A conservatory can be a wonderful addition to your home, providing extra light and space to relax or entertain. Traditionally, conservatories had a glazed roof which, while allowing in plenty of natural light, did mean they could get rather cold in winter and hot in summer. However, recent advances in building technology have led to the creation of warm roof conservatories which address these downsides.
How Do Warm Roof Conservatories Work?
Unlike a traditional conservatory which has a lightweight glazed roof, a warm roof conservatory has a robust insulated roof which is tiled or slated on the outside, much like you would find on an extension.
- The key benefit of this solid roof construction is greatly improved insulation compared to a glass roof. This keeps the conservatory warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Ventilation is still possible via roof vents or windows/doors leading into the main house
- The external appearance matches the rest of the house and gives a more integrated look compared to a traditional conservatory
In terms of the walls, these can be glazed as normal or have some dwarf walls to further improve insulation. Many conservatory builders in Chester now focus on warm roof designs to provide customers with conservatories that can be used and enjoyed all year round.
Why Choose A Warm Roof Conservatory?
There are several great reasons to consider choosing a warm roof conservatory:
Improved Comfort
The insulated solid roof means the interior temperature is easier to control compared to a glass roof conservatory. Whatever the weather outside, you’ll stay cosy and comfortable inside your warm roof conservatory.
- In summer, the risk of overheating is reduced thanks to the roof insulation
- In winter, it’s much easier to heat and retain warmth compared to a traditional conservatory
This makes your conservatory space usable all year round rather than just being a seasonal room.
Lower Running Costs
As warm roof conservatories retain heat better than traditional styles, this can reduce your energy bills as less heating is required in colder weather. Keeping a constant ambient temperature is cheaper than having to heat a conservatory up from cold each day.
Peace and Quiet
The solid insulated roof also provides improved sound insulation compared to a glass roof. This can reduce noise from heavy rainfall which is especially useful if you want to use your conservatory as a place to relax, work or study.
Added Value
Adding any type of quality conservatory to your home can increase its resale value. However, a warm roof conservatory has extra appeal to buyers due to the comfort and usability it provides. This can really maximise the return on your investment when selling.
Flexible Style Options
Warm roof conservatories are available in a wide range of styles including:
- Lean-to
- Victorian
- Gable ended
- P-shaped
You can customise the conservatory design to perfectly complement your home and garden aspect. Plus finishes like dwarf walls, bi-fold doors, roof vents and glazed panels give you ample choice when it comes to looks.
Planning Permission
In most cases, warm roof conservatories don’t require full planning permission as long as they meet certain criteria regarding size and position in relation to the existing house. Your chosen conservatory company will be able to advise on this during the design process.
As you can see, warm roof conservatories have a lot to offer when it comes to comfort, running costs and flexibility.
How Are Warm Roof Conservatories Constructed?
There are a couple of main construction methods used to create insulated warm roof conservatories:
Warm Deck Roof
This involves building a conventional glazed conservatory roof but replacing the plasterboard ceiling with a robust insulated decking system. This decking consists of rigid insulation boards on top of the existing ceiling joists. These boards are strong enough to support the weight of roof tiles which can then be added externally.
The benefit of this warm deck roof system is that it can be retrofitted cost effectively to existing conservatory frames where the base structure is still sound. This converts it into a warm roof version without needing to rebuild the entire conservatory.
Insulated conservatory roof system
Some modern conservatories are designed and built from scratch with an integrated warm roof construction. These have rigid insulation integrated into the roof structure which is then covered with breathable waterproof membrane. Finally, batons are added externally over the membrane to give a 50mm ventilated space up to your choice of external tile or slate finish.
This is a thermally efficient system with the insulation and ventilation helping to prevent condensation. However, as it’s part of a brand new build conservatory, it’s a more expensive option than adding a warm deck roof later.
In both cases, building regulations will require ventilation provision and other measures like safety glazing where dwarf walls are included. Your conservatory company should ensure all standards are met as part of achieving the desired warm roof construction. Building control approval may also need to be obtained.
