Converting the roof or ceiling of a conservatory or lean-to is a decision more and more people are making because they want to regain use of the space all year round. However, there are many aspects to consider because everybody’s situation is different.
We are more than happy to answer all your questions and set your mind at ease with how easy and efficient the process will be and what you can expect both along the way and once it’s complete.
Below is a set of the most commonly asked question, but please do get in touch if you have any questions not covered by those below.
Insulated Ceilings
Polycarbonate and Glass panes can be replaced under our supervision so as to not effect our warranty. Alternatively we can advise on roof upgrades, such as switching glass panes over to insulated roof panels.
2Hot2Cold Ltd specialise in fibreglass, and 2 tiling methods (Leka Warm Roof and Bespoke timber rafter) for when your old polycarbonate or glass paned conservatory reaches the end of its lifespan.
A PVC-U conservatory with a 2Hot2Cold ceiling requires just an inch gap around the perimeter of the insulation so as to allow breathing space between the bars. Airflow is particularly necessary for those with timber frames where heat is absorbed into the ceiling cavity and can build up into hotspots. Air vents allow the heat to be evenly distributed across the entire ceiling cavity preventing a build-up of heat in one area.
Conservatories will typically have glass walls, so lots of incoming light. Our insulated ceilings are finished with white PVCu and it’s the light sheen that helps to reflect that light. You’ll find that it’s brighter than polycarbonate – yet not as harsh. You’ll be able to more comfortably sit and read a book or work on a computer screen . A ceiling reduce glare and help to protect furnishings from sun bleaching.
Those with North Facing conservatories however, may well prefer to consider fully replacing the roof and incorporating skylights …. there’s definitely options, please feel free to discuss.
Our insulation is super slim (resting depth at 10mm) The insulation is an all-in-on roof membrane, insulation material and vapour barrier that can be fitted between your roof bars with no risk of melting, or condensation.
Our ceiling will follow the contours of your conservatory so that that you retain the shape with negligible height loss – you really wouldnt notice.
Yes, we can usually leave an existing central light in place. An insulated ceiling is too slim to safely embed downlights, so perhaps to also consider fully replacing the roof.
Many insulations expand to quite a big depth and need wooden battens to secure it all in place, ours by comparison is a rigid insulation with more of a widthways expansion – so no need for battens. Far lighter and far kinder to your framework.
In the majority of cases, it is possible to keep existing openings or skylights but this would need to be assessed on-site. We would recommend a survey so that we can best advise.
A PVCu insulated ceiling is maintenance-free. You may need to occasionally wipe it over with a damp cloth but it should need little or no attention
Consumer Protection Association (CPA) protection works on the same principle as credit card insurance in that the customer is protected if the supplier closes down and you have a fault or repair with work that 2Hot2Cold Ltd have supplied.
2Hot2Cold cover the cost of this protection. We’re not planning on going anywhere soon, so should you have a situation that you need to run by us – please call!
We have recruited and trained our own team of fitters, and they do us proud – which is evident in the consistently high rankings on Checkatrade and Which.
They are are quite self sufficient, so you’ve no problem closing the doors on your conservatory and leaving them to it. They are hard workers – with a head down, get the job done attitude.. there’s no shirking or endless tea breaks in our camps. You’ll be impressed with our standards.
A 2Hot2Cold ceiling will come with a 5 year service guarantee and a 5 year insurance backed warranty.
A 2Hot2Cold roof will come with a 10 year service guarantee and a 10 year insurance backed warranty. There’s also a 40 year manufacturer’s warranty on Tapco Slate tiles
No, a white lining is applied to the inside of the glass before the layer of insulation is installed.
The majority of installations are completed within one day. We will provide you with an estimate of how long the installation will take. The installation time will depend on the condition of your conservatory.
Yes. Outside noise levels will be greatly reduced meaning that you can work, watch TV and enjoy your conservatory even during heavy rain or when you are exposed to heavy traffic noise.
A 2Hot2Cold conservatory ceiling uses insulation that has seven layers to provide U-value of just 0.175 and also includes a double lined uPVC cladding.
In short, the technology used absorbs the noise.
An insulated ceiling can be installed in any conservatory if it is in good condition.
A 25% deposit is payable to book an installation, the remainder is due on completion. All payments made are protected by the Consumer Protection Association.
No, you will not need to submit a planning application for an insulated ceiling as your ceiling is installed internally and does not change the external height or aesthetic of your conservatory.
Make sure your conservatory isn’t leaking. Although a 2Hot2Cold ceiling won’t be damaged by a small amount of water, you should ensure that your roof is leak free before you book your installation. In exceptional circumstances, where very small leaks are present, our installers can temporarily repair the roof from the inside using silicone gel. But please note that 2Hot2Cold can’t take responsibility for this repair and our warranty will not cover it.
