Is a Glass Conservatory Roof Warmer than Polycarbonate?

Conservatories are a fantastic investment, which greatly expands the usable space of both your home and your garden. Plus, it allows you to enjoy your garden and soak up that warm natural light all year long. 

But, not all conservatories were made equal. 

Different types of material can greatly differ in their thermal efficiency, durability and weather resistance. So, we’ve created this guide to help property owners choose the right material for their new conservatory roof. 

We’ll be directly comparing glass and polycarbonate, weighing up their pros and cons, to help you decide which material is the best fit for your home, budget and usage requirements. 

Is Glass warmer than Polycarbonate?

Glass conservatory roofs have a significantly better thermal performance than polycarbonate alternatives. Glass roofs have a much higher energy efficiency rating, as glass retains much more heat than polycarbonate materials. 

So, glass will keep your conservatory much warmer, which is especially important during the wintertime. Not only will this make your conservatory more usable throughout the year, but it will also help keep your energy bills as low as possible. 

This is because you won’t need to depend on electric heaters to keep your conservatory warm and (most importantly) your conservatory won’t act as a heat drain, sapping warmth from the rest of your house.

If you do choose a polycarbonate roof, you can invest in solar inserts for your conservatory roof. This will help to improve the energy efficiency rating of a polycarbonate roof, but it will add an extra cost to the roof. 

Is Glass more durable than Polycarbonate?

Both glass and polycarbonate roofs are extremely durable. They can both withstand high forces, and will remain strong and secure in the face of UV, heat, wind, rain, snow and hail. 

However, glass has a much higher level of resistance in the face of day-to-day wear and tear. Another key benefit of glass roofs is that they are significantly more scratch-resistant than polycarbonate alternatives. 

Polycarbonate roofs are renowned for being prone to scratches. So, a few scratches can quickly compromise the visual impact of your roof. Alongside this, they are also relatively easy to dent. So extra care will need to be taken, particularly during installation. 

Is Glass more expensive than Polycarbonate?

The initial cost of glass conservatory roofs is more expensive than polycarbonate roofs. 

The lower price point is the main benefit of polycarbonate roofs. However, over time, the total cost of a polycarbonate roof can exceed that of a glass conservatory roof. 

This is because polycarbonate roofs are less thermally efficient, meaning they can increase the cost of your energy bills. Plus, they have a lower lifespan than glass roofs, so they will need to be replaced sooner. 

Does Glass last longer than Polycarbonate?

Both glass and polycarbonate roofs have long lifespans, and boast a very high level of weather resistance. However, glass does have a longer average lifespan, and a higher degree of weather resistance. 

While the average polycarbonate roof can be expected to last for around 10-15 years, glass conservatory roofs have a predicted lifespan of over 20 years. 

Does a Glass conservatory roof add value to my home?

Investing in a conservatory is a great approach when trying to increase the value of your property. They are a highly desirable asset, which gives potential buyers much more floor space to enjoy. 

So, although conservatories with either type of roof can boost the property value, it is glass roofs that generally add more value. 

Firstly, this is because glass roofs are known to be more durable. Secondly, it is because glass roofs are a lot more aesthetically pleasing. This is because glass roofs give the conservatory far more light, and also look more modern and elegant (both from the outside and the inside). 

For these reasons, glass represents a better  investment for your conservatory roof. Conservatory glass is more durable, more stylish, more desirable and has a longer lifespan than polycarbonate roofs. 

If you would like to get more information about the benefits of choosing glass for your conservatory roof, or enlist the specialist Stevenage Glass team to supply your new glass roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch.