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Outdoor SunSpaces News

polycarbonate vs glass roof

 

Our range of verandas and garden rooms are available to order with a variety of customisable options. From sound, heating, locking doors and gutter options, with SunSpaces you are truly able to make your veranda or garden room your own.

 

One of the main options available, however, is the material of the roof. Choose from either glass or polycarbonate, but which is better? Here we take a look at the two materials, providing the advantages and disadvantages of both.

 

Glass Roofs

Advantages:

  • Glass roof provide ideal acoustic properties, meaning less noise will be made during heavy rainfall
  • Completely clear material results in great opportunities to gaze outside at the stars at night and birds in the day
  • Clean, polished appearance brings a classy look to the property

Disadvantages:

  • Potential safety risk if panels are not of a good enough quality
  • Little to no UV protection
  • Sometimes slightly costlier

 

Polycarbonate Roofs

Advantages:

  • Life expectancy of up to 25 years
  • Cost-effective option
  • Very high impact resistance
  • Available in a variety of clarity options
  • High UV protection
  • Excellent structural performance
  • Maintains strength and colour over a long period of time
  • Resistance to all weather conditions
  • Self-extinguishing qualities

Disadvantages:

  • Unlike a glass roof, you are not able to have a clear view of the sky unless a solid polycarbonate is used
  • Poor acoustic properties – quite noisy during heavy rainfall

 

The main points

The roof of your garden room or veranda is its most important feature. It keeps the structure together as well as protecting it from rain, wind and snow. But with different material options available, it can become quite difficult to choose the right one. Above we have listed some of the main advantages and disadvantages when it comes to polycarbonate vs glass roofs, but a few of these stand out more than others, so let’s take a deeper look!

Sounds Insulation

If you’ve ever been under a polycarbonate roof during heavy rainfall, you’ll definitely be familiar with the loud thudding and sometimes unbearable noises that occur. Unfortunately, this is enough to put the majority of homeowners off as a veranda and garden room is a place where people want to sit back and relax, not listen to loud and annoying noises. Being interrupted with the loud thudding of rain and the howling wind is the last thing you want, therefore, if a peaceful space is something you’re interested, a glass roof is definitely the choice for you.

Aesthetics

Glass roofs enable light to fill your garden room as well as providing beautiful views that you can use to gaze at the sky and surroundings during both day and night. Its classier appearance enables structures to look more prestige, perfect for homeowners looking to create a property that stands out. Polycarbonate roofs, on the other hand, are often translucent so not completely clear and do not offer the same look like glass.

Maintenance

Glass roofs often use an easy clean coating which repels dirt fantastically. The provides a clean-looking roof that doesn’t require much effort to keep looking good. Polycarbonate roofs sometimes do not offer this level of low-maintenance and require some level of upkeep to remove dirt and moss.   

 

And there you have it – our polycarbonate vs glass roof comparison! Here at SunSpaces, we offer both glass and polycarbonate roof options for our range of verandas and garden rooms. However, our selection of polycarbonate and glass roofs are made of the very best materials, meaning the differences between the two are very slight and ultimately come down personal preference.

 

For more information on our polycarbonate and glass roofs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the SunSpaces team today by calling 01727 845 788 or emailing info@sunspaces.co.uk

 
Adding an extension to your home is a very rewarding endeavour, but it can also be extremely challenging. Extensions often require planning permission and extensive (no pun intended!) building work, all of which will add to the already sizeable cost of the materials themselves.
 
Fortunately, there is another way. We feel that SunSpaces garden structures are the perfect alternative to standard home extensions; if you're looking for an easy, affordable way to expand your living space, our stylish, modern extensions may well be a perfect choice.
 

Here's why:

SunSpaces almost never require planning permission

 In the vast majority of circumstances, our garden rooms can be installed without obtaining permission or consulting the local planning office beforehand. The only exceptions are listed buildings, conservation areas, and garden rooms that would encroach on property borders once built; if one of these applies to you, we recommend contacting the relevant planning authority before proceeding with the project.

You can build our garden rooms yourself - no professional help is necessary!

We specialise in DIY extensions, and even if you've no relevant experience whatsoever, you should find that constructing your garden room or veranda is a walk in the park. Each of our structures is supplied with a clear assembly guide and an instructional DVD to ensure that you know exactly what you're doing from start to finish. And if you'd rather leave the work to a professional, don't worry - we also offer a full, professional installation service!

Our glass extensions are very cost-effective

Not only will you save money on planning permission and professional contractors, but you should also find that your garden room itself costs noticeably less than if you'd bought the materials required for a full home extension. However, in spite of the reduced cost, your modern glass extension will still look fabulously stylish from the outside and feel wonderfully comfortable on the inside!

 
If you'd like to know more about SunSpaces, the products we offer, and the reasons why they're such a great alternative to normal home extensions, please get in touch today. You can also request a FREE design for your glass extension.

