How to keep your conservatory cool
As the temperature rises outside, we’re desperately trying to keep parts of our home cool.
One such room, is the conservatory.
A literal glass house, these are spaces that can easily overheat in summer (and freeze in the cooler months!).
So, it’s crucial to do what you can to moderate the temperature to make the space habitable in hot weather.
Should you leave your conservatory blinds down?
Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV explains why this is the minimum you can do to help keep your conservatory cool.
“The right window treatment does far more than simply dress a conservatory beautifully, it actively shapes how a space feels to live in.
“During a heatwave, the answer is a considered yes: keeping your blinds down during the hottest parts of the day makes a real and meaningful difference.
“Sunlight streaming through glass doesn’t just bring brightness, it brings heat.
“Windows can account for a significant amount of unwanted solar gain in a room, and without the right covering in place, that warmth builds quickly and has nowhere to go.
“Keeping blinds closed acts as a barrier, reflecting heat before it has the chance to settle into your home.
“This is particularly beneficial on south and west-facing windows where the sun lingers longest.
“The fabric you choose matters enormously here.
“A tightly woven, light-coloured fabric will reflect more solar energy than a dark or open-weave option.
“Blackout linings and thermal-backed curtains are exceptional performers, but even a well-chosen mid-weight fabric in a pale, natural shade can reduce heat build-up considerably.”
Does it actually keep the conservatory cool?
Studies have shown that closing blinds and curtains on sunny windows can also reduce room temperatures by several degrees, which can be the difference between a comfortable space and an unbearable one.
Debbie adds: “The effect is most pronounced when you act early: closing blinds before the heat of the day builds is far more effective than trying to cool a room that’s already warm.”
Can glazing help keep a conservatory cool?
While this isn’t a quick fix, if you are looking at adding a conservatory onto your home it is definitely something to consider.
Jamie Bloomfield, co-founder and director of Eden Landscapes explains: “The glazing is the single biggest factor in how hot a conservatory gets and it is where the most significant improvements can be made.
“Older single or basic double-glazed conservatories, particularly those with polycarbonate roofs, absorb and retain heat at a level that makes them almost unusable in summer.
“Upgrading to a high-performance glass roof with a low solar gain coating, typically a blue or grey tinted unit, can reduce heat build-up by up to 70%.
“Self-cleaning solar control glass products are widely available and make a dramatic difference.
“It’s the most expensive intervention but also the most effective long-term solution.”
Could ventilation make a difference?
If you need a more immediate fix, as mentioned, good ventilation is absolutely crucial.
Jamie adds: “Opening vents and windows at the top of the conservatory creates a chimney effect that draws warm air up and out while pulling cooler air in at floor level.
“Where possible, position ventilation openings on opposite sides of the structure to create cross ventilation.
“Electric roof vents that open automatically when a set temperature is reached are a relatively affordable upgrade that makes a significant practical difference.”
What about external shading?
Another option to help keep your conservatory cool is external shading.
This is another faster fix if you’re looking for ways to immediately cool the space down in the midst of the heatwave.
Jamie explains what it entails: “External shading, such as a pergola, sail shade or external awning fitted over the conservatory roof, prevents solar heat from reaching the glass in the first place, which is always more effective than trying to manage heat once it is inside.
“Climbing plants trained over a pergola structure above the conservatory provide natural shading that increases as summer progresses and the plants fill out.”
Can choice of flooring and furnishings in a conservatory make a difference?
When decorating your conservatory, it’s important to think of hot weather when making interior design decisions.
Keep in mind what will absorb heat, and what will help retain the cool when the temperatures reach the pinnacle.
Jamie explains: “Dark flooring and furniture absorb heat throughout the day and radiate it back into the space in the evening, making the room feel uncomfortably warm well after the sun has gone down.
“Lighter coloured flooring in natural materials such as limestone, pale ceramic tiles or light wood reflect rather than absorb heat.
“Swapping heavy cushions and soft furnishings for lightweight cotton or linen alternatives also reduces the amount of heat retained in the room.”
How should these cooling ideas be implemented in practice?
Now you know how to help keep your conservatory cool, it’s time to put the ideas into practice.
Josh Eberly, Design Lead at Marygrove Awning explains: “Start by working out when the space actually overheats, since it’s often late afternoon rather than midday.
“For awnings and external screens, installation details really matter.
“They should be fixed into solid walls or proper structural supports, not just lightweight conservatory frames that can flex.
“Coverage is also key, so the shading needs to extend far enough to cover the full glazed area as the sun angle changes, not just sit neatly over the top.
“Lighter, reflective fabrics tend to keep the space brighter while still cutting heat.
“Motorised systems with sun and wind sensors are worth considering because they take the pressure off daily use and make sure the shading is actually deployed when it’s needed.”
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