A conservatory can be an ideal space to enjoy throughout the year, but for many people with traditional conservatories, particularly those made many years ago, the winter months can make them far less comfortable places.
The primary reason for this has to do with the particular heat properties of glass, which are far more prone to strong shifts in temperature compared to other building materials.
However, a mix of planning during the construction of a conservatory and preparation before the middle of the chilly winter season can help to not only protect your conservatory from potential weather damage but also make it a more comfortable place to be in during the festive season.
Here are some top tips for protecting your conservatory this winter.
Fit A Solid Roof
There is so much appeal to a glass-roofed conservatory, but one of the consequences is that so much heat is lost through the large glass panes.
This can be fixed through the use of a solid roof which matches the character of your home and allows for much more comfortable living temperatures inside the conservatory itself.
This also stops the issue of a conservatory being too hot in summer due to the greenhouse effect.
Focus On Draughtproofing
The primary reason why conservatories are so cold in winter is that they are more prone to draughts, making them hard to warm up and leading to inefficient heat sources.
Double glazing is a must for a conservatory, as is the use of thick blinds or curtains to create an air pocket that keeps the room warm.
Try Underfloor Heating
Radiators or portable heaters are commonly used in conservatories, but because of the issues with draughts often provide little respite against the elements and can often lead to higher energy bills than one would often expect.
An alternative would be to fit an underfloor heating system, which directly heats the floorboards, allowing for a comfortable underfoot feel and efficient heating without losing too much heat.