A wooden conservatory is a beautiful extension of any home, providing a natural look that connects indoor spaces with the outdoors. However, during the warmest days, a conservatory becomes too hot quickly.
With a mix of shading, cooling options, and proper ventilation, you can cool your conservatory and keep it comfortable year round, even in peak summer.
Why is a conservatory too hot?
Wooden conservatories, like all conservatories, can suffer from overheating due to glass roofs or large glass windows, especially when it gets hot in the summer. Glass allows sunlight to get into the room, quickly raising the temperature in a conservatory.
Additionally, while wood provides a natural aesthetic, it lacks the insulation properties of some modern materials, which can lead to poor insulation if not properly maintained. This issue is particularly noticeable in south-facing conservatories that receive direct sunlight.
Select glazing options to help maintain a cooler conservatory
The right glazing can be particularly beneficial for a wooden conservatory.
Here are some effective options:
- Low-E Glass: Designed with a special coating, low-emissivity glass works wonders by bouncing sunlight away in summer, while holding onto warmth in winter. Low-E Glass can be an effective choice for your conservatory roof, as it reflects UV rays while allowing natural light to enter.
- Solar control glass: For conservatories that get loads of direct sunlight, solar control glass can help keep things cool. This glazing option reduces the amount of solar energy coming in while still letting in light, making your conservatory more comfortable on hot days.
- Tinted or reflective glass: Tinted glass reduces glare, while reflective glass with a metallic coating on your conservatory roof deflects sunlight, helping to lower temperatures inside and prevent the conservatory from getting too hot. Both options help to manage light and heat, which is perfect if you want privacy and temperature control.
Each of these glazing options can help to make your wooden conservatory more energy efficient and enjoyable year round, especially in preventing it from getting too hot in the summer. Our team can retrofit your existing wooden conservatory with all types of insulated glazing to enhance solar control.
Use cooling films for conservatory glass
A straightforward way to reduce heat is by applying cooling film to your conservatory windows and doors. This reflective material can lower solar heat gain without obstructing views, helping to keep your conservatory cool and making it a great addition to glass-heavy conservatories.
Cooling films are especially effective for wooden conservatories that might lack the same insulation benefits as uPVC or aluminium models, helping you maintain a more comfortable space.
Install roller or Venetian blinds
Blinds, such as roller blinds or Venetian blinds, provide a flexible way to control the amount of sunlight entering the conservatory. With flexible options, you can adjust them throughout the day to strike just the right balance of light and warmth.
They’re a great addition to wooden conservatories where privacy and sun control are both important. Conservatory blinds also come in a variety of aesthetic styles to suit the natural charm of wood.
Ensure proper ventilation with roof fans and air vents
For wooden conservatories, ventilation is essential to prevent heat build-up. Installing a traditional conservatory fan or roof vents helps release hot air trapped near the ceiling, allowing cooler air to circulate. Good airflow can help prevent moisture issues often associated with wood, while keeping temperatures more stable.
Consider heat-reflective roof panels or polycarbonate sheeting
If you’re looking to replace the roof, heat-reflective roof panels or polycarbonate sheeting are highly effective. These options reflect sunlight and prevent heat build-up.
Polycarbonate is a good choice for wooden conservatories, as it complements the natural materials while enhancing energy efficiency and helping to keep your conservatory cool in the summer. These roofing materials don’t just keep things cooler — they also work to retain heat, helping to prevent heat loss when the colder months roll around.
Consider a tiled conservatory roof
A tiled conservatory roof can be an excellent option for keeping your wooden conservatory comfortable in all seasons. These roofs provide effective insulation, reducing heat build-up during the summer while retaining warmth winter months.
Unlike glass or polycarbonate roofs, tiled roofs minimise glare and help maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the day. They’re also ideal for reducing external noise, creating a quieter, more relaxing space.
Available in a range of colours and styles, tiled roofs can complement the natural charm of wood while providing a more contemporary look.
Add natural shade with plants and a retractable canopy
Creating natural shade around your conservatory can significantly improve indoor temperatures. A retractable canopy or large, leafy plants near windows can block direct sunlight, keeping the space cooler without altering the conservatory’s structure.
Plants add humidity and reduce dry heat, which can be beneficial for the wood in your conservatory, preventing cracking or warping over time.
Use an air conditioning unit if necessary
For consistently comfortable temperatures, an air conditioning unit may be worth considering. While it’s a higher-cost option, it provides complete temperature control and is ideal for frequently used wooden conservatories.
Air conditioning can be especially effective when used alongside other cooling methods, as it quickly reduces heat when needed.
Extra tips to keep things cosy
If you’re looking for additional ways to keep your wooden conservatory comfortable in warmer weather, here are some extra tips:
- Choose soft fabrics in light colours: Light, pastel colours on cushions and throws absorb less heat than dark colours and keep the room cooler.
- Consider stone or ceramic flooring: Stone flooring or ceramic tiles stay cool underfoot, which helps offset the heat in a wooden conservatory during the summer months.
- Add a small indoor fountain or water feature: Water features not only add a soothing sound but also help to keep the air cool as the water evaporates, making the space feel fresher and more comfortable.
Conclusion
With a few thoughtful adjustments, including a polycarbonate roof, you can make your wooden conservatory a pleasant retreat even in summer.
Combining glazing upgrades, reflective window treatments, and a tiled roof can help to keep the temperature manageable without sacrificing the natural appeal of wood.
By layering solutions, you can keep your wooden conservatory cool and inviting, from the height of summer to the colder months of winter.
