conservatory poly roof too hot Conservatories are a great all-round addition to any home. Find help, advice and information on all aspects of this area.

[Clive B]

Have a large conservatory approx 30' x 12' which is south facing thus far too hot to use in summer. If I stuck sheets of polystyrene insuluation to the polycarbonite roof would it help reduce heat build up. Am not concerned at loss of light because have 3 walls of windows. Would I need to leave an air gap? Also would it help reduce heat more if I also stuck aluminium foil between the polystrene & the polycarbonite to reflect back the sun?
Another option I am considering would be the use of insulating rolls, ie. the padded stuff with the silver foil. Would this be better than using the former.? Help!

[stoneyboy]

Clive B,
Insulating under the polycarb will give all sorts of condensation problems.
Have you tried coolglass - its like a chalky liquid which is applied to the outside of greenhouses to cool them in summer.
end

[rosebery]

You could try Googleing either of these:

"llumar.co.uk"

"polycool.co.uk/"

I've used the latter's products in my own and also fitted it in 3 / 4 others. Makes a enormous world of difference in the summer and seems reasonable effective in winter as wel.

[Clive B]

Have tried coolglass but whilst it must have helped it was no where near effective enough. Have looked into the various films but they are very expensive with no guarantee of success.

[rosebery]

Polycool product isn't a film. It a reflective strip that fits into the channels of your polycarb roof sheets and being slightly oversized forms a U shape in the channel. Its very effective and no I don't work for them or anyone connected with them.

Cheers

[jankeef]

I have a south facing conservatory and instead of having a polycarb roof which is like being inside a drum when it rains, I had a blue glass roof. This actually helps keep the temp down in the summer and we can use the conservatory whatever the weather as the rain does not cause a noise problem.

If you decide to go for a glass roof, don't be conned into getting active glass as it does not do what pilkington claim.

[rosebery]

"If you decide to go for a glass roof,............"

I'm not totally convinced the OP wants to change the polycarbonate roof he already has installed.

Cheers