How to Stop Your Conservatory from Getting Too Hot
- Veramut
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
Your Beat the Heat Guide
If you’ve ever walked into your conservatory on a hot day and felt like you’ve entered a greenhouse, you’re not alone. The combination of large glass panels, direct sunlight, and limited airflow can quickly turn the space into an unbearable heat trap. Instead of a relaxing space, it can feel more like a sauna, making it impossible to use or entertain in the room during peak summer hours.
This excessive heat not only affects your comfort but can also damage furniture, warp flooring, and raise your energy bills if you're constantly running fans or portable air conditioners just to cope. Fortunately, there are several smart, energy-efficient ways to control the temperature in your conservatory, so it remains comfortable year-round, especially during those warmer months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to stop your conservatory from getting too hot, with practical tips, modern insulation solutions, and even some natural hacks you may not have considered.
How to Stop Your Conservatory from Getting Too Hot. Article Outline:
1. Why do Conservatories Get Too Hot in Summer?
Large glass panels, which are excellent for natural light, but also act like a greenhouse when the sun shines through them. Glass allows sunlight in but traps heat. Often, another factor contributing to the problem is the lack of proper conservatory roof insulation. Many conservatories, especially older ones, feature thin polycarbonate or basic glass roofing that offers little to no thermal protection.
Without insulation, the roof absorbs and radiates heat directly into the space below, intensifying the temperature throughout the day. Combine this with limited ventilation and direct sunlight, and your conservatory can quickly become one of the hottest, most uncomfortable rooms in the house.
2. Practical Ways to Cool Down a Conservatory.
2.1. Maximise ventilation.
Even the best-insulated conservatory needs good airflow to stay cool. Without ventilation, heat builds up and has nowhere to escape.
Tips for better conservatory ventilation:
Install trickle vents in windows or doors to allow warm air to escape gradually.
Use a ceiling fan to circulate air and create a cooling breeze.
Open roof vents (if available) to let hot air rise and escape naturally.
If your conservatory is older and doesn’t have built-in vents, portable options like extractor fans or louvred windows can be effective alternatives.
2.2. Choose the Right Window Coverings.
Did you know that when it comes to controlling heat in your conservatory, your choice of window coverings can make a surprisingly big difference? The right blinds or curtains don’t just add style and privacy; they act as a crucial barrier against heat and UV rays.
Thermal blinds are one of the most effective options available. These specially designed blinds have reflective or insulated linings that help block heat from entering in summer and prevent warmth from escaping in winter. They’re ideal for both windows and roofs, offering year-round energy efficiency.
Reflective window films are another choice, particularly for glass roofs or large south-facing panes. These films are applied directly to the glass and work by reflecting a significant percentage of the sun’s rays before they even have a chance to heat the space. They’re also unobtrusive, allowing light to filter through without the intense glare or heat.
For a softer touch, light-coloured curtains or voiles can be very effective, especially when paired with thermal linings. Lighter fabrics reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to maintain a cooler temperature inside. Plus, they add a cosy, homely feel to the space without compromising on functionality. Worth mentioning are also electric shutters. These are becoming increasingly popular, especially for high or hard-to-reach windows.
2.3. Use Spray Cork Insulation for Year-Round Temperature Control.
One innovative way to regulate heat in your conservatory is with spray cork insulation. This eco-friendly solution involves spraying a thin layer of cork-based material onto the interior or exterior roof and walls. The cork acts as a natural insulator, helping to reflect heat away in the summer while retaining warmth in the winter.
What makes spray cork stand out is its breathable, flexible nature. It doesn’t crack with movement or temperature shifts, and it’s resistant to mould and dampness. By significantly reducing heat buildup in warmer months, spray cork can transform your conservatory into a space that feels just right, regardless of the weather outside.
2.4. Invest in Cooling Systems.
While natural cooling methods are ideal, sometimes a mechanical solution is needed for those extra-hot days.
