The most energy-efficient conservatory roof is a solid roof. Solid roofs provide excellent insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and keeping the conservatory cool in summer. This is because they are made of solid materials such as tiles, slate, or shingles that provide good thermal insulation.
Solid roofs are also less likely to suffer from thermal bridging, which is when heat is lost through gaps or weak spots in the roof. Additionally, solid roofs can be designed with vents or windows to allow for natural ventilation, which can help regulate the temperature in the conservatory.
Compared to other roof materials such as glass or polycarbonate, which can cause heat to escape or enter the conservatory, a solid roof can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. So if energy efficiency is a top priority for your conservatory, a solid roof is likely the best option for you.
How much heat can be lost through a glass roof?
The amount of heat that can be lost through a glass roof depends on various factors, such as the type of glass used, the size of the roof, the quality of the installation, and the outside temperature. However, in general, a glass roof can lose more heat than other types of conservatory roofs.
According to the Building Research Establishment (BRE), a typical double-glazed glass roof can have a U-value (a measure of thermal transmittance) of around 1.1 W/m²K. This means that for every degree of the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the conservatory, 1.1 watts of heat will be lost per square meter of the glass roof.
If you have a large conservatory with a lot of glass, heat loss through the roof can be significant, and this can lead to higher energy bills and a less comfortable living space. However, there are ways to reduce heat loss through a glass roof, such as using low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or triple-glazed glass, and ensuring that the roof is installed correctly with good insulation and seals.
If energy efficiency is a top priority for your conservatory, you may want to consider a solid roof or a tiled roof, as these types of roofs provide better insulation and are less likely to lose heat than glass roofs.
