation. Without proper airflow, hot air becomes trapped in your conservatory. Many conservatories have insufficient ventilation options, making it difficult to cool the space.
South or west-facing conservatories receive direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, dramatically increasing heat retention. The amount of heat absorbed through a standard polycarbonate roof or large panels of glass can make the space intolerable, particularly during the hottest days of summer.
DIY Solutions
While not complete fixes, there are some approaches that could help reduce temperature and improve comfort in your conservatory.
Window Blinds and Shades
Installing blinds or shades provides a bit of privacy while blocking harmful UV rays and reducing direct sunlight. Roof blinds for lantern roofs or Velux-style windows are particularly effective as they prevent the sun’s rays from entering through the roof, often the main source of heat.
Portable Cooling
Fans can help circulate air and create a cooling effect. While they don’t lower the room temperature, they make the space feel cooler by moving air. Air conditioning units are a more effective but costlier option for immediate relief.
Strategic Ventilation
Open windows early morning and evening when the fresh air outside is cooler. Creating a cross-breeze helps push warm air out and draw cooler air in. This approach works best when you open windows on opposite sides of the conservatory.
Cooling Film
Applying a special cooling film to glass can reduce UV penetration and ensure less heat build-up. This is a good option if you want to reduce sun damage and make the room feel cooler.
While these solutions can help, they’re generally stopgap measures rather than permanent fixes. For truly effective temperature control, you need to address the root cause of overheating.
The Most Effective Solution: Roof Replacement
The best option for keeping your conservatory cool in summer is to replace your conservatory roof. Many homeowners resign themselves to poorly performing conservatories, dissuaded from dealing with it over fears of the cost and disruption of needing a whole new structure and not realising the possibility of this retrofit solution.
A roof replacement significantly reduces heat build-up while also solving the problem of heat loss during colder months. The result is a living space you can use comfortably all year round with lower energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Glass Roof Replacement
Modern glass roofs are a world apart from older conservatory roofs. They use specially designed glass that reflects much of the sun’s heat while still allowing natural light to flood in.
Our glass roofs feature:
- Self-cleaning properties that maintain clarity with minimal maintenance
- Excellent thermal performance that keeps warm air in during winter
- Outstanding weather resistance for durability
- Sleek, contemporary design that suits both modern and traditional homes
A glass roof is an obvious choice for homeowners who want to maintain the bright, airy feel of a conservatory while making it much more comfortable during summer months.
Tiled Roof Replacement
A tiled conservatory roof combines the benefits of a traditional conservatory with those of a solid extension. This popular choice offers the best thermal efficiency, dramatically reducing overheating in summer.
Our tiled roofs provide:
- Superior insulation to keep your space cool in summer and warm in winter
- Options to include glass panels or Velux windows for natural light
- A solid, permanent feel that transforms your conservatory into a true extension
- Lower energy bills thanks to reduced heating and cooling needs
- A range of tile colours and styles to match your home’s exterior
The UltraRoof system we install is lightweight yet durable, putting less stress on your conservatory’s structure while providing excellent protection from the elements.
Solid Roof Replacement
For those wanting maximum heat control with a contemporary look, a solid roof is a great option. These roofs include large sections of glazing to maintain natural light while offering substantial insulation.
Our Icotherm solid roofs feature:
- Timber construction with excellent thermal properties
- Options for adding Velux windows or fixed glazed panels
- Pre-built modular design for quicker installation
- Full compliance with building regulations
- Eco-friendly materials, including sustainably sourced timber
- Various styles to suit different property types
Transforming Your Conservatory with Northwich Glass
At Northwich Glass, we’ve been helping homeowners across Cheshire transform their conservatories from sweltering spaces to comfortable rooms for over 60 years. Our replacement conservatory roofs are explicitly designed to address the problem of overheating while improving the look and value of your home.
The process begins with a consultation to understand your needs and assess your current conservatory. We’ll recommend options that will work best for your specific situation and provide a precise quotation. Our experienced installation teams work efficiently to minimise disruption, and all our work comes with a 10-year warranty.
While there are several temporary measures you can take to keep your conservatory cool, replacing an outdated roof is the most effective long-term solution. Modern replacement roofs dramatically improve temperature control, making your conservatory usable throughout the year while reducing energy consumption.
If you aren’t sure which roof is right for you, you should visit our showroom. Here, we can show you these roofs and discuss your conservatory issues in person.
For more information, or to arrange a free, no obligation quote, call us on 01606 810 000, email us at reception@northwichglass.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace a conservatory roof?
Most conservatory roof replacements take around a week, depending on the size and complexity of your conservatory.
Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?
In most cases, replacing a conservatory roof doesn’t require any planning permission, but it often needs to meet building regulations. Our team can advise on all things planning permission, and we can help with any necessary applications.
Will a new roof make my conservatory usable in winter as well as summer?
Yes, our replacement roofs are a great way to improve thermal efficiency, keeping your conservatory cooler in summer and but countering the cold air in winter.
