Why House Extensions are the Perfect Year-Round Living Space

As the winter months approach, it is important to address the common misconception that glass extensions are unusable in winter, acting as sun traps in the summer. 

Modern, highly insulated extensions and orangeries differ from older, poorly insulated conservatories which were prone to the cold.

Today, modern designs, superior materials and smart heating integrations make extensions genuinely comfortable 365 days a year, which maximises your home’s value and enjoyment. 

With winter now near, these types of extensions give you the benefits of maximising natural light during the shorter days and darker evenings which is a significant factor for our well being.

Why Modern Extensions Work Well in Colder Months

High Performance Glazing

Modern extensions work well in the colder months due to their high performance glazing.

They feature low emissivity glass which reflects internal heat back into the room while still letting light in. The glazing also features Argon between the panes to improve insulation.

Not only that, but they also all feature low U-values which indicates a better thermal performance which is now non negotiable for modern builds. 

Impact of Roof Choice

Tiled roof systems are lightweight and insulated traditional timber tossed tiled roofs, slated roofs, lightweight insulated composite tiled roofs and a flat timber insulated rubber membrane roof, are all more common in modern extensions and sunrooms, offering superior thermal efficiency compared to traditional roofs.

For modern orangeries, the solid perimeter can be enhanced with a roof lantern or flat skylight to balance light and structural insulation.

Advanced Sealing & Weatherproofing

Modern frames feature high quality engineering such as uPVC and aluminium which prevents draughts, leaks and thermal bridging which is a weakness of older structures. 

The beauty of this engineering in extensions can also be seen through structural integration. Extensions are tied directly to the main home structure and enhance the overall efficiency and stability compared to basic conservatories and extensions. 

Keeping Warm: Heating & Insulation Options for Comfort

Extensions and orangeries from SRJ Sunrooms are made from the highest quality materials and are guaranteed to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. 

Despite this, for complete warmth and comfort, we recommend insulation beyond the glass. For example, floor insulation helps with a well insulated base. It is a superior, invisible solution which creates a comfortable heat in a large space which is ideal for winter. 

For complete year round comfort, we also recommend a temperature control unit that heats in winter and cools in the summer. This dual purpose system provides both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

We understand the key homeowner concern of condensation in the winter. To combat this, we recommend proper ventilation such as trickle vents and opening roof vents that work alongside insulation to prevent this. 

Is a Winter Extension Right for You?

An extension or orangery provides you with an extra living space full of abundant light, increased property value and year round comfort. 

These types of living spaces are designed for all seasons and are a better investment than a seasonal structure.

Contact the experts at SRJ Sunrooms today to discuss your specific property requirements and upgrade to a year round living space with us.