How to Keep Your Conservatory Cosy and Warm this Winter

Your conservatory is probably your favourite room in the home during summer; warm, welcoming and the perfect spot to watch the sunset. But it’s a different story by winter. No one wants to sit in a cold conservatory, so instead, it becomes a no-man’s land, left to gather dust until spring comes around again.

Here at Lightweight Roofing Solutions, we believe you should be able to enjoy your conservatory all year round. That’s why we’ve come up with some tips on how to heat a conservatory in winter. From long-term solutions to quick fixes, we’ve got ideas for every conservatory and every budget.

1. Get rid of leaks and draughts

Before heating a conservatory, you need to eliminate any leaks and draughts! You probably already have a good idea of where there are draughts, but run your hands along the frame to pinpoint exactly where it’s coming from. No need for any fancy heat detector – unless you happen to have one lying around!

Once you’ve identified the source of the draught, you can find out what is causing it. Some draughts may be easy DIY fixes, but others may need professional attention. Generally, we’d recommend getting a professional in, as conservatory windows are different to traditional windows.

If you need to reseal the windows, first you’ll need to remove the window trims. Then, you should apply a sealant and avoid touching it while it’s wet. Finally, once it’s dry you can chip away the excess and replace the trim. Or, you can hire a window company to do it for you.

2. Replace the roof

The conservatory roof is often the cause of cold conservatories. That’s because in years gone past, conservatory installers would often go for cheap, polycarbonate conservatory roofing. Polycarbonate roofing is thin, flimsy and a major source of heat loss in your conservatory.

Replace your conservatory roof with a tiled roof, and feel the difference! A tiled conservatory roof has much more insulation than a glass or polycarbonate roof, keeping your conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer. It can be a big investment, but it’s a long-term solution that will save on energy bills in the long run.

We’re SupaLite-approved installers here at Lightweight Roofing Solutions. A SupaLite roof is the best-tiled conservatory roof on the market. It has multiple layers of insulation, a breathable membrane and a choice of styles and tiles. We install SupaLite roofs up and down the country, with 5-star reviews from our customers! Request a free, no-obligation quote today.

3. Fluff up the flooring

There’s nothing worse than cold feet! Most conservatories have tiled or hardwood floors, which are cold to the touch in winter. No matter how many fluffy socks you put on, you can’t stop the cold creeping up from the conservatory floor.

Carpeting the floors can help to warm up your conservatory. Carpets hold heat much better than tiles or hardwood floors. Even adding a big fluffy rug can add warmth to your conservatory, and it’s cheaper than paying for the entire room to be carpeted. 

If you have the budget, you could also invest in underfloor heating. Pipes under the floor circulate heat around the room, which then rises and heats the whole conservatory. So you can banish those fluffy socks forever!

4. Invest in double or triple glazing

There’s no point heating a conservatory if all that heat is going to go out the window – literally. Heat quickly escapes through single-pane glass. Double or triple glazing has a gap filled with argon gas between each pane of glass. Argon gas is a very poor conductor of heat, so it traps heat in your conservatory. It can be pricey to upgrade to double or triple glazing, but it is much more energy efficient than single pane.

5. Blinds or curtains

Don’t underestimate the power of a thick set of curtains! In winter, it adds an extra barrier against the cold, and blocks out those rays in summer. You can even buy thermal curtains which trap warm air and stop it from escaping.

Curtains and blinds are also a great way to add some personality to your conservatory! In place of walls to paint and decorate, you have curtains and blinds to really make an impact. Coordinate your curtains, cushions and upholstery to complete your conservatory’s look.

6. Throws and cushions

Layering up blankets and cushions is another great way to make your conservatory nice and cosy. Instead of sitting on a cold couch, you can wrap yourself up in a blanket and sit back on a warm cushion.

7. Spot heating

Instead of trying to heat the whole conservatory, focus on keeping certain spots warm. Whilst installing central heating in your conservatory is an option, this is expensive and could still be lost if you don’t address other problems in the conservatory.

Spot heating could be as simple as buying an electric blanket to cuddle under on the couch. An electric heater is also a great way to warm up the area where you’re sat, and you can move it around the house.

We hope this has given you some ideas for heating your conservatory. If you’re thinking of investing in a tiled conservatory roof, you can request a free, no-obligation quote here.