Climate control in your garden room extension

Glazing and construction techniques have improved in recent years, transforming modern garden rooms and orangeries into inviting rooms with a balanced temperature all year-round.

Garden rooms and glazed extensions are great places to relax and socialise, whatever the weather. However, with the British climate being less than predictable, conservatories, although popular, aren’t always the best choice for UK homeowners. This is because the huge expanse of glass in the roof leads to large solar gains and losses, creating either an overheated, stuffy environment in hot weather, or an unwelcoming, chilly room below in colder seasons. This is particularly evident in older conservatories where less technically advanced glazing has been used.

We prefer to install garden rooms and orangery extensions – the former has a tiled roof and the latter, a flat roof often incorporating a roof lantern. In both of these extension types, the room is still flooded with natural light but whether the garden is thick with snow, or the sun is blazing down, they will remain a warm and comfortable place to be.

Over and above the extension type you choose for your home, there is also a range of climate control options available for garden rooms, orangeries, and conservatories to help you manage the temperature and maintain a constant, welcoming climate all year round.

Rain sensors

Installing rain sensors on an opening roof lantern or light will allow the window to close automatically, without you having to do it manually each time the heavens open. Not only is this useful during those very changeable spring months, but it also means that if you’re out and about, your glazed extension will be dry and secure on your return.

Ventilation

Whilst the windows in orangeries and garden rooms are hinged and can be folded back to let in ample fresh air, ventilators positioned in the roof will draw air up through the building and out of the vents. These are also remotely operated, and thermostatic and rain controls allow the ventilators to function even when there is nobody at home. This is particularly important for kitchen extensions, as cooking can create extra moisture.

Under floor heating

Tiled, stone floors do not usually lend themselves well to cold weather. So when the winter months roll in, it can be great to have an extra layer of comfort beneath your feet. Underfloor heating is a wonderful way of keeping cosy whether you are relaxing on a Sunday afternoon, practising morning yoga, or celebrating Christmas with the family.

Convector heaters may be a more traditional way of heating your garden room, but as heat rises these can often leave you with a cold floor. Under floor heating will evenly spread the heat and prevent cold spots, and the use of a water system rather than electric is much more cost-effective, helping reduce energy bills and your carbon footprint.

Double glazing

Double glazing is an energy efficient, environmentally-friendly way to keep your glazed extension warm. This comes as standard with all of our products, ensuring they adhere to all relevant building regulations. Our glass can also be fitted with a slight tint which reduces glare and cuts UV light by 98%, preventing the room from heating up. Double or even triple glazing retains more heat energy and reduces energy bills, making it a cost-effective method of keeping your garden room or orangery warm and cosy.

Upgrade Your Extension

If you’re looking to expand your extension with an orangery or garden room, you can start by speaking to our team at Westbury. Our extensions include double-glazing as a standard and are built to be comfortable and well-regulated all year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a garden room and an orangery for temperature control? 

A garden room has a tiled roof, whereas an orangery has a flat roof with a roof lantern. Both these extensions allow natural light while the temperature is regulated compared to a fully glazed conservatory roof.

What do rain sensors do? 

They automatically close an opening roof lantern or light when it starts raining, so you don’t have to do it manually. It’s useful in changeable weather or when you’re away from home.

How does roof ventilation help control climate? 

Roof-mounted ventilators draw air up and out of the building. They can be remotely operated with thermostatic and rain controls, so they work automatically when no one’s home. They are particularly useful in kitchen extensions where cooking adds moisture.

Does double glazing come as standard? 

Yes, it’s standard on all Westbury products and meets building regulations. We also offer tinted glass to cut UV light by 98% and reduce glare and heat gain.

Is underfloor heating better than convector heaters for a garden room? 

Yes, underfloor heating spreads warmth evenly and avoids the cold floors that convector heaters can miss.