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MPS Glass and Window Centre Limited. Conservatory Roofs – What Are My Options?

Conservatories have long been a welcome addition to homes. They provide desired extra living space but they haven’t always been able to be used in all seasons. Product evolution has changed this.

A main component of a conservatory is the roof. Typically, roofs are made from either polycarbonate or glass. Technology has greatly improved over the years and there are now more roof options available. These new and updated options can be used to either create a new conservatory that is a year round usable room, or be used as a replacement roof to turn your existing conservatory into a room again.

Whether you want a thermally efficient glass roof to let light pour in, a mixture of both glass and solid panels, or a lightweight tiled roof for a more traditional look, we have what you are searching for. Our range of conservatory roofs offer a lovely light room, but one that can be used as intended, all year long.

Roof Types Explained

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate conservatory roofs provide a low cost roofing solution. A strong thermoplastic material that has a low production cost which offers a budget friendly solution. A roof that will withstand wind, rain and snow. The problem however, is that they offer little thermal insulation and noise reduction. Depending on the weather outside, your conservatory is likely to be very hot, cold or noisy. This can be the perfect choice for a room that is of limited use. For a room that is to be enjoyed as a living space, there are more suitable options.

High Performance Glass Roof

A glass roof is the most common among all conservatory roof types. These have been used for as long as conservatories have been around and give your room that typical conservatory feel. Glass roofs let the light flood in giving you a living space like no other. Glazing technology has advanced greatly in recent years. Thermally efficient self cleaning glazed roofs are available that will keep the traditional feel of a conservatory, but keep the room at the perfect temperature.

Hybrid Composite / Glass Roof

The hybrid roof has been designed to give you the option of having both solid and glazed panels. This offers the best of both worlds. Seamlessly providing the thermal performance of a solid roof whilst adding the light from a glazed roof. The solid sections of the roof are internally plastered and provide the ability to have a range of lighting and speaker options to enhance your living space. Hybrid roofs stands as an exceptional addition to any home and provide a living space to be enjoyed in any weather.

Composite Tiled Roof

Lightweight composite tiled roofs offer the most advanced conservatory roofing systems on the market to date. Providing a beautiful and authentic tiled finish that can integrate glazed panels, combining both elegant aesthetics and modern technology. The solid sections of the roof are internally plastered and provide the ability to have a range of lighting and speaker options to enhance your living space. This intelligent design gives the benefit of having the most thermally efficient roofing system possible. No more worries about scorching summer days or cold winter nights. This roofing system creates a room to be enjoyed, but all year long.

How Do I Decide Which Roof Is Best For Me?

At MPS, we have the knowledge and expertise to help design your dream conservatory. From your initial contact with our consultants, all the way through to installation from our in house teams of builders and glazing installers, we ensure that you receive nothing less than the best. Our experts take into account your requirements, desires and budget to provide you with a design that meets your needs and gives you the extra living space that you’ve always dreamed of.

We are happy to provide a quotation online through our contact form but if you would prefer, we can arrange a visit to your property at a date and time suitable for you. We’re aware that budget is often a deciding factor and we are on-hand to talk you through the available options and offer our expert advice as market leaders for 30 years. 

The cost of new windows is one of the most popular questions we get asked. Unfortunately the answer is not that simple. You may be able to find websites that offer a rough cost for windows, but these are usually just a cost for a basic off the shelf window and most of the time, without the cost of installation. Nothing that we install is off the shelf. We only ever install made to measure products, which is much more important than you might think.

What Impacts The Price Of Windows

Material

Windows come in a variety of materials. uPVC and Aluminium are both very popular options, but both have a different cost. Aluminium is a more expensive material than uPVC and this affects the cost of the finished window.

Colour

Coloured windows are more popular than ever, but they come at a cost. A coloured uPVC window goes through a process called ‘foiling’. The window frame starts off as white uPVC and then has a coloured foil applied to it, to give the window frame the desired finish. Aluminium windows are powder coated with a marine grade paint and come in a vast range of colours. As with all products, manufacturing time and resources will inevitably have an impact on the price.

Profile

Not all uPVC or Aluminium windows are the same. Different extrusion providers will offer an entirely different profile to begin with. Each extrusion provider will usually then offer a range of different styles of window from chamfered edge, sculptured edge, flush casement and more.

Size

The size of the window can have a big impact on price. A large window requires a larger frame and more glass. Also, every window that we install is made to measure and not an ‘off the shelf’ window, which is much more effective. One of the primary functions of a window is to weatherproof a home. If a window is too big, it will not fit. If a window is too small then it can leave your home exposed to draughts, or worse, water penetration. It is very important to have a window of the correct size otherwise you can have endless problems, as we have seen with so many installations from companies that have cut corners.

Configuration

Windows are available with many different types of configuration. Some windows are fixed, others will open. Opening windows can have one opener or several. This will impact on the materials used and therefore will affect the cost.

Glass

There are many different options when it comes to glass. Single, double or triple glazing are the most commonly understood options. Solar control, tinted and acoustic glass is also available. MPS offer a very wide variety of glass types and we can help you determine what you need. As standard, all of our double glazed units are ‘A’ energy rated at a minimum.