Getting The Right Design
If you’re considering adding an insulated warm roof conservatory to your house, careful design consideration is needed regarding factors like:
- Size
- Layout
- Colour scheme
- Dwarf wall height
- Doors/windows
- Ventilation system
- Integration with existing house
Taking time to get the design right will help maximise use of the space and provide a seamless look with your home’s current external appearance.
You’ll also need to liaise closely with your chosen conservatory company to pick warm roof construction options that suit your budget. Getting the right balance between warmth, natural light and ventilation is key to creating a comfortable living space.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to warm roof conservatory styles, finishes and features. A reputable company like Pure Conservatories in Chester (see link above) have the experience to advise you on optimal design according to your home, garden and personal preferences. Investing in quality installation the first time avoids the need for potentially costly retrofits later on.
Cost Considerations
Inevitably, warm roof conservatories have higher upfront costs than traditional glazed roof versions due to the increased materials, construction and regulatory requirements. However, there are ways to reduce the initial expenditure:
- Consider a conservatory size and shape that works efficiently with the warm roof shape needed e.g. compact lean-to or P-shape designs require less roof area than a large Victorian style
- Use dwarf walls rather than full height glazing to reduce the roof size and amount of building work
- Opt for a warm deck conversion for an existing conservatory instead of new build if the framework is sound
There are also long term cost efficiencies from warm roof conservatories that offset the initial spend:
- Greatly reduced heating bills thanks to better insulation
- Avoid the need to retrofit roof insulation, blinds, ventilation systems etc at a later date
- Adds value to your home for better return on investment when selling
Get detailed cost advice regarding your specific requirements from reputable conservatory companies before making your final decision. This gives a realistic budget and helps avoid unexpected extra costs during the build.
Alternatives to Warm Roof Conservatories
If your budget won’t stretch to a warm roof conservatory, there are a couple of alternative options to consider:
Cool Roof Conservatory
This lighter weight insulated roof system is retrofitted onto your existing conservatory frame. Whilst not as thermally efficient as a full warm roof, cool roofs still offer much better heat retention compared to standard glazed roofs. This can be a good compromise if you want improved comfort without the cost of a full warm roof rebuild.
Orangery
Modern orangeries feature a glazed lantern roof surrounded by a flat insulated ceiling. This balances light with good insulation whilst the brick pillars and ornate detailing offer a classic period look. Orangeries can make an impressive living space but have a higher cost than a standard conservatory due to the increased structural work and detailing involved.
Lighting & Power
Making sure your warm roof conservatory has adequate lighting, power and USB charging points enhances the usability and comfort of the space. Most builders offer integrated lighting options including:
- LED spotlights – energy efficient and long-lasting
- Wireless control systems – adjust lighting from an app
- Underfloor heating compatible wiring
- Dimmer switches to vary ambience
- Power points – doubles sockets reduce need for adapters
Consider your lighting and power requirements carefully – installing wiring after construction completes is much more disruptive and expensive.
Prioritising Useability
The whole point of choosing a warm roof construction is to be able to use your conservatory space all year round. Careful consideration of the following factors makes a big difference in creating a comfortable living area:
Flexible Temperature Control
- Wall vents or fanlights allow air from the house to circulate
- Roof vents provide natural ventilation in warmer weather
- Radiators or underfloor heating ensures warmth during cold spells
- Air conditioning can provide cooling if needed
- Blinds, curtains or shutters help manage sunlight/heat ingress
Making sure your conservatory build includes options to manage the environment based on weather and seasonal changes is highly recommended.
Pleasant Acoustics
Tile/slate roofs and insulated walls absorb more external noise but do also affect internal acoustics. Hard surfaces cause excess echo and amplification which detracts during entertainment, relaxation or working. Fixings like:
- Soft furnishings and rugs
- Suspended or dropped ceilings with sound absorbing tiles
- Hollow wall insulation
All help keep sound at comfortable levels as well as maintaining privacy.
Connection With Outdoors
Bi-fold doors, glazed walls and Juliette balconies allow maximum light whilst providing stellar views over the garden. This also gives a great sense of connection with the outdoors that enhances the conservatory experience. Consider dwarf walls below window height rather than full glass walls though for improved temperature management.
