Glass or Polycarbonate?

Conservatories from Dream Installations offer end users a wide array of roof options, with glass, tiled, and polycarbonate to choose from. All help to ensure that the extended living space stays as comfortable as possible throughout the year, yet each present their own perks and advantages such as improved heat retention, self-cleaning, and reduced glare. Depending on what you hold in high regard will likely inform your designated roof option.

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10 year guarantee

Dream conservatories made possible with glass from Pilkington and Planitherm

Most of our available roof options are sourced from reputable systems companies and industry heavyweights Pilkington Glass and Planitherm. Not only does this help customers of both a commercial and domestic nature believe in the conservatories we produce, but means they get to enjoy and experience the best light transmission, solar heat rejection, and U values possible. Activ Sunshade is the standard amongst our range in terms of glass, while the highly retentive 4S option is the premium choice.

The sections below explore each option in more minute detail for those who wish to explore it, covering the configurations possible should you wish your conservatory to be fitted with a pure glass or more traditional polycarbonate roof. Whereas 4S glass implements effective temperature balancing using solar heat reflection, polycarbonate roofs shouldn’t be discounted, utilising foiled inserts to achieve the same result.

If a replacement roof isn’t enough then we can supply a totally new conservatory for your home in Norfolk.

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Glass roof

Self cleaning conservatory roof glass

Homeowners have two choices with regards to the panes used within their conservatory’s glass roof: Sunshade and Planitherm 4S glazing. The first of which acts as the primary option that comes as standard, integrating various self-cleaning features to substantially reduce the levels of maintenance needed. With this option allowing the panes stay cleaner for longer even in rainy conditions. Sunshade glass’ sheeting effect still allows for clear outside views in the event of harsh rainfall, with UV rays from the sun breaking down any grime or dirt left on the surface.

Upgrade to a Planitherm 4S glass roof and your extended living space will have a far easier time at balancing temperature levels, reflecting unwanted outside heat while still preventing the appreciated warmth that’s inside from escaping. In a double glazed capacity, Planitherm 4S offer U-values as low as 1.0W/m2K, resulting in some of the best energy efficiency levels around. As well as roofs, Planitherm 4S is also a favourite for use within the windows and doors of south-facing conservatories, providing the ultimate heat reflection defence against the sun’s rays.

Glass roof thicknesses can be adjusted on a property-by-property basis, acting as an acoustic defence layer between conservatories and the hustle and bustle the outside brings. Heat is also successfully reflected with every glass conservatory roof, and glare can be reduced by up to 57%. Protective measures such as these ensure that every conservatory can always be used to its fullest potential.

Conservatory U value
Conservatory Heat Reflection
Reduced internal condensation

Polycarbonate roof

Polycarbonate Roof

Polycarbonate roofs can be supplied in a choice of either 25mm or 35mm depths for greater flexibility, with tint shades of either Opal and Bronze as well as the traditional Clear. Glass roofing can equally be configured, integrating a choice of either ‘Activ’ or ‘4S’ glazing types, both of which work expertly to reduce heat intake and offer improved temperature balancing.

To help your new conservatory stay comfortable 365 days a year, foiled inserts can be integrated into roofs as an optional upgrade. This allows heat to better operate at a balanced temperature, preventing the extended living space from uncomfortably warming up, reduces costs, all while remaining environmentally-friendly. Once inserted, the polycarbonate foiled inserts will substantially reduce the likelihood of the space feeling too cold in the Winter and too Hot in the Summer.

Even without the addition of foiled inserts, ISO 9001 quality performance accreditation is guaranteed as standard across all roof glazing, with every unit tested for durability, strength, and weather-resistance.

Roof Comparisons

The table below gives a simple comparison between standard double glazing, polycarbonate, and high performance Pilkington Activ conservatory options.

Product Light Transmittance Solar Heat Rejection Colour U Value (W/m2K) Self-Cleaning Properties
Uncoated double glazing 4 mm / 12 mm air / 4 mm 0.82 22% Clear 2.8 N
25 mm polycarbonate 0.68 45% Clear 1.75 N
Pilkington Insulight Activ (4 mm Pilkington Optitherm S1 Plus inner pane 16 mm 90% argon filled cavity)
Pilkington Activ Sunshade Blue 0.27 80% Blue 1.0 Y
Pilkington Activ Sunshade Neutral 0.42 68% Neutral 1.0 Y
Pilkington Activ Blue 0.50 67% Blue 1.0 Y
Pilkington Activ Bronze 0.49 64% Bronze 1.0 Y
Pilkington Activ Clear 0.72 N/A Clear 1.0 Y

5/5

As rated on Which? Trusted Traders

New Conservatory Roof

"Dream Installations recently completed a complete new conservatory roof for my 'P' shaped conservatory roof. The roof is a difficult shape and because of the large size needed two of the roof joists to be made stronger. All work was undertaken very quickly. I was very pleased with the excellent quality of the roof, the installation which was fitted without any problems, the roof fitted the conservatory exactly."

- Loyal Customer

Great job, well pleased

"The salesman was excellent, he listened to what we wanted observed what we had and made no attempt to upsell. He worked out the cost and listened to our needs as to a fitting date. A little later we got a definite date and prior to fitting a reminder phone call to confirm we were ready. The windows were fitted speedily were exactly what I wanted and for a fair price."

- Anne Neill

What a splendid job

"Had a new P shaped conservatory roof installed, not the easiest shape or incline. However work was completed on time workmen extremely good clean and courteous. Roof is of very good quality. I am so very pleased with the whole thing from initial telephone query to the end of installation and receipt of 10 year guarantee. Going forward would not use any other Company in the future but these guys."

- Mrs S R

Great Team

"Dream Installations replaced the UPVC windows as part of a renovation project to a Victorian property, the team were conscientious and polite throughout. I've already recommended them a number of times and will continue to do so."

- lizley

Very pleased with the standard of work, would recommend Dream Installations Ltd to anyone looking for a good quality of product and great service

"Removal of double glazed panel door and frame and replace with like for like"

- J.Meikle

Installers of quality glazing products serving Norfolk, Suffolk & surrounding areas