Understanding Conservatory Roofing: What are U-values?

When it comes to creating a warm and comfortable conservatory, every detail matters and that includes conservatory roofing. One vital consideration in conservatory construction is the U-value — a figure that holds the key to the energy efficiency and overall performance of your conservatory roof. Whilst you may have heard this term in passing before, you may be unsure what it actually means. 

Luckily, the team at Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions is here to demystify this term for you and explain just why the U-value of your conservatory is so important.

What are U-values?

U-values measure how effective a building material is as an insulator, quantifying the rate at which heat transfers through a structure. It is measured in W/m²K, or Watts-per-metre-square-Kelvin. Whilst this figure may seem complicated, the principle is simple — the lower the U-value, the more energy efficient the material is. In conservatory roofing, this is a marker of how well your roof insulates against both excessive heat in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Conservatory roof U-values

There are typically three different roofing materials used in the construction of conservatory roofs: polycarbonate, glass and solid conservatory roofing. But which conservatory roof style has the lowest U-value?

• Polycarbonate conservatory roof: Whilst this does depend on the thickness of the material, you can expect a standard 25mm polycarbonate roof to have a U-value of approximately 1.6 W/m²K, demonstrating poor thermal insulation.

• Glass conservatory roof: The U-value of a glass conservatory roof can vary depending on the glazing; for example, solar control glass will have a much lower U-value than standard double glazing. However, the average glass roof will typically achieve a U-value of around 1.0-1.2 W/m²K.

• Solid conservatory roof: When you invest in a solid conservatory roof from Nu-Look, you’ll receive one of the most energy-efficient solutions on the market with a U-value of just 0.15 W/m²K.

Why are U-values important?

U-values were first introduced to UK legislation in 1965 as a way to make homes more energy efficient and, over the decades, the regulations regarding them have only become stricter, demonstrating the importance of thermal performance. Without knowing the U-value of your conservatory roofing, you won’t know how energy efficient your whole conservatory is. By prioritising materials with a low U-value, you can potentially reduce your energy bills, saving you money in the long run.

How to improve the U-value of your conservatory roof

If your home is fitted with a polycarbonate roof and you’d like to improve the U-value of your conservatory, there are several steps you can take:

• Insulated ceilings: For cases where an entire roof replacement isn’t feasible, an insulated ceiling is a great, cost-effective solution. Layers of insulation are affixed to the interior of your polycarbonate roof, before being covered with either uPVC cladding or plaster for a smooth finish.
• Cork spray insulated ceilings: This breathable, insulating coating is applied to both the interior and exterior of your conservatory roofing to help improve energy efficiency. Here at Nu-Look, we are an approved applicator of SprayCork and this innovative product is entirely sustainable with no trees felled in the making of it.
• Roof replacement: Replacing your existing polycarbonate roof with an energy-efficient alternative can significantly lower the U-value of your conservatory. Here at Nu-Look, we offer both glass and solid conservatory roof replacements as a long-term alternative. Not only does this improve the energy efficiency of your space, but it also adds value to your home and ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Here at Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions, we proudly offer a diverse range of products and services that can help reduce the U-value of your property in Northamptonshire and beyond. With help from our experts, we can help transform your conservatory into an energy-efficient space in no time. 

We operate throughout Northamptonshire and beyond and, with over 40 years of combined experience, you can trust in the quality of our workmanship and service. Get in touch with us to book a free consultation, or pay a visit to our Northampton showroom to discuss your needs in person.