Multi-Purpose Use
Make sure to think about what activities you’ll want to enjoy in your insulated conservatory during design. This ensures appropriate provision for dining, working, art/hobbies, entertainment systems, play areas etc. The more flexibility included upfront, the greater use your warm roof space gets long-term.
Conservatory Regulations
Warm roof conservatories have to comply with various construction regulations including:
Structural Stability
Due to increased load from tile/slate finishes, walls and foundations need to meet strict standards with full certification. This ensures the structure remains sound and stable over decades of use. Professional engineering judgements may be needed depending on your property type and ground conditions.
Safety Glazing
Any glazing beneath waist height or adjacent to doors/access points must use toughened laminated glass. This prevents accidental damage causing cracks that could harm users.
Fire Protection
Fireproofing ties into overall stability of the structure alongside regulations covering aspects like emergency exits, smoke detection systems and extinguisher access. Your warm roof conservatory must provide suitable safeguards and escape routes.
A reputable builder can handle all necessary approvals and quality assurance during the design and build process. They can also advise if additional permissions are required for your specific property.
Maintaining Your Warm Roof
Whilst warm roof construction should provide decades of performance with minimal servicing, you’ll still need to carry out periodic checks and maintenance on areas like:
Roof
- Check tiles/slates annually for any damage or dislodged sections allowing in water
- Clear debris, vegetation and build ups of dirt/moss during the year
- Have sealants, flashing and mortar joints assessed every 2-3 years for integrity
Carrying out repairs promptly avoids further structural issues or leaks arising.
Glazing
- Use specialist glass cleaners to avoid damaging panes
- Lubricate and adjust any vents or window hinges when stiff or noisy
- Repair minor cracks immediately and replace any major breakages for safety
Keeping glazing in good condition optimises natural light entry.
Doors
- Keep locking mechanisms lubricated for smooth operation
- Adjust seals and brush strips when not closing tightly or draughty
- Repair any damage to integrated blinds or shutters
Doors enable ventilation regulation so must open/close reliably when needed.
Interior Finishes
- Maintain any render, paintwork or decorative elements to prevent damp or rot taking hold
- Treat any cracks or impact damage promptly
- Use breathable paints and materials to minimise condensation absorption
Keeping wall/ceiling surfaces in good order reduces deterioration or staining issues arising.
Investing in solid warm roof construction and hig quality materials when building your insulated conservatory minimises major upkeep requirements. But do still factor in maintenance costs as part of your budgeting.
Conservatory Trends: Bioclimatic Designs
Bioclimatic conservatories take warm roof technology even further to create spaces that deliver the perfect balance of insulation, ventilation and solar control.
Key features like glazed sliding walls, adjustable louvres and automatic windows work together to:
- Regulate internal temperature
- Prevent glare and overheating
- Reduce reliance on heating/air con systems
- Cut carbon emissions
All whilst still filling the space with natural light. Thermal comfort and efficiency are maximised by the conservatory adapting itself automatically to prevailing climate conditions. Hence, “bioclimatic”.
Bioclimatic conservatories require careful design, precision engineering and smart control systems to deliver maximum environmental and energy benefits. So they are an investment. But for homeowners wanting sustainable spaces that enhance wellbeing as well as property value, bioclimatic principles take warm roof appeal to exciting new levels.
Summary – Get The Most From Your Warm Roof Sunroom
Adding a toasty warm and inviting conservatory or orangery to your home using modern warm roof technology offers huge lifestyle benefits. Clever construction provides breathability whilst retaining heat or cooling efficiently to expand your living space comfortably into the garden.
If thinking about investing in a conservatory project, take time to get the design, specifications and finishes right according to your budget. Skimping here during installation often leads to problems or minimal use down the line. By considering all the elements that guarantee comfort and satisfaction from the outset, you’ll enjoy a lovely new multi-functional room for many years to come.
So embrace the flexibility warm roof conservatories provide! Make it your dream space to relax, work or entertain in whatever the British weather decides to do.