Conservatories are as popular as ever, but keeping them warm enough to use in winter is a perennial problem. The problem is that glass is a relatively poor insulator, so a structure made mostly of glass, like a conservatory, is always going to struggle to retain heat. There are a number of strategies to help keep a conservatory warmer, but one option is to go with a slightly different structure known as an orangery.

What is an orangery?

Traditionally, orangeries were a feature of large country houses being single story extensions with lots of glass used in their construction. They were used as places to keep citrus trees, such as orange trees, in tubs over winter, hence the name. Modern conservatories and orangeries are both descendants of the traditional orangery.

Orangeries versus conservatories

The main distinction between orangeries and conservatories today is the amount of glass used in their construction. In a conservatory virtually the entire walls and ceiling are usually made of framed glass, whereas a significant percentage of an orangery’s structure will be made of brick, wood and other more solid materials. Typically an orangery will have solid walls up to a certain height and solid pillars in the corners supporting a partially solid roof. Orangery roofs tend to be mostly solid with roof lanterns, Velux windows or similar to allow light in.

Are orangeries warmer?

Because they are partially constructed of solid materials which retain heat better than glass and allow the opportunity for further insulation, an orangery will usually retain heat better than a conservatory. This will not only make it naturally warmer, it also makes it much more practical to heat an orangery as you won’t waste lots of money trying to heat a space that constantly leaks heat to the outside as a conservatory usually will.

Whether you are planning a new orangery or conservatory, or searching for ways to make your existing structure warmer, Metrotile’s range of lightweight conservatory roof tiles are the ideal solution. To find out more, call us today on 01249 658 514 or fill out our contact form for a prompt response.