Conservatories are a great way to expand your living space and bring the outdoors in. However, without proper insulation, conservatories can become uncomfortably cold in winter and overly hot in summer. Installing quality insulation in your conservatory is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment all year round.
- How Insulation Works
- Insulation creates a barrier to heat flow, trapping warm or cool air inside the building.
- The better insulated the structure is, the more slowly heat is lost or gained.
- Insulation works by trapping small pockets of air between materials to resist heat transfer.
- Why Insulate Your Conservatory?
- Controls Temperature: Insulation keeps your conservatory significantly warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This makes the space comfortable to use year-round.
- Reduces Energy Bills: Preventing heat loss reduces the energy required to heat your conservatory, saving you money.
- Avoids Damp and Condensation: Regulating temperature and moisture prevents dampness on surfaces.
- Creates a Quieter Space: Insulation blocks exterior noise from entering the conservatory.
- Adds Value: An insulated conservatory is an attractive feature for buyers and increases your home’s worth.
- Where to Insulate in a Conservatory
- Roof: The roof has the largest surface area so loses the most heat. A replacement conservatory roof from Leka is the best way to change a conservatory into a functional space all year round.
- Walls: Cavity wall and solid wall insulation improve thermal performance.
- Windows and doors: Double or triple glazing prevents heat loss through glass.
- Floor: Insulated floors keep warmth in and reduce noise transfer.
- Draught proofing: Seal gaps around pipes, vents, doors and windows.
- Types of Insulation
- Mineral wool – fibre insulation made from glass, stone or slag. Effective and fire-resistant.
- Polyurethane foam – expands to fill gaps and prevent heat loss.
- Polystyrene insulation – rigid foam boards or expanding foam provide good insulation.
- Sheep’s wool – sustainable insulation with excellent fire resistance. Vapour permeable.
- Recycled newspaper – inexpensive insulant with good thermal and acoustic qualities.
- Insulation Best Practices
- Hire professional installers for optimal insulation. DIY is challenging.
- Insulate during construction or renovation for easy access.
- Ensure insulation fills cavities fully without gaps or compression.
- Use the recommended insulation thickness for your climate and building.
- Prioritise roof insulation as the main source of heat loss.
- Consider moisture and vapour control in your insulation choice.
- Upgrade windows and add blinds to boost thermal performance.
- Insulate ductwork and pipework to prevent condensation.
- Insulation Tips for DIYers
- Use pre-cut boards of rigid foam insulation for easier handling.
- Protect skin and eyes fully when handling irritant insulation materials.
- Cut insulation cleanly and accurately for tight fits between joists and studs.
- Use expandable foam filler for fiddly gaps around vents, pipes and wiring.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.
- Button up insulation between roof joists tightly to prevent sagging.
- Finish with vapour barrier and protective boarding before plastering.
Properly insulating your conservatory is a wise investment that enhances comfort, reduces energy use and adds value to your property. With professional installation or careful DIY, you can create an inviting, usable space that withstands the elements year-round.
