The approach of winter usually makes us think of all the home maintenance jobs we need to get done before the worst of the cold weather engulfs us and our homes. As well as making sure there are no leaking roofs or windows, draughts are eliminated and boilers are checked, many of us think about closing off the conservatory for the duration of the winter.
Improve your old conservatory
Older conservatories can be cold and inhospitable places in the winter and to not use them is a waste of a great space. Improving your old conservatory is probably one of the most effective and rewarding changes you can make especially with winter coming. Not only can you make it a warm and welcoming room in winter but one you can use all year round.
Eco-Hybrid Conservatory Roof Insulation could solve your problems
The big issue with older conservatories is the roof construction – glass or plastic polycarbonate roofs have little thermal insulation and little noise insulation. There are some great options for significantly improving the thermal efficiency of the conservatory, which improves the thermal efficiency of the whole house.
For example, the Eco-Hybrid Insulation uses a new highly effective insulation material that follows the existing contours of your roof and only takes a few centimetres from the roof height. This solution is perfect for a winter makeover as installation can be completed in a day. Not only do you have a light airy room but one that also has great sound insulation which keeps out rain noise.
How about a full conservatory roof replacement
If you have a bigger budget, you can consider replacing the whole roof. A new conservatory roof will be built using cold proofing techniques that use a combination of a tiled roof that covers layers of specialist insulation. A plastered ceiling can create a living space that is cost-effective to heat and truly becomes part of your home that can be used every day of the year and when combined with a Velux window or skylight is a truly impressive room.
Replace your old conservatory
If your conservatory is so old that it’s hard to justify the cost of trying to improve it then perhaps it’s time to consider removing it, especially if it is having an adverse effect on the property. A great idea for a replacement could be an orangery – an extension which has the light and airiness of a conservatory but with the security of being partly constructed from bricks.
What are the differences between conservatories and orangeries?
The differences between conservatories and orangeries are primarily that orangeries have solid brick pillars or even a solid wall on one side with large windows and a lantern style roof. Bi-fold doors can add an extra dimension to the room opening onto the garden for outside entertaining.
How to use your new orangery
If you are dreading another winter with your cold and frosty conservatory sitting idle then budget allowing you can at least transform this inhospitable space into a warm and usable room for all year round use. Or create a magnificent extension to your home in the form of an orangery which could be used as an extra sitting room, TV room or even a dining room providing warmth and comfort throughout the year. Imagine having Christmas lunch in a warm and cosy conservatory or orangery!