Check that your roof panels are well fitted and form a level and uniform surface which doesn’t lift up.
Ensure your roof joists are of equal depth to allow a level ceiling to be fitted. This is particularly important if your conservatory is a self-build, so please check that it has not been built using different sized joists.
If you have any doubt about the condition of your conservatory please email us photographs. We can carry out a free survey to put your mind at rest.
In our experience, a conservatory is unlikely to be in good condition if it’s 15+ years old and hasn’t been maintained. If the conservatory is in a poor condition when we arrive on site and we cannot install your ceiling, we will not be able to return your deposit.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards and are backed by the so any payments made are protected. Please be aware there is a fee payable on all credit card payments #### NOT ANY MORE###
Of course. As well as carrying identification our fitters will arrive in a van with full 2Hot2Cold livery and will be wearing 2Hot2Cold shirts so that they can be easily identified.
Yes. We will be happy to wire your ceiling so that you can install light fittings of your choice. Our fitters are not certified electricians however so you will need to fit and install the actual light fittings yourselves or arrange for an electrician to fit them. Also, if you have an existing light fitting attached to a central rafter, we will leave it in place and install the ceiling around it.
Yes, the insulation that we use will eliminate condensation and prevent mould. Condensation is caused when the warmer internal air comes into contact with cooler surfaces of the un-insulated conservatory. This is made worse if you close your conservatory doors to keep the rest of the house warm because that reduces the ventilation. Equally, however, a cold conservatory will cause damp as cold air contains moisture.
2Hot2Cold insulated ceilings are specifically designed to include discreet air vents and space to allow your conservatory to breathe. It will also keep the warmth in your conservatory all year round greatly reducing the opportunity for damp and condensation to form. And because your conservatory is nice and snug in the winter, you don’t feel the need to have to shut the doors so much.
Unfortunately not. You will need to ensure your roof is not leaking before an insulated ceiling can be fitted.
FAQs Tiled Roofs
Many conservatories were built at a time when they were exempt from planning permission. But if you are in a listed building, conservation area or region known for subsidence, then it’s very likely that you gained planning permission before having your conservatory built.
Planning permission isn’t required now, but you may need to gain permission to replace the roof via the Building Control Department; conditions will vary from council to council. We will include Building Control Certification with our LEKA Warm Roofs and can assist your application on other products
In the past, conservatory roofs needed to be at least 75% glazed or translucent hence they were built with glass or twin-wall polycarbonate panels. Whilst both materials are incredibly robust, and the thermal efficiency has improved over the years, there are newer, more insulative options now available. We specialise in tiled roofs and insulated ceilings, which work by ‘regulating’ temperature extremities so that you’re no longer ‘too hot’ or ‘too cold.’
We give a 10 year service guarantee on roofs with a 10 year insurance insurance backed warranty which is underwritten by The CPA (The Consumer Protection Association)
A new roof in the majority of cases will follow the original shape of your conservatory, with the ceiling sitting a little lower than previously so as to accommodate the additional support rafters and insulation
Yes, our fitters will clean everything down and take your old roof and any waste away with them.
We work on the basis that two fitters can construct 5 square metres per day. So a 10 square metre roof will take two days.
Prices vary depending on the shape, size and complexity of your conservatory. Being that we specialise in a range of products you’ll invariably be given a choice of roofing system that sit at different price points.
We endeavour to remove and replace so that you are always left and weathertight at the close of each day’s work.
We’ve undertaken bespoke work with roofs that are much steeper than the norm, so yes, we used scaffolding then. But generally, conservatory roofs are accessible with step ladders, so scaffolding isn’t required.
Yes, our conservatory roof range will prevent heat loss, which means you’re no longer heating up the sky! This also means that you’ll be saving on heating bills.
FAQs Insulated Roof Panels
Panels are invariably installed within the day.
If you have a glass roof with uPVC frame currently, then insulated roof panels are plausible. We would need to undertake a free survey to check measurements.
Extruded polystyrene foam, CFC-free or CO2 foamed with low vapour permeability, lowest water absorbance, B1 in accordance with DIN 4102. The foam core is corrugated for optimum adhesion. No dust release during processing.
the panels are 1.04 on their own, or 0.15 when adding an insulated ceiling (the lower the number, the better)
We recommend fully clearing your conservatory if you are having your roof replaced (panels, tiles, fibreglass). Our fitters can help move heavy furniture.
No, our fitters will always clean everything down and take your old roof waste away with them.
