Conservatory Blinds or a Roof Replacement, or Both?

• The Lincs Group
• 2023-05-26 10:20:00

Even though having generous amounts of natural daylight is nice, the excessive glazing in the windows and traditional polycarbonate roofs combine to make the conservatory too hot in summer and too cold in winter. This can present homeowners with a difficult decision, install blinds to try and regulate temperature, or replace the roof with an insulated option? Each one has its pro's & cons.

Pro's of conservatory roof replacement:

1. Improved Insulation: A new solid roof provides significantly better thermal insulation, keeping the conservatory warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
2. Energy Efficiency: Reduced heat loss and gain can lead to lower energy bills as the need for heating and cooling decreases.
3. Extended Use: With improved temperature regulation, the conservatory can be used comfortably year-round.
4. Noise Reduction: A solid roof can significantly reduce noise from rain, wind, and other external sources.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: A solid roof can give the conservatory a more permanent, house-like appearance, potentially increasing property value.
6. Building Control Compliance: When using the Guardian Conservatory Warm Roof & a certified installer, this comes with LABC certification

Cons of conservatory roof replacement:

1. Cost: A replacement roof can be a significant investment, often several thousand pounds.
2. Loss of natural light: Less sun and daylight can make the area within darker. Though there is the option to install Velux Skylights to maintain some natural light.
3. Considerations on the rest of the conservatory: Sometimes it may be necessary to replace the main conservatory frame before fitting a new roof (why spend thousands fitting a quality new roof on an old conservatory frame.

Pro's of Conservatory Blinds:

1. Price: Blinds are generally a more affordable option compared to a roof replacement, depending on the type of fabric & design.
2. Light Control: Blinds offer great flexibility in controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your conservatory.
3. Variety and Customization: Available in numerous styles, colours, and materials, allowing them to match your conservatories décor.
4. Easy Installation: Fitting blinds is usually a quick and straightforward process with minimal disruption.
5. Enhanced Privacy: Option to control your privacy by blocking out windows as desired.

Cons of Conservatory Blinds:

1. Limited Insulation: While blinds can help manage heat gain and loss, they're no where near as effective as a solid roof.
2. Regular Maintenance: Blinds often require cleaning and maintenance to stay in good condition.
3. Durability Concerns: Blinds need to be replaced more frequently than a solid roof, especially if opting for a most cost-effective fabric initially.
4. Inconsistent Temperature Control: Blinds might not sufficiently regulate temperature extremes, affecting year-round usability.

Conclusion:

This mainly comes down to the homeowners budget. If the investment is not financially available currently, blinds can certainly provide some benefit. However, in our opinion, the cost-benefit lies with a replacement Guardian Warm Roof, especially when taking into account the numerous benefits. 

If a homeowner still has a desire for blinds though, and deems the investment worthwhile; complimenting the frame windows with blinds, or adding Velux windows or Solstice skylights with built blinds, can really transform the space into something amazing.