Are you wondering what to do with an old conservatory? Maybe you’ve moved into a new home and are stuck for ideas or maybe you want to upgrade to a modern conservatory. This article aims to focus on conservatory refurbishment ideas, so you’ll no longer be wondering what to do with an old conservatory!
There are tonnes of imaginative, unique and quirky ideas when it comes to refurbishing an old conservatory. Here we outline some of the most creative and affordable conservatory refurbishment ideas.
If you’re enjoying this article, then you’ll also love learning how long conservatories last!
So what to do with an old conservatory? There are so many conservatory refurbishment ideas floating around but the most cost-effective is insulating the walls, changing the glass, making it open plan, replacing your conservatory roof, changing the frames, adding bifold doors or transforming it into an orangery.
Contents:
- Conservatory Refurbishment Ideas
- Can You Convert A Conservatory To An Extension?
- Will Removing A Conservatory Devalue A House?
- How Do You Revamp An Old Conservatory?
- What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Conservatory?
- What Can I Turn My Conservatory Into?
- Can You Dismantle A Conservatory?
Conservatory Refurbishment Ideas
If you’re looking to modernise a conservatory with a refreshed look, then here are some of our very best conservatory refurbishment ideas.
1. Insulate the Conservatory Walls
If you are wondering what to do with an old conservatory, then chances are one of the main reasons is because it lets in the cold.
This is a common problem with older conservatories, but you are actually able to insulate the walls. If your conservatory has ‘dwarf’ space underneath the windows then we can insulate these for you at an affordable price!
Insulating the walls of your conservatory will help keep your conservatory warmer in the winter. What’s more, is that it is very cost-effective. The process is fairly simple, done by drilling small holes into the wall and injecting it with insulation (non-flammable foam).
This will stop that nasty cold draft from entering the room in the winter, meaning that you can utilise this space all year long and not just in the summer.
If you don’t have ‘dwarf’ walls underneath the windows, then there are still options to warm your home such as insulating the roof.
This is a bit more expensive and usually involves replacing the conservatory roof, but we will be discussing this a bit later on!
2. Change the Glass
If you have an older conservatory, then changing the glass will give it a new, clean look. Glazing technology has also advanced a lot in the past few years.
Changing your windows will not only make the conservatory look brand new, but it will also have many other advantages such as saving you money on energy bills and keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Our range of double glazing solutions are A-rated (at a minimum!) and will massively increase your thermal performance. You can choose from uPVC, aluminium and hardwood so we are sure you’ll be able to find an option that suits the character of your conservatory, be that Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian or P-Shaped!
We are a local company, that supplies, fits and installs triple and double glazed windows in Hampshire and the surrounding areas, so get in touch with us if you’re looking for new windows for your old conservatory.
3. Make it Open Plan
To avoid planning permissions and building regulations a conservatory needs to sit outside the main thermal envelope of your property. However, nothing is stopping you from removing the internal doors or walls that connect an existing room to your conservatory.
This will create an open space and is a great solution if you’re wondering what to do with an old conservatory.
Over the past 10 years, open plan solutions have become popular amongst homeowners because it can increase the size of the space you have to work with and creates a brighter, more airy living space so is a wonderful option for modernising a conservatory.
We have seen a lot of wonderful conservatory refurbishment ideas and most of them involve making the space open plan! From kitchen-diners to colourful playrooms, you can quite literally transform the space by removing structures that internally get in the way.
4. Replace your Conservatory Roof
Although more costly than insulating the walls, a conservatory roof replacement will definitely be the most cost-effective solution in the long run and add a huge amount of value to your home.
If your old conservatory has a glass roof, then a solid tiled conservatory roof might be the option for you. Solid roofs are a growing choice in recent years because they are stylish and also have many benefits.
Solid tiled roofs will add warmth to your home and will give it a cosy aesthetic. The materials we use in our solid roofs will be energy efficient, meaning that you’ll be preventing any potential heat loss.
The great thing about this refurbishment idea is that solid roof replacements are compatible with almost any conservatory type! Solid roofs will need to meet building regulations but we are more than happy to assist with this.
5. Change the Window Frames
If the windows are still serving you well, and you simply want an aesthetic change, then changing the frames is a great way to revamp.
When looking at what to do with an old conservatory, it could be because you are thinking it looks run down. uPVC frames are long-lasting but after about 10 years they can start to look dirty and worn if they are not properly cared for.
You can always try and give the frames a good scrub with a soft sponge and warm soapy water, but if they have been damaged over the years then you might want to opt for new frames altogether.
Modern uPVC is much more durable than it used to be and offers improved thermal efficiency.
Or how about switching the material? Aluminium frames will give your conservatory a modern feel, whilst hardwood frames will keep it looking traditional.
6. Add Bifold Doors
Bifolding doors are hugely popular because you can create large open spaces with uninterrupted views. Aluminium bifold doors will improve both the exterior and interior of your home and bifolding doors come with many benefits.
We can supply, fit and install bifold patio doors that are industry-leading, with A++ energy ratings, come in 23 standard colourways and are available in either triple or double glazed solutions.
