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.
FAQ Category one
We can advise on roof upgrades, for when you your polycarbonate or glass paned conservatory reaches the end of its lifespan. Our recommendations include: insulated roof panels, fibreglass or 2 types of tiled roof – which have far better thermal efficiency. If replacement panels are unavoidable and you’d like to preserve your warranty please book a ‘call-out’ and we’ll accompany the installation.
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 necessary because timber frames allow heat to be absorbed into the ceiling cavity and this can build up into hotspots. Air vents allow this heat to be evenly distributed across the entire ceiling cavity preventing a build-up of heat in one area.
No. Our insulated ceilings are finished with white PVCu which reflects the light coming in from the windows. Our insulated ceiling will reduce glare and stop your furnishings from fading without reducing natural light.
No. Our insulation is super slim (only 10mm) and slots between the bars of your conservatory roof, our PVC-U panelling fits across the bars so it is unlikely that you will notice any difference.
Yes, we can usually leave an existing central light in place. We can also install wiring for new light fittings if desired although our fitters are not certified electricians so you will need to fit and install the actual light fittings yourselves or arrange for an electrician to fit them.
No. 2Hot2Cold insulation and panelling materials are extremely light and will not effect the structure of your conservatory. 2Hot2Cold use 10mm Aluthermo which is considerably more effective than other insulations available.
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 or brush away the cobwebs but it should need little or no attention. If you opt for a plasterboard ceiling it will need repainting along with the other ceilings in your property.
Consumer Protection Association (CPA) protection works on the same principle as credit card insurance in that the customer is protected even if the supplier fails to provide the product or service which has been paid for or fails to carry out repairs under warranty.
The CPA is a non-profit organisation set up solely to protection consumers. You won’t need to pay for CPA protection.
2Hot2Cold cover the cost for you.
All of our fitters work only for us. They have been fully trained and have worked for us since the company began. They take immense pride in their work and leave customer homes clean and tidy.
This is reflected in our consistent 10/10 customer rating on Checkatrade and our excellent Consumer Protection Association rating. Our fitters will be wearing 2Hot2Cold ID and bring their own tea and coffee so you don’t have to worry about making them refreshments.
Although, they might not say no to the occasional cuppa. They’re human after all Meet the 2Hot2Cold fitters.
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
FAQ Category two
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.
