Conservatory Windows

One of the key parts of the planning stage when you are building a conservatory is selecting the windows. Much of the ‘wall’ space in a conservatory will consist of glazing and it is important to choose the right materials as the windows will affect the look of the finished building, they will affect the feeling of comfort within the conservatory and they will affect energy efficiency.

Double glazing is now more or less standard throughout the industry, while single glazing or polycarbonate windows are generally only used in exceptional circumstances. It is essential to make sure the windows are supplied and installed by a FENSA registered company to ensure the materials meet building regulations.

It is also worth finding out about the U values of different types of windows and the specialist coatings, which are available to improve energy efficiency.

uPVC glazed conservatory frames.

There are a multitude of different styles of window; much will come down to personal preference and style. If you are having a traditional style conservatory installed, you may want to specify ornate lead windows; if your conservatory is going to be more modern you may prefer large full panes.

If you are looking for something much more dramatic, it is also possible to buy stained glass windows to add a unique touch to your conservatory.

You should also think about how the windows open. Most conservatories are fitted with top opening fanlight windows, these are usually sufficient, but if you require fully opening windows for any reason, it is worth speaking to your installer to discuss the options.

You should also discuss the types of frames and sills, which will be used. In the majority of cases, the frames and sills will match the frames of the conservatory, but you can opt for something different in your design if you desire.

Glazing

The type of glazing is probably the most important part of the window, as it is directly responsible for the energy efficiency of the window, and can have an effect on the amount of direct sunlight, which enters the room. There are many different types of double glazing on the market and several types of glazing, which have been developed specifically for use with conservatories.

If you are put off by the thought of cleaning all the windows and looking after the conservatory, self-cleaning glass is a great option. It will take care of itself and reduce the need for maintenance.

Modern glazing units which have been designed for conservatory windows, incorporate a special coating, which is applied to the exterior pane. This coating actively reflects some of the heat and light from the sun and reduces the amount which enters the room.

In doing so, it can make the conservatory much more bearable in the summer months by helping to keep it cool. Some types of furniture and upholstery can be damaged and can fade due to exposure to the sun; this type of glazing will also offer some protection to your furnishings.

Some types of glass, such as Pilkington K-glass, also have a coating applied to the internal panel, which helps to insulate the conservatory. When the temperature is colder outside, the coating reduces the amount of heat loss from the room, while still allowing the maximum of light in. This is of great benefit if you are heating the conservatory, as it will help to lower energy bills.

Due to its effect on energy efficiency, the type of glazing used in conservatory windows is very important.

Energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of glass is an important factor when choosing your windows. A glazing unit is given a U value, which is a measure of how much heat is lost through it. The measurement is based on the amount of heat lost per square metre of glass, the lower the value the better in terms of insulation.

It is worth thinking about what type of gas is used in-between the glazing, as this will also affect the U value.

Traditionally, double glazing units were filled with air between the panes then sealed; but in recent years it is more common for double glazing to be filled with argon or other gases such as xenon, as they have better insulating properties than air.

As a rough guide some of the U values of different types of glass are:

• Standard single glazing has a U value of 5, which would not meet current building regulations.
• Double glazing filled with air is rated at around 2.7.
• Specialist conservatory glazing filled with argon can have a U value of 1.1 or lower.

It is a complicated equation to figure out how much energy can be saved by installing windows with a lower U value, and will depend very much upon your individual conservatory. However, there is no doubt that the better the glazing, the more money you will save on heating bills, and you will also gain the extra benefits of that come with a higher specification of window.

Summary

When you are planning a conservatory, you tend to think about the style, the colour, and how it will look when it is finished; but it is also important to think about each part of the conservatory individually. The roofing, the frames, the flooring and the windows should all be looked at carefully and the right materials should be selected to achieve the desired finish.

There are many different types of windows you can use for a conservatory, with different frames and different types of glass. The first thing to consider is the style of windows. How will they suit the style of the building? Will they match the windows in the rest of the property? Or will they be intentionally different?

The type of glazing you use will also have a big effect on the feel of the room when you use it; specialist coatings can reduce the glare of the sun and keep heat in during the winter. Will you use the conservatory regularly enough for these to be justifiable expenses?

Finally it is also important to know the U value of the windows you have installed, to understand how energy efficient they are.