Many people with conservatories
will be dreading the changing of the season as the last days of summer become
nothing more than a fond memory and the dawning realisation that your beautiful conservatory is getting colder by the day!
It’s probably fair to say that
conservatories do have a bit of a reputation for being too cold in the winter
(and even sometimes too hot in the summer), however, there are ways to improve
the situation if you have an existing conservatory and ways to avoid it almost altogether
if you are considering building a new one.
Glazing
If you haven’t yet had your
conservatory built, then the glazing options you choose can make a massive
difference to the temperature inside the finished building. The usual way of
things is that the more glass you have, then the more difficult it will be to
keep any generated warmth inside. So, it goes without saying that you should
choose the absolute best glazing options that your budget will allow – if you
have enough for triple glazing, try and make this your goal.
If you are working with an
existing structure that is perhaps starting to show its age, replacing the
windows, with a newer more up to date option – although costly will give you
the best results. If the budget is much tighter, then there is an insulation
film you can apply to the glass panels. The results won’t be as spectacular but
it will certainly help a bit.
Roofing
Many conservatories feature an
all glass roof but it is possible to have a structure that has a tiled roof.
The benefits here are obvious (you can insulate the roof area), as are the
downsides (you won’t get as much light). However, if you are considering a new
extension, then an insulated roof will surely be very tempting. If you are
wondering what you can do with your glass panelled roof, then there are options
here too.
You can have specially insulated blinds fitted to the glass panels (this will be easier with certain designs). Perhaps a little on the expensive side, but they will certainly help with the heating in the winter and the overheating in the summer.
You can have specially insulated blinds fitted to the glass panels (this will be easier with certain designs). Perhaps a little on the expensive side, but they will certainly help with the heating in the winter and the overheating in the summer.
Heating/Flooring
When it comes to general heating
and flooring, there are multiple options for a new build with perhaps
underfloor heating being the most popular option. A good underfloor heating
system with good, even floor coverage can be effective in any part of the house
and it can work wonders for a well-designed conservatory too. There is a warning to heed here too, however, if the
rest of your conservatory isn’t particularly well designed for heat retention,
then underfloor heating (just as with any other conventional heating system)
will prove expensive to run.
If you are trying to warm up an existing conservatory or orangery, there
are things you can try to combat the cold. If you are intending to put carpet
down, then it might be worth looking into what sort of insulation will work
best under your underlay. A wooden floor can, to some degree, work as an
insulator, so this too might be an option. If none of these are possibilities,
just try and put down as many thick, warm rugs as you can. Every little helps.
It might also be worth looking at
your central heating and working out whether it is possible/affordable to put
an extra radiator in – this will certainly help to take some of the chill out
of the air.
If a mobile heater is your only
option, mobile oil heaters or infra-red heaters are a couple of examples that
you could investigate with your reputable conservatory designers and builders.
Curtains/ Blinds
We touched earlier on using
blinds for the glass panels on the roof but you should also consider fitting
the surrounding windows with high quality conservatory blinds too. These will
prove effective and essential all year round.
If you simply must have curtains,
then try and select some that are insulated, these will at least go some way to
providing a level of protection from extreme temperatures. Make sure to draw
the curtains closed during cold winter evenings and any heat you have been able
to generate will last that little bit longer.
Furnishings
If possible, avoid putting larger
furniture pieces against or too near the glass – this can cut off some of the
light and prevent some of that lovely warm winter sunshine from flooding in.
Just from an aesthetic point of
view, try and choose furniture that “looks” warm. In the battle of mind over
matter, this will at least make the conservatory look inviting.
Dark browns – perhaps a set of rattan chairs with cream cushions and a dark brown coffee table or if you have a larger space, a walnut dining table with chairs. The textures themselves can help the room look warmer and more homely.
Dark browns – perhaps a set of rattan chairs with cream cushions and a dark brown coffee table or if you have a larger space, a walnut dining table with chairs. The textures themselves can help the room look warmer and more homely.
Interior Design
These ideas, like the furnishings
above are more about creating the illusion of warmth rather than actually
generating heat in the conservatory. However, if you have made some of the
improvements mentioned earlier, then these ideas can be the icing on the now
much warmer cake!
If you have any wall space in the
conservatory (areas not covered in glass), you can paint them in warm colours –
coppers, rusty reds and taupe. Taupe especially is popular for interior
designers, as it not only helps create a feeling of warmth but is also elegant
and will look classy if you intend to use your extension for entertaining.
As we approach autumn 2015, there
are numerous woodland themed accessories available that are autumnal in colour
and design. Try checked throws, knitted cushions covers, cushions with pictures
of foxes & deer etc. Sheepskin rugs, checked lampshades and wooden candle
sticks will all contribute to a lovely and trendy interior design theme
suitable for the seasons ahead.
When designing and installing any
structural element of your new or existing conservatory it is always advisable
to seek out the advice of a reputable company before proceeding.
i'm getting a lot of roof snow melt (heat loss) over the cathedral ceilings which are everywhere in my home except the bedrooms where the attic is located. is there an easy and cheap way to add insulation into the the cathedrals?
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