Installation Type

Installing windows properly takes time. Just how much time depends on many factors. Consideration needs to be given to what is being removed, unless the window is being installed into a new aperture. The level of internal and external finishing will also impact on the time required to carry out the installation to the highest professional standards. All in all, the amount of time required to install the window will have an affect on the price.

Does It Have To Be So Complex?

With so many different variables, it may seem like it’s very hard to get an idea of how much new windows will cost.

Fortunately, at MPS we are committed to excellence and our team of experienced consultants will make the process very simple for you. We will speak to you about your wants and needs, measure your windows and take care of all of the hard work from there. We will then provide you with the most suitable, cost effective solution of having your windows installed to the highest standards achievable. For more information, or to book a free no obligation quotation, please visit our contact form.

5 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Windows

Windows that need replacing are normally quite easy to spot. Whether it’s condensation in the glass, windows becoming hard to operate or simply a case of them being very old, there are signs that it is time to upgrade. Unfortunately windows do not last forever, although high quality windows can last for 30 years or more, replacing them at some stage is inevitable. Below, we explore 5 common signs that it’s time for change.

Poor Window Operation

Over time, parts can wear out and begin to fail. Even when maintained correctly, hinges and handles don’t last forever. It may be that some parts can be replaced, but the older the windows are, the harder they are to source due to industry advancements.

Failed Window Components

Eventually, sealed units will fail and you will start to see condensation. It is possible to change the unit only, which our glazing department can assist with. Depending on the age of the window, it may be that you have a thin glass unit, so a replacement double glazed unit will be much less energy efficient than a replacement window. As well as blown units, other problems we see are bowed windows, warped frames and shrunken gaskets. These are all signs that your windows need attention by either repair or replacement. Our experts will provide the best solution to your problem.

Poor Energy Performance

The window industry has introduced energy saving measures such as energy efficient spacer bars, low-e coatings and argon gas. Many measures have been taken to greatly increase energy performance. If you find yourself leaving your heating on in spring or you experience drafts, these are reasons to change your windows. This is more important now than ever with the increase in energy bills. Replacing your old windows with more energy efficient ones, could potentially save you hundreds of pounds per year.

Bad Soundproofing

The population is increasing, roads are getting busier and our surroundings are becoming louder. If your windows are old, the chances are, you hear a lot more of the noise from outside than you need to. Modern double glazing offers superior soundproofing over older windows. We can now also offer acoustic glazing which is a great option for homes in particularly busy areas. It’s not the high performing windows that improve the soundproofing, it’s also how well insulated and sealed the frames are during installation.

Tired Appearance

Your home should be something that you are proud of. Windows are one of the biggest external features of a home. Simply replacing old, tired windows with a modern alternative can transform your home instantly. Coloured uPVC and aluminium windows are also a very popular option and can really make your home stand out from the crowd.

For professional advice about changing your windows and doors, or for any other enquiries about our services, you can get in touch by using our contact form.

What is a Flush Casement Window?

Flush casement windows are now a very popular option for homeowners. This is due to their even sight lines and aesthetic appearance, but what are they?

Simply put, when the window is closed, the whole window sits flush. This creates a smooth, flat surface on the outside of the window. This is unlike a traditional casement window where the sash protrudes from the outer frame.

Flush windows are not a new concept, traditionally a lot of timber windows were made to fit flush within the frame. Since then, casement windows with a lip became more and more popular. What we now consider a standard casement window has been the most popular choice among homeowners and property developers. 

Due to exciting advancements within the glazing industry, we are now seeing the rise of the flush casement window. With uPVC and aluminium versions available, you can choose modern, maintenance free flush windows. You can also pick from a huge array of colours to suit all homes.

Why Would I Have Flush Casement Windows In My Home?

Traditional Style 

Flush casement timber windows have been around for centuries and many people love the look. Traditional is timeless and a modern twist has enhanced the beauty.

Perfectly Balanced Sightlines

Our sight lines are balanced and equal. A flush external finish paired with dummy sashes create a window that is more visually appealing than a standard window.

Virtually Maintenance Free

We cannot take away from the beauty of timber windows however they do need a lot of care. Timber can swell, shrink, warp and twist depending on the weather. Also, paint flakes, fades and peels. uPVC and aluminium windows on the other hand are tough, durable and insulating. They need very little care. They open easily and when they are closed, they are secure.

Affordability

Modern timber flush casement windows can be expensive to purchase, and expensive to maintain. uPVC flush casement windows are generally far cheaper to buy than their timber counterparts with little to no cost to maintain.

Conservation Areas

Planning authorities are recognising that there is a fine line between preserving the past, and being stuck in it. As the look of timber alternative flush windows has been perfected, they are becoming more accepted. They can now be found in conservation areas and even listed homes. There are many period colours, especially in uPVC with wood effect finishes, including grained timber, painted white and cream plus many more.

If you would like to read more about flush casement windows, please click here.

How Much Are They?

Naturally, uPVC is more of a low cost option than aluminium and a more popular choice. As with all projects we undertake, the cost is determined by the amount of windows and doors, the dimensions, specification, finishing and glass choice. It is very difficult to provide an estimate for a project without knowing all of your requirements. We are happy to provide a quotation online through our contact form or we can arrange a visit to your property at a date and time suitable for you. We are aware that budget is often a deciding factor and we are on-hand to talk you through the available options and offer our expert advice as market leaders for 30 years.