How can I make my conservatory roof quieter?

Whether you use your conservatory to entertain, unwind, grow plants or watch the birds in your feeders, you're going to want a space that's quiet as well as warm.

But traditional conservatories have a drawback. They tend to let in unwanted noise from the outside and bleed noise from the inside. This isn't just annoying for you – it can also be a pain for your neighbours.

The issue is especially apparent in conservatories fitted with polycarbonate or glass roofs. A bit of rain can turn your garden retreat into an acoustic war zone – and here in Britain, there's no predicting when it might strike next.

It's a common complaint among conservatory owners, but one that's often overlooked at the planning stage. Customers are often hot on thermal efficiency but a little quiet when it comes to sound insulation.

Luckily, you've got several options for ensuring peace and quiet in your extension. You can muffle the sound inside with blinds, rugs and cushions. You can upgrade the glass to double or triple glazing. Or you can go the whole hog and get a tiled roof installed.

Whatever option you go for, it can be advisable to contact a local conservatory specialist to talk you through the process. It's going to cost you – so you need to make sure you get the quality of work you deserve.

1. Install blinds

Blinds are there to keep out light, of course – but they're also good at muffling unwanted sounds. While they don't provide a complete soundproofing solution, they can form an important part of one.

Common sense might tell you that you need to invest in a heavy-duty blind – but in fact, thinner products will do the job nearly as well.

Blinds with especially good noise reduction properties include pleated or honeycomb blinds and Roman blinds. You could also look into installing shutters, or a combination of blinds and shutters.

Blinds are versatile, too. Not only do they help to turn down the natural volume, but they also help to keep you cool during hot spells. Keeping out the sun can stop your flooring and furniture from fading too fast, as well as reduce glare.

With such a range of styles on offer, they're also a great way to add extra personality to your extension and create a cosy, inviting, and – above all – quiet atmosphere.

Finally, if you dislike the feeling of being seen, blinds can add a touch of privacy and security.

2. Install sound absorbers

Carpets are great sound absorbers – far more so than laminate flooring or tiles.

Of course, you may not want a carpet stretching to the edge of your garden. If that's so, you could invest in a large, thick rug.

Sofa cushions and throws are also good for soaking up some of the unwanted sounds.

As with blinds, these accessories can add a touch of style and personality to your conservatory while simultaneously dampening the noise. Together, they can turn a cacophony of rain into a smooth, soothing ambient soundtrack.

3. Get double or triple glazing

Glass is integral to the look and style of a conservatory – but unlike the rest of your house, it lacks the sound-absorbing properties of brick and internal insulation. That can sometimes lead to a conservatory that feels more like a cave – all echoes and wintry damp.

It doesn't have to be like this. Adding a layer or two of glass can make a huge difference. As well as ensuring peace and quiet, double or triple glazing adds value to your home and helps to regulate temperatures.

And it pays off in the long run, as you'll use less energy to heat your extension.

4. Replace your conservatory roof

This is a big job – but it's the number one way to reduce noise pollution in your conservatory.

A solid tiled roof beats its polycarbonate or glass equivalents hands down in the loudness wars. And like blinds, it can do double duty keeping your conservatory warm as well as peaceful.

If you feel like your conservatory is an ice-box in winter and a sauna in summer, a tiled roof is the way to go.

Long-lasting, fully insulated and plastered, tiled roofs regulate temperatures all year round.

What's more, they're a piece of cake to clean and reduce the chances of mould, condensation and drafts in your extension.

And with a range of finishes available, you can get a roof installed that catches the eye and blends in perfectly with the rest of your property.

5. Get a roof lantern installed

A roof lantern is essentially a 3D roof light. It provides natural light and warmth – and adds vintage elegance too.

The pitch of a roof lantern means that rain and hail slide off naturally, so you're no longer listening to the meteorological equivalent of the musical Stomp.

These glazed structures are prized for their Victorian charm – but nowadays, they're manufactured to modern standards of thermal efficiency, security and durability.

So if you want visual appeal, heat retention and noise reduction in one tasteful package, you could always consider a roof lantern.

Our range of conservatory roofs

At Calder Windows, we've been supplying conservatory roofs to customers for decades. We know what makes a good roof – and we always recommend SupaLite.

SupaLite's insulated conservatory roofing is sturdy, attractive, safe and thermally efficient – easy on the eye as well as the bank balance.

Our varied, customisable range means you can pick the right roof for your property.

Our friendly, experienced team knows that you want the job done fast but with no corners cut. We pride ourselves on using high-quality materials and providing an efficient, unobtrusive service.

So if you're looking to reduce the noise in your conservatory, get in touch with one of our specialists today. We're sure you'll be delighted with the results.