Why your conservatory is freezing and how to fix it for good

Sitting in your conservatory and enjoying the views of your garden can be very relaxing. But for some people, that all changes when the weather turns colder.

As soon as the thermometer drops, a conservatory can start feeling less 'chilled out' and more, well, 'chilly'.

The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way. While old and cheaply made conservatories are typically to blame, you don't necessarily have to splash out on a new model. Temperature issues are often quite fixable.

In this guide, we explain some of the most common causes of cold conservatories and what you can do about them.

First, let's figure out where the cold is coming from.

Roof type: the biggest culprit

Heat rises. If it rises to a poorly insulated conservatory roof, it's going to escape outside.

Older polycarbonate roofs are a common culprit. Although affordable, lightweight and good at letting in natural light, they often provide relatively little thermal insulation. That can leave your conservatory uncomfortably cold in winter and too hot in summer.

Polycarbonate roofs can also be noisy during heavy rain, while older panels may scratch or discolour over time. Modern polycarbonate systems offer improved performance, but upgrading to high-performance glass or an insulated solid roof can make a big difference to year-round comfort.

Not sure if your conservatory has a polycarbonate roof? Here are two ways to tell:

Look up at the panels. Do they have a 'ribbed grid' look? Vertical lines, channels or a honeycomb grid running through the material are all hallmarks of polycarbonate.
Tap the roof lightly with your hand or broom handle. Listen for a hollow click or thud. It will sound distinctly plastic.

Glazing age and condition

So, you've made sure you don't have an old polycarbonate roof. Great!

However, that doesn't mean all glass roofs are A-OK.

Modern glass often has thermal coatings that help prevent heat loss. However, old or cheap double-glazed windows sometimes lack these coatings. And even high-quality glass windows degrade slowly over time, so it's something you need to keep an eye on.

Here are some signs your glazing might need an upgrade:

Condensation or water droplets inside the two panes of glass that you can't wipe away. This often signals that the insulating gas has leaked out of the window cavity.
Glass that feels ice cold to the touch when you place your palm on the glass inside your conservatory. It should feel neutral on a cold day.
Gaps in the spacer bar (the strip of metal or plastic that runs deep along the edges between the glass panes). If you can see gaps or cracks, that means cold air can and will get through them and into your conservatory.

Frame and seal problems

Now, what if your conservatory roof and windows look fine?

The next step is to investigate the structural frames.

Conservatory doors and big window sashes are heavy, meaning they can drop on their hinges over time – especially if you use your conservatory often. If they drop, it means they're no longer sitting perfectly within their openings. Gaps will have formed, even if you can't see them. And those gaps may be letting warm air out and cold air in.

Here are some telltale signs your frames and seals may have become a problem:

Whistling or rattling: when it's windy outside, go and sit in your conservatory and listen for noises coming from the corners. Whistling noises can mean draughts from outside are getting squeezed through tiny gaps. Rattling frames or handles, meanwhile, might indicate the glass is loose against the frame or seals.
The paper trap test: open a window or door and place an A4 piece of paper across the frame where the window closes. Next, close the window and latch firmly, and try to pull the paper out. If it slides out easily, that means the mechanism is loose and the window isn't closing tightly enough.
Worn-out rubber gaskets: look at the black or grey weatherstrips running around the outside of the windows and doors. Are they brittle? Flattened? That means they're damaged and will struggle to create the airtight seal you need to keep the cold out.

Floor and door thresholds

If not carpeted, floors can feel cold at the best of times. Since most conservatories sit on a big concrete slab, walking on the floor can feel like stepping on ice if it's insufficiently insulated.

Glass doors leading to your garden can let cold in if they're incorrectly positioned or have worn over time.

Here are two ways to tell if your conservatory doors or floors are contributing to the cold:

Light coming in under the doors: when it's nice and bright outside, take some time to inspect the glass doors that open onto the garden. Kneel and take a good look at the space where they meet the floor. See some daylight getting through? Cold air will be, too.
Damp patches around the edges of the floor: check where the conservatory's walls, window frames and door frames meet the floor. Look out for damp patches, mould or flooring that's started to lift. These can signal poor insulation, condensation or water getting in through gaps around the structure.

Now let's fix it: affordable remedies and bigger investments

Hopefully, you now have some idea of what's making your conservatory so chilly. Here are afew remedies you can explore to warm things up, including quick, budget-friendly fixes and bigger investments.

Quick and affordable DIY fixes

Draught-proof taping: applying foam or rubber self-adhesive strips to loose window sashes can help keep draughts out.
Draught excluder: a simple brush-style excluder will help with a draughty door.
Thermal blinds or heavy curtains: cover up your windows and doors to help trap warm air inside.
Rugs with thermal underlays: if your floors are cold, invest in a thick rug backed with insulated underlay to save your feet from the chill.

Professional upgrades

New window gaskets and adjusted hinges: hire a specialist to upgrade your windows so you can shut them tightly and keep the cold out.
Replacement glass panes: if your frames are intact but the glass is old or blown, a specialist can swap the panes for modern thermal glazing.

The ultimate fixes

Conservatory roof insulation: hire professionals to install insulation underneath your current conservatory roof and cover it with plasterboard or timber cladding. This will provide solid and lasting protection from the cold.
Warm roof conservatory upgrade: replacing an old glass or polycarbonate roof with a thermally efficient conservatory roof is one of the best upgrades you can install. Not only do modern roofing systems effectively trap heat, but they also reduce unwanted rain noise and give your conservatory a new lease of life. It might start to feel less like a garden room and more like an elegant (and warm!) extension of your own home.

How Calder Windows can help

At Calder Windows, we're conservatory experts. For more than 30 years, we've helped Yorkshire homeowners customise, install and make the most of their conservatories.

If you're in the region and you're suffering with an old, cold conservatory, we've got you covered. We supply and install Equinox conservatory roofs, as well as SupaLite roofs. Both brands are considered among the best in the business for looks, comfort and thermal efficiency.

All our work is covered by generous warranties and includes excellent aftercare as standard.

Want to discuss a conservatory warm roof upgrade? Contact our friendly experts for a no-obligation chat today.

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