An Insight Into Different Types Of Glass Conservatory Roofs

Extending the living space as much as possible and utilizing every square foot of your property is always a good idea. Whether it’s converting the open patio into a sunroom or installing a conservatory, make an effort to bring the floor area to use as far as possible.  

Adding a glass conservatory is an ideal choice for adding some extra living space to the house. Every conservatory design has glass as a key element. The use of glass not only adds a luxury feel to the space but also offers plenty of practical benefits. Owing to advanced technology, we now have a variety of glass types. Each type is meant to fulfill a different set of requirements. Moreover, the freedom of customization enhances the functional worth of glass even more. We will talk about glass conservatories in this blog. Tag along to understand the ins and outs of glass conservatories. 

What is the Glass Conservatory?

A glass conservatory is an innovative way of expanding the usable property space. It is an extension of the main house. Glass conservatories usually feature clear glass walls and a solid glass roof. This all-glass design gives the conservatory a sunroom or a solarium vibe. Some homeowners use the conservatory space to enjoy the weather with their families while others double it as a greenhouse by growing plants in it. A conservatory can be an ideal space for relaxing and unwinding. 

Types of Glass Conservatory Roof

Glass is the main building material used in every conservatory design. The basic structure of a conservatory consists of four glass walls and a roof. Except for the supports, the walls are typically the same for every conservatory design. It’s the design of the roof that makes all the difference. There are different types of conservatory roofs. You can employ any roof style according to your personal preferences and space specifications. Here are the main types of conservatory roofs.

Lean-To Style

The name “Lean-to” is derived from the appearance of the roof. The highest point of the roof rests against the building, giving the impression that the roof is leaning directly against the home. You can adjust the pitch of the lean-to style according to your preferences.  Lean-to conservatory roofs typically have a single-sloped roof with a basic square or rectangle design. They are very effective for boosting the flow of natural light in the home. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Lean-to style leads the way. It is therefore a preferred option for bungalows and luxury homes. This type of conservatory roof is shorter than its other counterparts.

Gable Roof Style

Gable conservatory roofs typically complement period homes due to their vintage look. They have a tall, vaulted roof and an upright front panel with a triangular design. Gable roofs typically have a high pitch and elevation. The vertical roofing system and symmetrical design enable maximum light and space utilization. You can make a style statement by channeling the gable roof-style conservatory. 

Victorian Roof Style

The Victorian-style roofing system is true to its name. These roofs have elaborate designs that are influenced by conventional gothic architecture. They feature a steeply pitched roof that tends to be a radical representation of Victorian-era architecture. Ornate roof crestings and exquisite finial details enhance the aesthetics even more. Homeowners seeking to add a magnificent yet classic style to their house architecture are likely to be drawn to this conservatory roof style. Vintage residential architecture is best complemented by this historical-style conservatory roof. However, modern and more contemporary homes can also flaunt the aesthetics of the Victorian-style roof. 

Edwardian Style

The Edwardian conservatory roof also draws inspiration from the past. It resembles the Victorian conservatory roof style. However, it usually works better for conservatories that are more compact or simple. It has a pitched, three-sectioned Edwardian architectural style that suits contemporary as well as period homes. This roof style also maximizes the interaction of light and space within your conservatory. 

Solid Roofing

Although typically conservatories follow an all-glass design. But it is possible to build a conservatory with a tiled roof. A tiled conservatory roof would not allow the light to enter through the top but the glass walls would still be there for optimal light flow. You can add skylights and glass panels to the solid roof if you don’t want to compromise on the light flow. It is the best option if you want your conservatory to match the architecture of your home.

Loggia Styles

Loggia-style conservatory roof has a contemporary European flair to it. It derives its aesthetics from Italian architectural roots. This roof style features a 4-sided hipped pattern that resembles a roof lantern. It is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient roof replacement option.

Which Glass Types are Used in Glass Conservatories?

With the availability of different types of glass, we have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular glass types used in the construction of glass conservatories. 

Tempered Glass for Walls

Tempered Glass is frequently used in the construction of conservatory walls due to its strength, safety, and thermal insulation. Annealed glass is heated to a high temperature of 700 degrees Celsius. The glass is then immediately cooled down. The combined effects of superheating and rapid cooling lead the surface of the glass to harden more quickly than the core. By doing this, the compressive stress is increased, making it highly durable and strong. As the walls are not directly exposed to the sun, tempered glass is the perfect pick for conservatory walls.

Laminated Glass For Roofs

The roofing material used in glass conservatories must be strong enough to withstand weather changes and constraint exposure to the sun. Laminated Glass is the ultimate choice for conservatory roofing. Laminated glass has multiple glass panes in its basic structure that are held together with an interlayer of PVB or plastic adhesive. The double layer of glass ensures maximum thermal insulation and the highest degree of strength. Therefore it is used for conservatory roofing.

Polycarbonate Sheets for Roof

Polycarbonate Sheet is another option for conservatory roofing. It is a thermoplastic material with high optical clarity and exceptional strength. Just like laminated glass, it is potentially unbreakable. This property makes it eligible for use in the conservatory roofing system. A high-performance laminated glass roof is still better than polycarbonate roofing due to its damage resistance. 

How Much Does A Glass Conservatory Cost?

A glass conservatory, without any doubt, is a direct asset for the house. However, it is to be noted that the installation of a glass conservatory demands a good sum of money.  It gives you a chance to raise the value of your house while also elevating its aesthetics and functionality. 

The size of a conservatory is the major element that affects the total cost. You can expect to pay $10000 to $22000 for a 10 to 30 square meters glass conservatory. 

Final Thoughts

There are a number of benefits to back your decision of getting a glass conservatory. A clear conservatory would not only boost the value of your property but also offer you a functional outdoor space for relaxing and unwinding. You can also host family dinners under the glass roof and stargaze while having the meal. It opens a whole new world of tranquility. So if you are thinking about investing in a glass conservatory, don’t have any doubts and just do it. You would cherish this investment for a lifetime.