Kathryn Dalgleish, Marketing Manager at Solaglas, takes a look at some of the key factors to consider when choosing glazing for conservatories.

For the majority of our customers, over recent years, the primary considerations for conservatory glazing have related to the roof element and then, in particular, to keeping excessive heat out in the summer and keeping heat in during the winter. Although these factors are very important, and we’ll look at why in more detail, the market is moving on rapidly and the challenge is to ensure that our customers are well positioned to satisfy new and emerging market demands.

A Comfortable Living Environment
Above all else, when it comes to glazing options, we have found that the primary requirement is to maintain a comfortable environment within the conservatory for as much of the year as possible. This means keeping excessive heat out during the height of summer and keeping heat inside during the cold part of the year. By doing so the conservatory, which is often a significant investment for the purchaser, becomes an additional, inviting and relaxing living space to use on hot days and cold nights.

There are several factors to consider here for the roof and also for the vertical glazing.

Controlling the Effects of the Sun
Overheating, glare and fading of furnishings – these are the main effects of the sun that can be controlled easily with a good choice of glazing.

A unit with a suitable solar control coating can significantly counter all three of these effects in one. A SGG CLIMAPLUS® COMFORT+ unit, for example, will reflect up to 62% of the sun’s heat – which is twice as effective as a standard double glazed unit. It will also reduce uncomfortable glare from the sun by over 50% and reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays, which cause furnishings to fade by 83%.

Tint v neutrality is another factor to consider when it comes to solar control. Some people, particularly those investing in a large or a hard wood conservatory, like a more neutral finish to the glazing as this seems to give a classier overall feel. In these cases, COMFORT+ units are ideal for roof glazing and even vertical glazing as they have a very natural tint.

Alternatively, if a ‘blue sky’ effect appeals, sealed units with a subtle blue tint as well as solar control, such as COMFORT+ BLUE, are a good choice.

When it comes to conservatories, many people often don’t take into account the vertical glazed areas. However, when it comes to south or west facing structures, the impact of the sun’s heat passing through the vertical glazing can be an uncomfortably hot conservatory, even if solar control technology is used in the roof.

There are a couple of good options to consider. One would be a very neutral solar control unit such as SGG CLIMAPLUS® 4 SEASONS, which combines high performance with very neutral glass, for clear views.

Another increasingly popular solution is sealed units with integral blinds, such as the SGG CLIMAPLUS® SCREEN unit. The blinds are sealed within the cavity of the unit, which means that they are kept dirt and dust-free. They also won’t be damaged accidentally or get in the way of furniture, plants or ornaments. They can be tilted, or raised and lowered, depending on the style of blind chosen and can offer complete privacy or totally uninterrupted views in an instant.

Controlling Heat Escape and Condensation
Keeping the heat in during winter is another key consideration, but it is not only the glass that should be considered here. Granted, an advanced performance low-E glass such as SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL will certainly offer significant performance benefits over standard low-E glass types. However, warm-edge technology also has a positive impact on thermal insulation and helps to further reduce condensation, and it looks good! The fibre-reinforced composite material of SGG SWISSPACER® V makes it one of the best performing warm-edge products on the market, whilst its rigid structure ensures a clean sight line, every time.

Creating One Less Chore in Life!
Who likes cleaning windows? Well, nobody I know! This is why self-cleaning glass sales have gone through the roof this year. Property owners are now appreciating the difference between the true, dual action self-cleaning glass and the spray-on type of coating that has to be re-applied after a period of time.

Although it’s true that self-cleaning glass is not 100% maintenance free it does need much less attention. The more exposure it has to both sun and rain, the better. Several factors influence the time it takes for a dirty mark to be naturally removed, including the level of air pollution and atmospheric conditions, but overall the glass stays significantly cleaner for longer. If it does require the occasional clean, it takes a lot less time to do because the coating makes the process much easier.

Sound Control
One of the main reasons to choose a glass roof over a polycarbonate roof, visual aspects aside, is the positive impact glass has on sound reduction. Anyone who has been in a conservatory with a polycarbonate roof when it’s raining knows exactly what I am talking about! Sound control can be taken a level further, though, with the use of laminated glass units or acoustically laminated glass units in both the roof and vertical glazing. Ideal for situations near to busy roads, railways or flight paths, acoustically laminated units such as COMFORT+ SILENCE units not only dampen the critical frequencies of sound but they also give added security against break-and-entry and increased protection (>99%) against the sun’s fading UV rays.

Keep it Simple
Offering all these options to your customers needn’t be complicated. The best sealed unit options incorporate several features within a single configuration. If you would like a comprehensive brochure explaining the various options available from Solaglas, just send an email to solaglas.gpd@saint-gobain-glass.com or telephone head office on 024 7654 7400.