For many homeowners, a conservatory is the ideal alternative to an orangery or brick extension. It costs a lot less, for starters, but it also gives you the benefit of natural light and a warm space to relax in all weathers.
Cheap conservatories have a bad reputation for getting very hot, and this can make them unpleasant in summer – the time when you should be making the most of your beautiful garden vista. All that sunlight can also cause delicate fabrics to fade, including your conservatory furniture, cushions and rugs.
So what can you do about the heat – and what part does blue glass have to play?
How Blue Glass Works
As the name suggests, blue glass has a very subtle blue tint. You won’t notice this most of the time, although you might see the difference against white clouds when you compare the glass to ordinary glazing.
The blue tint is responsible for filtering out some of the sun’s rays, and it’s this effect that brings the temperature down in the conservatory. Blue glass is effective whenever there is light – even when it’s cloudy.
Blue glass doesn’t make the conservatory ‘cool’, but it has a noticeable cooling effect in full sunlight, and you’ll be able to use your conservatory on days when you’d ordinarily have steered well clear.
One manufacturer, Ambi-Glass, claims that its Ambi-Blue roof glass tint results in a 53 per cent reduction in glare.
Extra Features
Some manufacturers’ blue glass is made with a special coating that helps dirt to drain away without manual cleaning. This will help to prevent algae build up on the roof, where it’s difficult to clean the panes. It’s important to care for the glass properly to avoid scratching this extra layer. You will inevitably still get clumps of dirt on the surface, so you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter
Additionally, you can have blue glass with a range of other features. It can be laminated and toughened, and it can also be curved.
You can have automatic blinds built in to the frames if you want them, although your furniture will not fade, so you may choose not to have any glass coverings at all. Some blinds are positioned inbetween the glass and use a remote control: ideal if you have mobility problems, or prefer complete privacy in the evenings. If your Esher conservatory faces due south, chat with us about your options.
More Advice
Before deciding on blue glass, speak to Hamiltons and see some examples in action. Some customers prefer the look of bronze glass, while some think the blue makes the garden look more vibrant. As this is a matter of personal preference, it’s best to look at blue glass in situ before you make a final decision.
As ever, Hamiltons is here to give you unbiased advice. Call us today on 0208 390 4855 if you’re interested in a blue glass option for your brand new conservatory.
