Conservatories, Sun Room Design, UK, US, PVCu, Aluminium

Conservatories, Sunrooms, Gardenrooms, Patio Rooms, Conservatory Blinds - An Introduction

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Conservatories and sunrooms have come a long way in the last ten years. Modern manufacturing methods ensure that we now have more choice and more reliable alternatives.

On this page we give you a few of our "Top Tips" for what to look out for in Conservatory Design. You will also find out a lot more by visiting our "sister site" - ConservatoriesOnline.com 

Your conservatory need not be a cold damp space when it's winter or an unbearable HOT HOUSE in the summer. With additions such as Pilkington "K" glass (Low e glass) and "Anti Sun" glass you truly can have an all year round room. 

Far too often Conservatories and Sunrooms are sold as though they are the same as brick-built extensions in terms of insulation and use. 


It's our experience that you will need more than the most commonly specified alternatives of Double Glazed frames and 16 mm polycarbonate in order to achieve a "Four Seasons Room". To have anything close to the insulation and therefore the all year round usability of a brick built extension, you will need to consider some of the extras/enhancements below.

	Low E glass or Pilkington "K" Glass: This glass varies from normal clear glass in that one side of the glass has a special metal coating, technically known as a low emissitivity, or Low E coating. This microscopic metal coating (which is almost indistinguishable from normal clear glass) allows through short-wave radiation, like sunlight, but reflects long-wave radiation, such as heat from fires and radiators, back into your conservatory making it easier to keep warm. As the Low E. coating on the glass actually makes the surface warmer to the touch, condensation is also reduced. This diagram illustrates how Pilkington K glass works. The Pilkington K glass has been proven to give up to 30% better insulation than other double-glazed windows. Pilkington K Glass is a brand name for a type of Low E glass.
	Argon filled Units: If you are looking for the ultimate in glass insulated units you should seriously consider adding "gas" or Argon filled units to your specification. Argon combined with Pilkington "K" or Low E glass is just about as good as it gets in terms of insulation. We are now talking as good as or better than most brick built extensions in terms of insulation. Not particularly expensive in my experience (only £10 -£15 per sealed unit in the UK) and well worth the extra expense. Please note, I only really recommend Argon filled units when combined with "K" or Low E glass. On its own the benefits are only marginal.
	25 mm Polycarbonate: Most standard conservatories come with 16mm polycarbonate (a few only come with 10-mm polycarbonate). For a little extra you can upgrade to the better insulating option of 25-mm polycarbonate. With it's six skins and reinforcing webbing, it provides perhaps the best insulating roof option for conservatories today. For the technically minded, it has an approximate "U" value of 1.6 as opposed to 2.3 for 16-mm polycarbonate. It is available in clear, bronze tint and opal options.
	Glass Roofs: an essential for those of us who like to see the stars at night! A fair amount more expensive and much heavier than polycarbonate. You will also almost certainly need some form of shading. That said, it is no doubt one of the best options - very classy and inspiring. We especially recommend the Pilkington "K" option with this. There is also the option of "anti-sun" glass for that "tinted" effect.   Looking for local suppliers of Conservatories? PVCu Conservatories, Hardwood Conservatories, All styles, all sizes. To request your free brochure click here
To find out a lot more by visit our "sister site" - ConservatoriesOnline.com