Will conservatories be banned in the UK?

In 2022, reports claimed new conservatories were to be banned. Sort the facts from the fiction with our help.



Under the new regulations, conservatories have to meet minimum standards of insulation and specific percentages of recycled or eco-friendly materials. 

The regulations also require contractors to learn more about sustainable building practices and make the building permissions process easier.

The main aim of these new regulations is to reduce conservatories' carbon footprints. This is part of a wider effort to make domestic and commercial buildings more sustainable.

Could the 2024 conservatory regulations affect my home's resale value?

Conservatories are more than just a pretty feature. They can also add resale value to your home. But will these new regulations affect that?

In fact, the opposite is true. Non-compliance with the regulations will make your home less, rather than more, resalable. This is partly because buyers want homes that are easier and cheaper to heat.

That's why it's really important to choose an experienced conservatory installer that complies with modern building regulations. If, on the other hand, your conservatory is already in place, you may want to consider fitting a thermal conservatory roof.

How have the rules about conservatories changed over the years?

Conservatories have been popular in Britain since the 19th century. Advances in glass manufacturing meant wealthy families could have glass sunrooms in their gardens.

As time went by, rules were introduced about structural integrity. These were primarily in place to stop conservatories from falling over or getting damaged in bad weather.

Since then, rules have been introduced to make conservatories more energy-efficient. They form part of a wider package of building regulations designed to address the climate crisis.

What are U-values?

A U-value is a measurement of how well a building component transmits heat from the inside to the outside of a building. It applies to walls, windows, roofs and doors.

U-values are measured in watts per square meter per Kelvin, written as W/m²K.

The lower the U-value, the better for your home's energy efficiency. A low U-value means good insulation and limited heat loss.

As of June 2022, the U-values of conservatory roofs are prescribed by the new regulations. A new-build roof can have a U-value of no more than 0.15 W/m²K and a refurbished roof no more than 0.16 W/m²K.

How can I cool down my conservatory?

It's an all too common complaint. Homeowners invest in conservatories that turn out to be sweltering in summer and Arctic in winter.

Luckily, you don't have to be lumbered with such a thermally inefficient albatross forever. There are steps you can take to increase thermal control in your conservatory.

The first is to install bi-fold doors. These open up fully, helping you ventilate your glass house in summer.

If you do go down the bi-fold route, consider a set with aluminium frames. The slim sight lines maximise how much natural light can enter your conservatory.

But perhaps the best way to cool down your conservatory is one that also improves its energy efficiency: upgrading the roof.

How can a new roof make my conservatory more energy-efficient?

Over the last 40 years, glazing, in general, has become substantially more energy-efficient. Yet many homeowners still have conservatory roofs made out of low-quality glass or polycarbonate. These are the top culprits when it comes to wild variations in temperature across the year.

Perhaps the best way to tackle this problem is to invest in a SupaLite roof.

This roof system consists of a lightweight aluminium frame, rigid insulation, a waterproof membrane and sturdy tiles. It's compliant with UK building regulations and helps maintain a comfortable temperature all year round.

On top of this, it reduces the likelihood of leaks, creates extra space at the top of the conservatory and can even add value to your home.

A conservatory is an extension of your home's aesthetic. To this end, SupaLite roofs come in a variety of finishes that can express your personality.

In our opinion, it's unrivalled in its versatility, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Are you looking for a conservatory to be installed, repaired or replaced in West Yorkshire? Get in touch with Calder Windows today for a quick, competitive quote.