Many homeowners keen to add value to their properties and maximise their living space are investing in conservatories. A conservatory is a room consisting of a glass roof and walls, usually attached to a house on one side. They can be fulfil many purposes, being commonly used as a greenhouse, a sunroom or even a kitchen. As well as being incredibly functional, they are also wonderfully visually pleasing, serving as a stunning addition to any home. If you’ve been considering investing in a conservatory for your property, you will need to decide whether yours should have a glass or a polycarbonate roof. Let’s take a look at the features and benefits of the two…
Glass Conservatory Roofs
Glass conservatories are still considered the best choice due to a number of distinct advantages. One major benefit of glass is that it is more energy efficient, helping to retain heat and so keeping you warmer in the cooler winter months. This in turn can help save you money on your energy bills by ensuring you have little need for energy-hungry heating appliances such as electric heaters. Another major benefit of using glass for your conservatory roof is that it is less prone to scratches and is weather resistant, which will be important during the winter months when the weather is harsh.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roofs
The main draw of polycarbonate conservatory roofs is their price, being 3-4 times cheaper than a glass roof. They are much more affordable than glass roofs and so may be a better choice if you are working on a strict budget. Also, whilst they lack the natural insulation benefits of glass roofs, it is now possible to buy solar inserts for polycarbonate roofing, which allow homeowners to enjoy the luxury of a warm, cosy conservatory but without the expense. Polycarbonate conservatories aren’t quite as aesthetically pleasing as glass conservatories but this is something you would have to sacrifice for low cost and functionality.
When choosing a conservatory for your home, you need to decide whether you want to opt for a glass roof or a polycarbonate roof. Each come with distinct advantages which make them an attractive option. Glass conservatories are naturally more able to retain heat, more visually pleasing and less prone to damage whereas polycarbonate roofs are significantly more affordable.
