While the main focus of a building’s environmental performance tends to be on carbon usage, it is still important to consider thermal performance of the building’s fabric. Thermal performance can be measured in terms of heat loss, and is referred to as a U-value.

U-value is the rate of heat transfer of heat through its structure; either a single material or a composite. This rate is then divided by the difference in temperature across the structure. The better-insulated the building is, the lower its U-value will be. The U-value essentially tells whether the materials used are keeping heat in or out effectively.

What affects the U-value?

There are various factors that can affect a building’s U-value. These include:

• The quality of workmanship
• The installation standards adhered to
• The materials used

If your building materials are poor-quality or badly fitted, leaving gaps or cold bridges, your U-value will be significantly higher than it should be and the less energy-efficient your property will be. The U-value takes into account any heat loss caused by conduction, convection and radiation.

Choosing conservatory materials with a low U-value

If you are thinking about building a conservatory and are looking for materials with a low U-value, or already have a conservatory in place and are concerned about its U-value, it’s worth taking the following into account.

Typically, conservatories have either glass or uPVC roofing. While this allows in plenty of light, these materials tend to have a high U-value. This means they are not very good when it comes to keeping heat in during colder periods or keeping heat out during the warmer months. As well as potentially making your conservatory uncomfortably hot or cold, it can also lead to problems such as condensation, mould and high energy bills.

Solid conservatory roofing

Solid roofing, on the other hand, has a much more efficient U-value, making it ideal for use on conservatory roofs. You will still be able to enjoy plenty of light through the windows of your conservatory while enjoying a much more comfortable temperature all year round. Solid roofing is durable, easy to maintain and extremely secure. Best of all, it significantly reduces the risks mentioned above, such as the build-up of condensation, and is likely to lower your energy bills.

Low U-value roofing at Metrotile

Metrotile’s solid, lightweight roof tiles offer a low U-value, ensuring that your conservatory is temperature-regulated throughout the year. Our expert installation team will ensure that the tiles are installed correctly, giving you a professional finish and preserving your low U-value. Requiring virtually no maintenance, our solid roofing lasts up to five times longer than glass or uPVC roofing.

If you would like to hear more about our extensive tile range, contact Metrotile today by calling us on 01249 658 514 or you can fill in our contact form and we will get back to you.