Frequently Asked Questions about our Conservatory Roof System
Is is a flat level ceiling and will I loose much head height?
No, the new installation follows the line of the existing roof, so it is still a vaulted, high, pitched sloping ceiling and not a flat level ceiling. The total installation means that the finished ceiling is approximately 2 inches lower than existing. Because of the average height of conservatory roofs, this is generally not a problem.
How long does the process take?
On average the installation takes a maximum of 3 days.
What will the difference be in my insulation values?
On average, the reduction in U values goes from 1.61W/m2K down to 0.43W/m2K, nearly reaching the required building regulation level for a new traditional roof of 0.35W/m2K.
Do I loose a lot of light?
No, because the polycarbonate roof structure is opaque, the amount of light getting through is considerably less than if it were clear glazing. Therefore the installation of this system on average results in a modest light loss of approx 5. When compared against the huge insulation benefits, clients generally agree that this is a very acceptable ?off set?, and does not effect their enjoyment of the conservatory.
Does the new system require building regulation approval?
No, all conservatories are exempt from building regulation approval.
Will it look different?
Externally it will look exactly the same, as the opaque polycarbonate roof means that you will not see the under drawn insulation system. Internally, the roof becomes a solid vaulted plasterboard ceiling, retaining the slope/profile of the existing roof.
I have some opening roof windows - will I loose them with this method?
No, any existing opening roof lights will have the system formed around them, and they therefore remain in situ and fully functioning.
Are there any other benefits?
Yes, quite often polycarbonate roofs become discoloured with algae growth and become unsightly from the inside. Because this system under draws the roof structure, then this becomes masked and you end up with a beautifully smooth, crisp, painted vaulted plastered ceiling instead of unsightly algae.
Also it greatly reduces the noise generated when it rains - "the baked bean tin effect". Because the roof becomes a fully insulated roof, then the noise reduction is also very noticeable, and reduces the rainfall to a faint "pitter patter".
Will the roof require cross ventilation?
Yes, a gap is retained above the insulation and we install vents around the top of the framework which are hidden within the depth of the system, and also hidden behind the guttering externally. Also, because your existing roof has a degree of air leakage (another reason why the original roof has such poor insulation properties), the small air leakage through the seals and joins in addition to our ventilation, ensures that there is enough air movement above the insulation to prevent the possibility of condensation being formed.
Does it damage my conservatory roof?
No, if the system were every to be removed, it would mean that the only elements which would need replacing are the cover mouldings to the underside of the existing roof spars.
How does it compare to "metal insert" systems and roof blinds?
This system quite simply dramatically out performs ANY product on the market today.
Typically an untreated polycarbonate conservatory roof has a "U" value of 1.61W/m2K. Installing roof blinds typically reduces this to 1.42W/m2K and typically metal inserts have a "U" value of 1.1Wm2K. The Roof Revive system gives a typical "U" value of 0.43Wm2K. You can see for yourself that this vastly out performs any other system and therefore turns your conservatory into a very desirable additional room.
To put this further into context, the "U" value required for a new "traditional" roof to a house or extension under current building regulations 0.35 W/m2K.
It is this superior performance which is vastly greater than any other product/system on the market and prevents the heat buildup in summer and the extreme cold temperatures in winter.
What effect will the additional weight do to the roof structure?
The roofs are all either galvanised mild steel or aluminium, and are each individually designed to withstand wind loads and snow loads and human traffic, with huge tolerances. The structure is so strong, that the company responsible for manufacturing over 50% of the conservatory roofs in the uk (ultra frame in Clitheroe) had their research and development department do a publicity stunt which involved constructing one of their roof structures on the floor of the workshop, then hoisting a land rover and standing it on top of the frame....that is how strong they are!