Replacing Conservatory Glass

6 years ago

The house we're currently renovating has a conservatory on the back of it, most probably installed during the 90s(?) - pre-renovation photos attached. Unlike the rest of the property, it's not a thing of beauty but it's probably going to stay for the time being, both for budgetary reasons and because I don't think a suitable replacement would look that much different (see roof comment further below). It's fully double glazed (uPVC), including the roof. The seals on 6 or so of the panes have gone and contain condensation and need to be replaced.

Our dilemma is largely down to the issue of heating and thermal efficiency. We've ended up taking off the French doors which separate the conservatory from an open-plan kitchen / living area and had intended to instead fit bi-folding doors to create even more open-plan space. However, our glazer has suggested that by updating all of the conservatory glass to modern A-rate glass (note, leaving the uPVC frame in-tact), as per the rest of the house, would be sufficient enough to create a usable space in winter, and not make the rest of the adjoining rooms cold. It would also create the most space between the rooms.

Both myself and a couple of people I've since spoken to are very skeptical of this, and whilst it's actually a cheaper option than the bi-folds, I suspect the glazer will actually make more profit from replacing the glass than supplying the bi-folds through a third party. I can't imagine glass has improved THAT much, and the uPVC frame (which is probably the biggest weak spot) would remain the same. I live in the moors of Yorkshire where summer highs are typically around 18-20 degrees, and between 0 and 10 degrees in winter. On this occasion, replacing the glass roof with a solid one is not an option as it would completely starve the adjoining kitchen of light, and opting for something more pitched wouldn't work in the dimensions.

With all this is mind, do you think we could create a comfortable and efficient (heating-wise) living area by replacing all of the conservatory glass alone, or would we be better to replace the broken seal glass and fit the bi-folds to keep out the predominantly chilly weather?

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stefanmh

6 years ago

Who is Tim?

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Comments (18)

Charlie Spaniel
Original Author
6 years ago
Bump
stefanmh
6 years ago
Would suggest demolishing the conservatory altogether and fitting bifold doors in the stone wall and maybe widen the aperture if you can to allow more light in and improve the view.
We have a conservatory and rarely use it as we have the old problem like many others - too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
I believe the government should force conservatory installers provide energy efficient roofs and a heating system that does that job without costing a fortune. Rant over.
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Hello, the original company that installed the conservatory will confirm if this proposed modification is a possibility. Kind regards Andrew
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twamleyk
6 years ago
We replaced a pvc roof to a glass one, but left the rest of the conservatory as it was. I doubt ours is as old as yours (it was there when we bought the house). I'd say it's around 12 years old. Anyway, it has made a massive difference and we remvoed the wall between it and the kitchen. I think glass has come on a lot, but it will never be the same as a wall, of course. Anyway, in London, we find the kitchen and conservatory pleasant all year around, so we are delighted with it. But I hvae read lots of reviews of other people saying otherwise so perhaps we have been lucky? Our conservatory faces north - this means we don't get too much sun in the summer (which is good, otherwise we would roast).
stefanmh
6 years ago
Hi. I didn't know you were allowed to remove the wall between the conservatory and the house.
I was thinking of just removing the existing French windows but the installer said you still needed the division as a conservatory is not classed as a permanent structure lie a house. Maybe he was wrong.
Our conservatory is about 10 years old.
twamleyk
6 years ago
We had building controls in and got permission. It depends on the house ratio of window to square metre and other insulation in your house. I know of others who also got permission but were required to add insulation to their roof. I am sure the local council can advise.
Victoria
6 years ago
I'd demolish it, put energy efficient windows in the opening and when Tim and budget constraints allow look at a new structure then. It doesn't add to your otherwise lovely house and there are better long term options.
Victoria
6 years ago
Tee hee! Darn autocorrect! Time is a word!!! Time
kerrip19
6 years ago
Hi there, joining this discussion very late but searching for a similar answer myself! Our 15 year old conservatory is of a similar size to yours and we have been quoted £7400 to replace the roof with Smartglass Ultimate Blue glass. This promises to reduce heat in the summer with 80% solar rejection, retains warmth in winter with a 1.0 U-value and reduces fabric fading by 90%.
Sounds great, eh? But really worried it won’t be that good and can’t afford to spend nearly 8k to find out. Have you decided what you’re going to do with yours? Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone for replacement glass. I live in the NE of Scotland so Winter warmth is key without heating the garden
stefanmh
6 years ago
£7,400? That’s what we paid for our very good quality Edwardian style conservatory! Seems a bit steep. We are looking at looking at replacing polycarbonate roof with solid lightweight tiles on a wooden frame. All insulated for £3,500. You can always add Velux windows in the roof to provide more natural light of you need to.
amandabox79
6 years ago
Hi Charlie, lovely house, coveted it when it was for sale! Lucky you. I don't think the conservatory adds anything to the very pretty house and agree with other contributors that it would be better to demolish it and install some nice, energy efficient windows or French doors. You can always add something more appropriate in years to come.
twamleyk
6 years ago
Hi Kerrip19, Our replacement conservatory roof, for a larger conservatory than pictured, with the top preforming 'smart' glass, cost £3,800. We did have to shop around for that though - average quote was probably £8000. I've already written above that we are happy with ours in terms of heat and so on, though not sure I would do it in Scotland... Also, depends on the insulation in the rest of your house and the direction of the conservatory?
PRO
Anonymous
6 years ago
Hi
Firstly the new low-e glazing would make a considerable difference to the thermal properties of your conservatory. When used in conjunction with modern upvc profiles the efficiency is increased due to the pockets within the plastic structure of the profile.

Comments above discuss opening the wall between the house snd the conservatory. You cannot do this and leave it as an opening without doors.
The conservatory is not considered as part of the dwelling and therefore needs a final exit door between the two rooms.

Personally I think it spoils a lovely property, however if it is valuable space and you are still unsure talk to a few independent window companies and not the big national one that is stylish and safe!

Look up low e glass, there will be detailed info on how this works from the manufacturers of the glass such as Pilkingtons or St Gobain.
stefanmh
6 years ago
Two other reasons we are looking at a solid lightweight tiled replacement roof is that the afternoon sun floods through the roof (we don’t want roof blinds) and can fade the furniture and of course rain on the polycarbonate roof makes a horrendous noise.
Donna B
last month
just searching for stuff on glass roof for conservatoriew and came across this. How did you get on with this did you go ahead and replace the roof and if so what glass and would you recommend it?
Charlie Spaniel
Original Author
last month
Hi Donna. Sadly still haven't done anything about it - the rest of the house is done but the old conservatory still stands just as it was. One day...
kerrip19
last month
Hi Donna, we went for the smart glass option and haven’t looked back. Some of the comments I received at the time suggested my quote was high but I also received a lot higher!! Maybe a regional thing, definitely shop around. Our conserrvatory is now entirely useable all year round. We tend not to use it in the winter purely because it’s another room to heat and we’re trying to reduce energy costs but I would be confident that it retains heat should we decide to heat it. Summer is the real game changer, we practically live in it all Summer Unless the outside temperature is really high (28+) the room doesn’t get unbearably hot like it used to. From the outside, the glass is tinged blue but you don’t notice it internally.

Hope that helps!
stefanmh
last month
Just a thought - as the pvc window frames are extruded plastic and hollow would it be possible to drill a hole in all of them and pump/squirt a suitable sealant or similar material in to reduce heat loss?

Replacing Conservatory Glass

stefanmh

Comments (18)

Charlie Spaniel
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Replacing Conservatory Glass

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Charlie SpanielOriginal Author

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