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Spec solar-control glazing.
Self-cleaning, solar-reflective and A++ glazing — cuts heat gain without losing the daylight.
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Hiring a conservatories, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Single-glazed polycarbonate roof
Original 1990s-2000s conservatories often have these — U-value 2.0+ W/m²K, unusable in summer or winter. Replace with modern glass or tiled roof.
Wrong coating orientation
Low-E coating must be on the inner face of the outer pane. Reversed coatings reduce performance 30%+.
Argon leak
Argon-filled units lose gas over 10–15 years if not properly sealed. U-value degrades.
Mis-spec for orientation
Solar-control glass on a north elevation reduces winter sun unnecessarily. Specify per elevation.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and a typical week-by-week schedule.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Standard double-glazed per m²Argon-filled, low-E
£80–£160/m²
Self-cleaning glass per m²Pilkington Activ, SGG Bioclean
£120–£220/m²
Solar-control glass per m²Reflects summer heat
£140–£260/m²
Self-cleaning + solar-control per m²Premium roof spec
£180–£350/m²
Triple-glazed per m²Highest insulation, heavy
£250–£500/m²
Heat-reflective film retrofit per m²Aftermarket adhesive film
£30–£80/m²
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
Timeline
Mid-size conservatory · week by week
Typical
5 phases · 5 wk
5 phases · 5 wk
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
Foundations + dwarf wall
Frame + glazing
Roof + ridge
Electrics + flooring
Snags + handover
!
Schedule slips on dependencies — pad each phase by 10–20% for real-world delays.
At a glance
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Conservatories explained
The glass spec is the single biggest factor in whether a UK conservatory is usable year-round or a greenhouse 4 months a year. Expect to pay £80–£350 per m² for upgraded conservatory glazing, depending on coating and pane count.
What Does the Work Involve?
Glazing units are factory-made sealed double or triple-glazed panels with specific coatings on the inner faces. The installer measures, orders to size, fits the panels into the existing or new frame profile, beads in the glazing strip, and silicones the gasket. Roof glass is usually larger (1m × 2m) and needs two fitters. Solar-control coatings reflect infrared heat in summer; low-E coatings reflect interior heat back in winter.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard double-glazed per m² | 80 | 160 | Argon-filled, low-E |
| Self-cleaning glass per m² | 120 | 220 | Pilkington Activ, SGG Bioclean |
| Solar-control glass per m² | 140 | 260 | Reflects summer heat |
| Self-cleaning + solar-control per m² | 180 | 350 | Premium roof spec |
| Triple-glazed per m² | 250 | 500 | Highest insulation, heavy |
| Heat-reflective film retrofit per m² | 30 | 80 | Aftermarket adhesive film |
| Full conservatory roof reglaze | 3,500 | 10,000 | 15–25 m² typical roof |
How Long Does It Take?
Full conservatory roof reglaze: 2–3 days. Single pane replacement: 2–4 hours. Glazing units are delivered 2–4 weeks after measurement, depending on spec.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Glazing units are heavy, fragile, and require manufacturer's specific bead/sealant systems. DIY install voids the manufacturer's warranty.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A conservatory specialist or window fitter familiar with the brand of conservatory you have. Insist on Pilkington, SGG (Saint-Gobain) or Guardian brand glass — these are the proper UK self-cleaning and solar-control brands. Cheap "self-cleaning" generic glass is often a marketing claim with no real coating.
UK Regulations
Part L requires conservatory glazing to achieve specific U-values for thermal compliance — 1.4 W/m²K for replacement windows. Part N (or Part K in newer editions) requires safety glass within 800mm of finished floor level — P1A laminated to BS 6206.
Common Problems
- Single-glazed polycarbonate roof: Original 1990s-2000s conservatories often have these — U-value 2.0+ W/m²K, unusable in summer or winter. Replace with modern glass or tiled roof.
- Wrong coating orientation: Low-E coating must be on the inner face of the outer pane. Reversed coatings reduce performance 30%+.
- Argon leak: Argon-filled units lose gas over 10–15 years if not properly sealed. U-value degrades.
- Mis-spec for orientation: Solar-control glass on a north elevation reduces winter sun unnecessarily. Specify per elevation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's self-cleaning glass?
Glass with a titanium oxide outer coating that reacts with UV light to break down organic dirt, then sheets off in rain. Pilkington Activ is the original; SGG Bioclean is the other UK leader.
Is solar-control glass worth it?
Yes — south or west elevations especially. Cuts solar gain 60–70% vs standard glass, transforming summer comfort.
Triple-glazed for a conservatory?
Usually not worth the weight and cost. Standard solar-control + low-E + argon-filled double glazing is the sweet spot for cost-performance.
Can I retrofit solar control to existing glazing?
Yes — heat-reflective film (3M, Solar Gard) adheres to the inner surface and reduces heat gain. £30–£80 per m². Cheaper than re-glazing but less effective than proper solar-control glass.
What U-value should I aim for?
1.4 W/m²K is the Part L minimum. Premium spec achieves 1.0 W/m²K (double-glazed) or 0.7 W/m²K (triple-glazed). Roof glass should match.
Will self-cleaning glass actually stay clean?
It significantly reduces cleaning frequency — but bird droppings, pollen and high-pressure rain are not 100% self-cleaning. Annual hand-clean still recommended.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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