Often mistaken for one another, Glass Rooms and Conservatories are not one and the same. Sure, both are external extensions that maximize natural light and offer an amazing view of your garden and surrounding. However, they are quite distinct in various aspects that make them so different. Let’s take a look at some of the outstanding dissimilarities.

1. Design

Firstly, conservatories are restricted to various shapes and sizes, therefore, making it impossible to exercise any creativity; You have to stick to the given designs anytime you want to erect a conservatory. On the other hand, glass rooms allow for more flexibility with design; they can always be fitted with multi-utility folding partitions that can be opened to make the room more of a patio than just an enclosed space. Secondly, conservatories contain framed windows and other wall components that can be quite an obstruction to clear view. However, a glass rooms have frameless glass panels, which not only allow more light into the room but also offer uninterrupted vies of the surrounding. In other words, the ratio of glass to other elements is more in a glass room as opposed to a conservatory and therefore offers more adaptability and visibility than the latter.

2. Planning Permission

Even though the two structures are external extensions, note that, a glass room is your garden’s extension while a conservatory extends the house. As such, you will need to observe UK’s statutory regulations pertaining energy efficiency as well as obtain building permit when erecting a conservatory. However, the same does not apply to a glass room; you can always build the structure in any open space on your garden without necessarily needing to have a permit or observing energy efficiency rules; its down right to preference on when and where you want to put up one.

3. Building Costs

It is more expensive constructing a glass room compared to a conservatory. This is mainly because of the materials used to build the two structures; even though they are mostly made of glass, a glass room utilizes more glass and aluminium (which is more durable) as opposed to the polycarbonate conservatory roofs that are way cheaper than glass. When buying glass rooms conservatories, it’s important to consider the maintenance costs too, but most quality systems require minimal maintenance and just basic cleaning, but it’s always best to triple check.

Bottom line

Conservatories and glass rooms are very different structures in terms of flexibility, usage, cost and even workmanship. Put in mind that, glass rooms lack the insulation and solid floors of conservatories and can therefore become unbearably cold especially in the winter. If you are planning on putting up a glass room, consider installing halogen heaters to make it functional all year round.

So there you go, these are just a few of the many differences between glass rooms and conservatories. But as is always the case, you will learn a whole lot more by going to showrooms and seeing the differences in person.