Bifold doors will enable you to have uninterrupted views of the outdoors and are extremely low maintenance. They are easy to clean, are smooth gliding and are very cost-effective.
If your conservatory isn’t compatible with bifold doors, you can always opt for French doors.
New patio doors will give the space a refreshed look, and you’ll no longer be asking yourself ‘what to do with an old conservatory?’.
7. Turn it into an Orangery
The very last option on our list of conservatory refurbishment ideas is to transform it into an orangery.
You can do this by adding corner pillars. This will require an in-depth consultation and we would need to come and have a look at your existing conservatory to analyse transformation options.
Old Conservatory FAQs
Can I Convert my Conservatory to an Extension?
Converting an old conservatory to an extension is possible, but this isn’t as easy as it sounds! This will require a larger budget than the above conservatory refurbishment ideas and will also need building regulations.
This means that the conservatory itself may need a whole new structure to be in line with regulations.
If you have the budget for this, then extensions can be a wonderful addition to your home.
Can I Recycle My Old Conservatory?
Yes, most conservatories can be recycled to prevent being dumped at a landfill site. If you are looking to get a new conservatory or an extension then it’s worth discussing with your conservatory supplier whether your old conservatory can be recycled to save you money.
Will Removing a Conservatory Devalue a House?
Depending on the current condition of your conservatory, taking into consideration its age, and size, removing your conservatory could devalue your home. This is why we would recommend refurbishing with new windows, and doors or even considering a conservatory roof replacement to add value to your home.
How do you Revamp an Old Conservatory?
Revamping an old conservatory is a great way to breathe new life into your home and create a functional, stylish space that you can enjoy all year round. One of the easiest ways to revamp an old conservatory is to replace the roof with a modern, energy-efficient option such as a solid tiled roof or a thermally efficient glass roof.
Replacing the roof of your conservatory can help to regulate temperature and reduce energy bills while also creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere. You can also consider adding new windows or doors, updating the flooring, or adding insulation to improve the energy efficiency of the space.
Adding new furniture, lighting, and decor can also help to transform the conservatory into a functional and stylish living space that you can enjoy for years to come.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Conservatory?
The life expectancy of a conservatory can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of materials used, the level of maintenance, and the frequency of use.
A well-built conservatory made from high-quality materials such as uPVC or aluminium can last for several decades, with regular maintenance and repairs. However, poor installation or lack of maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of a conservatory.
Factors such as extreme weather conditions, exposure to natural light, and general wear and tear can also affect the longevity of a conservatory. To ensure the maximum lifespan of your conservatory, it’s essential to choose a reputable installer, use high-quality materials, and perform regular maintenance and repairs as needed.
What can I turn my Conservatory into?
A conservatory can be a versatile space that can be converted into various functional areas depending on your needs and preferences. One popular option is to turn a conservatory into a living room or a family room, providing a comfortable and cosy space to relax and entertain guests.
Alternatively, you can transform your conservatory into a dining room, providing a unique and stylish setting for meals with family and friends. A conservatory can also be converted into a home office or a study, providing a quiet and comfortable space for work or study.
For those who love gardening, a conservatory can be transformed into a greenhouse or a plant-filled oasis, allowing you to indulge in your love for plants all year round. With a little creativity and the right design, you can turn your conservatory into a functional and stylish space that adds value and enjoyment to your home.
Can you Dismantle a Conservatory?
Yes, it is possible to dismantle a conservatory. However, it is a complex and challenging process that should only be undertaken by professionals with experience in conservatory removals.
The process involves carefully removing each component of the conservatory, including the windows, doors, roof panels, and frame, and then disassembling them for transportation.
Once the conservatory has been dismantled, it can be disposed of, recycled, or rebuilt in a new location. It’s essential to ensure that the dismantling process is carried out carefully and safely to avoid damage to the conservatory components and any surrounding structures. Hiring a professional conservatory removal company is recommended to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
Conservatory Refurbishment Ideas
There are a lot of refurbishment ideas when considering your options, but the above list should help get you started!
Pinterest has a lot of conservatory refurbishment ideas for you to browse if you are stuck for inspiration.
What to do with an old Conservatory? The last word!
We hope you have enjoyed this article and are now well equipped with conservatory refurbishment ideas. We have discussed the most popular refurbishment ideas in the industry.
As a recap, when wondering how to transform your old space, the below 7 ideas are cost-effective and will revamp your existing space:
- Insulate the walls
- Change the glass
- Make it open plan
- Roof replacement
- Change the frames
- Add bifold doors
- Turn it into an Orangery
If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Alternatively, you can browse more from our blog and learn more handy tips such as how to clean inside double glazed windows, the uPVC vs Aluminium debate: which is best? And how to utilise your conservatory all year round.
About the Author
Richard Vaughan
Sales ExecutiveI made the decision to join BJH Windows in August 2007. I love the warm friendly working atmosphere that you truly only get with a small family run business. As part of the sales team, my job is extremely varied; dealing with enquiries right through to design, surveying, ordering and installation. My interests include cycling and canoeing although I find motorcycling very enjoyable.
