Roof Glazing:
Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonate is a special type of translucent plastic that is used
in most conservatory roofs. It has been developed to provide a light,
inexpensive and easy to install alternative to glass, whilst still
offering similar levels of heat insulation and light transmission
to standard double glazing. Lifestyle offers you the choice of 16mm,
25mm or 35mm polycarbonate – with the 35mm option offering
the higher level of performance due to its increased thickness.
The Aspire 35mm system, which is 40% thicker
than ordinary polycarbonate provides exceptional levels of thermal
insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, whilst
at the same time, reducing sound transmission and unwanted glare.
Combined with high performance standards and minimal maintenance
the Aspire system offers very real benefits to the homeowner.
Polycarbonate finish:
Clear
Blocks out the least amount of day light. While this option is know
as clear it is still a multi layered plastic so you don’t
get the same effect as clear glass.
Bronze
This has a slight tint to the glazing designed to take the edge
of the incoming sun light
Opal
This has a white or peal finish and blocks out as much direct light
as possible. This is an ideal option as with opal polycarbonate
roof blinds are not required. The opal finish reflects a lot of
light and actually feels a lighter room than with bronze tinted
polycarbonate even though opal blocks out more direct light. For
this reason we also fit opal polycarbonate in a lot of north facing
conservatories.
Bronze on Opal
This is a mix of two finishes bronze on the exterior and opal on
the interior. This finish is designed for wood-grained finished
conservatories; the bronze exterior finish is a better match to
either mahogany or light oak.
Recommendation:
We install the bronze on opal polycarbonate in most of our conservatories
even the white finished conservatories. This is because the bronze
on opal finish has all the benefits of the opal roof glazing but
the bronze exterior finish does not show up the dirt.
Glass:
Glass is the alternative glazing option for conservatory roofs.
There are several specification, cost and design constraints linked
to selecting glass for your conservatory roof.
Benefits:
- Better noise insulation
- Heat insulation (Depending on specification)
- Light
- Cosmetic’s
- Atmosphere
Constraints:
- Weight (Tie bar sets are required)
- Keeping it clean
- Cost
- Added cost of roof blinds
The main design constraint is that most roofs
will require a tie bar set due to the additional weight of the glass.
In our experience most people also purchase
roof blinds to make the room more comfortable in summer. Blinds
are something that would not be need with either Opal on Bronze
on Opal polycarbonate roof glazing.
Our home surveyors are fully briefed on the
different glass options available and will advise on the best option
for your requirements, whether it would be standard clear, gas filled
or even a heat dispersing glass.
Our policy is to only install safety glass in
conservatory roofs. |
