5 Proven Ways to Cool Your Conservatory

The summer brings with it a wonderful amount of sunshine, perfect for BBQs, garden parties and yes, relaxing afternoons in your conservatory. However, very rarely do we get an enjoyable summer without the accompanying heat. A heat that can transform the most beautiful conservatories into saunas.

Needless to say, it’s difficult to relax when you're covered in sweat and so, to help with that, we’ve taken the liberty of devising a list of all the things you can do to beat the heat. From quick fixes to more extensive overhauls, below you’ll find a whole host of tips for making the perfect summer den.

Here's a Few Ways to Cool Your Conservatory

Reconsider Your Roofing

The very first things to consider when looking to make your conservatory more comfortable are exactly the same as with any building. Insulation and airflow. These two factors are the foundation of temperature control, keeping heat out while simultaneously introducing fresh, circulating air for a cooler environment.

Now, there is a myriad of ways to improve these two but let’s start with something simple. Blinds. If you don’t have some of these fitted to your windows already, we would suggest opting for a good set of vertical or Venetian models. Both offer a great deal of adjustable range, helping to keep out not just heat but also stray sunlight as well.

Next up we turn our attention to ventilation. There are a couple of quick and easy methods to employ here, the first of which is simply to open your windows and doors. Of course, this can often not be enough, especially for larger conservatories. The more intensive solutions then, involve installing extra roof vents or even a skylight window if you have the budget for it. Finally, you can put a bow on this improved ventilation with a traditional conservatory fan - these will keep the air moving whenever you feel it's getting a bit too muggy inside.

If the above just isn't working for you the last, and most extensive method, will be to fit a whole new roof. Most conservatories will have either glass or polycarbonate roofing. These are ideal for a number of reasons, mainly because they let in a large amount of natural light. However, with this light also comes a great deal of heat.

Tiled and composite roofs, on the other hand, do not pose this problem. Naturally, this is a large job to get done, with tiling costing anywhere between £700 - £900 per square meter, in addition to the added work of fitting new lights. If you are going down this route, be sure to do the appropriate due diligence when shopping for an installer.

To Summarise

• A new roof will not only keep heat in, but it will also keep it out.
• A good set of vertical or Venetian blinds will offer a good deal of adjustable range to control the amount of sunlight you let in
• Ventilation (or simply just keeping your windows and doors open) will keep the air moving and by doing so far cooler than it would otherwise be

Invest in Cooling Film

A relatively cheap solution, Cooling Film is a simple adhesive layer that can be installed across your windows to serve as an additional heat barrier. Many can reflect up to 80% of heat-carrying UV rays, not only keeping your room cool but also your furnishings safe from being bleached by the sun.

Install Air-conditioning

Perhaps the most obvious, albeit expensive, options are air-conditioning units. These offer phenomenal control over your temperature, with some dual-designed models also able to heat your room as well. The price can change vary drastically depending on the exact type and quality of the conditioner but at a minimum, you should expect to spend at least £300 or £400, though this can go up to the thousands if your conservatory is big enough.

Of course, depending on how hot your room actually gets, a simple fan may be a better option. As you would expect, these offer less control over the temperature, but the price will be far more affordable and if you have it installed on the ceiling you can be sure it will spread out the cool air evenly.

Re-think Your Interior Design

Your furnishings don’t just provide an opportunity to spruce up your conservatory, they can also play a part in regulating the room’s temperature. As you might already know, lighter white and pastel colours can reflect sunlight and heat. Add to this, soft, thin fabrics and you’ll find your furniture far more comfortable to lounge on.

Think Outside the Box with Plants

Not all solutions to keep your conservatory cool lay within the room itself. One clever method is to plant some natural defences to block out the sun and offer some shade. If you are already planning on some landscaping work, then this just might be killing two birds with one stone. If not, however, you should be aware that the cost of transplanting a tree can be around £120 per hour, and up to £1000 total if you are looking to mature one yourself.

A relatively cost-effective alternative is to think about making use of plants within your conservatory. Potted or hanging plants can make a phenomenal impact, with a wide range of designs and colours for you to personalise. The biggest benefit though is their affinity for moisture. Keeping plants inside will greatly aid in keeping humidity down and take the edge off on especially hot days.

In Summary

The key to keeping your conservatory cool in the summertime is to make sure the room is kept topped up with fresh air, either by keeping open the windows and doors or by installing new vents. Add to this some additional stopgaps including fans and/or air-conditioning and you should find your extension far more comfortable than before. In extreme cases, a new roof can also do wonders, alongside cooling film on your windows as an added layer of protection.

If you're looking to replace your conservatory roof, then give our award-winning team a call us on 01295 565 565. They'll help you pick the ideal roofing for your needs and budget, whether it's a lightweight plastic tile or tough metal tile. Alternatively, read our guide to conservatory roof replacements and conservatory build costs.