Your options:
Portable air conditioners – effective, but they use a fair amount of energy.
Evaporative coolers – ideal for conservatories with good ventilation.
Wall-mounted fans – low-cost and energy-efficient.
If you do use an electric cooler, make sure your conservatory is properly insulated; otherwise, you’re just blowing cold air into a space that won’t hold it.
2.5. Rethink Flooring.
Flooring might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to beat the heat in your conservatory, but it can have a surprisingly significant impact. Just like walls and windows, your floor absorbs and retains heat, especially if it's made from dark, dense, or heat-retaining materials. In many older conservatories, you’ll often find carpet or darker laminate flooring, which tends to soak up the sun's warmth and hold onto it well into the evening.
While cosy in winter, this can be one of the reasons why your conservatory feels too hot during the summer, contributing to that stifling, uncomfortable atmosphere that makes the space hard to enjoy. If you want to prevent your conservatory from becoming too hot, consider switching to cooler flooring materials, which can make a noticeable difference. Tiled floors, particularly those made of ceramic or porcelain, are a popular choice as they remain naturally cool to the touch, even during a heatwave.
If you love the look of timber but want something more heat-resistant, engineered wood flooring offers the beauty of hardwood with improved stability during temperature changes. It doesn’t retain as much heat as solid wood or carpet, especially in lighter finishes. For a more premium, long-lasting solution, natural stone such as limestone, travertine, or slate provides excellent thermal properties, staying cool in summer and pairing well with underfloor heating in winter.
2.6. Reduce Internal Heat Sources.
The heat is also generated by electronics, lights, and even certain furniture.
Always remember to switch off unused appliances like TVs, speakers, or computers. Use LED lights – they generate far less heat than traditional bulbs. Opt for light-coloured furniture – it reflects light and doesn't absorb heat like darker materials.
3. How to Stop Your Conservatory from Getting Too Hot. Summary.
There’s no need to suffer through sweaty afternoons in your conservatory anymore. With the right combination of shade, insulation, ventilation, and smart materials, you can enjoy this beautiful space all year round.
From long-term solutions like installing spray cork insulation to quicker fixes like thermal blinds and external shading, every step you take can make a noticeable difference. Start with what fits your budget and build from there.
Are you ready to cool down your conservatory?
If your conservatory is getting too hot to enjoy, it’s time to take action. At Veramut, we specialise in spray cork insulation for conservatory roofs and walls, an eco-friendly, long-lasting solution that helps regulate temperature naturally.
Whether you’re looking to keep your space cooler in summer, warmer in winter, or simply more comfortable year-round, we’re here to help.
Call us or fill out our quick contact form, and we’ll be happy to guide you through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is spray cork better than traditional conservatory roof insulation?
Spray cork has several advantages over traditional materials like foil-backed insulation boards. It’s lightweight, flexible, seamless, and doesn’t require invasive installation. It also maintains the aesthetic of your existing roof while still providing excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. It’s particularly suited for retrofitting older conservatories without needing major structural changes.
Q2: Can I apply spray cork to any type of conservatory roof?
Spray cork is incredibly versatile and adheres to a wide range of surfaces, including polycarbonate, glass, uPVC, aluminium, and timber. Whether you have a modern glass roof or an older plastic one, spray cork can be applied directly with little disruption.
Q3: Can I use air conditioning to cool down my conservatory?
Yes, but it’s more effective if your conservatory is well-insulated. Portable air conditioners or evaporative coolers can work well when combined with blinds and ventilation.
Q4: What's the cheapest way to cool down a conservatory?
Closing blinds during the hottest hours, opening windows for cross-ventilation, and using fans are low-cost methods. You can also plant external shade-providing greenery like vines or shrubs.
The cost varies based on the size of the conservatory, the materials used, and the complexity of installation. Generally, spray cork (CorkSol) roof insulation can be more budget-friendly than a full roof replacement, often costing around one-third of the price of a brand-new insulated roof system.
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