Are you thinking of having an extension added to your home? The Wintergarden from SunSpaces performs just as well as a brick-and-mortar extension, and it’s far more aesthetically pleasing. Glass panels allow light to flood into your home, while also giving you an exceptional view of your garden.

 

The Functionality of a Wintergarden

A Wintergarden extension will fit so seamlessly into your home that it can be used for functions that you might otherwise reserve for a proper ‘indoor’ space.

 

Why not transform your Wintergarden into a dining room in time for Christmas dinner? Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, move the master bedroom into this space and feel truly at one with nature while remaining warm and cosy inside. Our lighting options (all available with dimmable transformers) will create a romantic atmosphere, while our skylights are perfect for stargazing.

 

What you need to know:

  • Fully insulated and thermally efficient
  • Can be double or triple glazed
  • Additional ventilation and skylights (optional)
  • Variety of panel and door options (fixed panels, bi-fold, patio style)
  • Huge selection of frame colours to suit any home

SunSpaces’ house extensions are incredibly versatile and can really transform the way you utilise the available space around your home.

 

You can see a host of completed Wintergarden projects in our image gallery. Alternatively, you can contact SunSpaces now to request a quote for your house extension.

Glass extensions to a home are not what they used to be twenty years ago. Gone are the days of cold conservatories.  While extensions were cold in winter, hot in summer and an eyesore to boot, these days glass extension are bespoke creations that add value to a home and are of tremendous benefit to those who have the opportunity to enjoy them.

 

 

More Space

For starters, you add more space to your home. Whether you want a place to entertain guests, where children can play, for lounging, or where you can indulge in a hobby, having those extra square meters can make a big difference to your family and your lifestyle.

 

 

Peace and Quiet

Other than a place for guests or the kids, a glass extension can be your haven of tranquillity. Up to now, when your partner was watching TV, or the kids were playing video games you had to put up with the noise or flee to your bedroom for some peace and quiet. All that changes with a glass extension. You can sit and relax listening to music, reading a book, or just gaze at the moon and the stars above. Should you crave privacy, curtains or blinds are easy to install.

Better Value

Not only do you create more space, but your home becomes more valuable. You’re not the only one who sees the benefits of a glass extension. Should you ever want to sell your home, and one house has a glass extension and the other one doesn’t, which one do you think will appeal to potential buyers the most? A glass extension is a huge selling point because of its many advantages.

 

 

Indoor/Outdoor 

A glass extension seamlessly blends the outdoors with the inside of your home.  Door options include bi-folding doors.  These folding doors are perfect for opening up a room and mean that a five-metre run of glass doors can be neatly folded away into a space of just 50cm deep! What’s more, with double glazing as standard, a glass extension keeps the room cool in summer and warm in winter.

Wide Variety

Unlike a brick structure, a glass extension allows your home to be flooded with natural light. All you have to do is pick a style that appeals to you the most. When you browse through the various possibilities, you will no doubt be amazed at the beauty of glass extensions and how they changed over the years. 

Once you have a glass extension, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to build one. Before you get started though, check with the local authorities in case you need planning permission. Chances are that you don’t, but you want to be on the safe side.

 

For more information on our range of Glass Extensions, please feel free to contact us today! To view our full range of Glass Extensions, simply click the button below or request a FREE 3D Design!

 

View Our Glass Extensions > 

 

 

Our glass garden rooms are created to offer our customers the ultimate combination of style and functionality, allowing them to easily a merge their indoor space with their garden, to create a comforting and relaxing area. Glass also has many advantages over other types of garden rooms and extensions, which make it the best choice for your home, here are just a few of them:

An Abundance of Light

Our glass garden rooms allow you to enjoy the full beauty of your outdoor surroundings, by minimising the boundaries between your home and garden. The large glass panels let in light and allow you to enjoy both the comfort of being indoors, as well as the sense of well-being and tranquillity that comes from spending time outside. It will also prevent your new garden room from feeling cramped and crowded, by creating an enhanced sense of space and unity.

glass garden room doors

A Harmonious Transition

Another benefit of purchasing a glass garden room, aside from the space and light, is the ease with which you will be able to match the new addition to your existing home. Other garden rooms or extensions run the risk of looking mismatched or at odds with your existing architecture, and can even distract from its original aesthetic. Our glass garden rooms seek to enhance your home, working with its current shape and form to create a fresh look, which makes the most of the original design rather than obscuring it.

open glass garden room

A Space for Shelter

Glass verandas are ideal for those who like to entertain at home, as well as families who want to use their outdoor space to it's full potential. Without making your garden feel clustered or closed-in, glass verandas can provide you with a comfortable shelter in the changeable British weather, giving you a space to relax in and retreat to. Glass side panels also provide a barrier from the cool breeze, making them an ideal haven when your garden party starts to wind down in the evening.

glass veranda

To see more of our glass verandas, click here, or explore the rest of our glass garden rooms here.
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