How Smart Film Can Transform Your Conservatory into a Year-Round Space
A conservatory is often one of the most treasured spaces in the home. Its abundance of natural light and connection to the garden offer a sense of tranquillity and comfort. However, many homeowners in the UK find that their conservatory can become either too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, making it difficult to enjoy it throughout the year.
So, what can you do?
Well, one of the effective solutions available today is to use smart film or smart glass. But what exactly are these technologies, and how can they benefit your conservatory? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Smart Film?
Smart film is a type of switchable glass film that can be applied to windows or glass panels to control light, heat, and privacy. It can be easily installed on your existing glass conservatory roof or windows, and with the flip of a switch, it can change from clear to frosted or tinted. The most popular smart film is PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), which is powered by electricity to alter the film’s appearance.
While smart film is commonly used for privacy in offices or homes, its benefits go far beyond just keeping prying eyes away. It can help regulate the conditions in your conservatory, reduce glare, and even protect your furniture from fading. But how exactly does it do all of this? Let us explain.
How Switchable Glass Film Works?
1. Temperature Control
One of the biggest challenges faced by conservatory owners is the temperature fluctuations that occur throughout the year. During the summer months, the glass roof can trap heat, causing the room to become uncomfortably hot. In winter, the lack of insulation in the glass can result in cold drafts.
Smart film helps to create a more comfortable environment inside your conservatory. In the summer, when the sun is at its peak, the film can be set to a tinted or frosted setting, reducing the amount of solar radiation entering your conservatory and keeping it cooler. In addition, smart film can block around 30% of infrared (IR) light and 99% of UV rays, helping reduce heat build-up and preventing furniture from fading.
2. Energy Efficiency
Conservatories, especially older ones, often suffer from poor insulation, which can lead to higher energy use as homeowners try to regulate the temperature. Smart film can help reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems, which may result in some savings over time.
3. Glare Reduction
Natural light is one of the main reasons people love their conservatories. However, direct sunlight can sometimes be too harsh, leading to glare that makes it uncomfortable to spend time in the space.
When in its frosted/off state, smart film can help reduce glare while still allowing natural light to filter through, making the room more pleasant to use without darkening it completely.
4. Privacy
Privacy is another key concern for conservatory owners, particularly if your space is located near a busy road or overlooked by neighbours. While traditional blinds or curtains can offer some privacy, they often block out natural light, making the room feel closed off and dark.
With smart film, you can adjust the level of privacy with ease. If you want to block the view from outside, simply switch the film to a frosted or opaque setting. This ensures you can relax or entertain guests without worrying about prying eyes, while still enjoying the view outside when the film is clear.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Smart film also adds a sleek aesthetic. With its smooth, minimalist appearance, smart film can give your conservatory a more sophisticated look. Whether you opt for a clear, frosted, or tinted film, it will blend seamlessly with your existing décor, complementing the design of the room.
If you have a conservatory with an older, dated design, installing smart film can give it an instant upgrade. It can help modernise the space without the need for costly renovations. Plus, the ability to change the appearance of the film gives you complete control over the ambience of the room.
6. Easy to Install and Maintain
Another advantage of smart film is that it’s easy to install. Unlike replacing your conservatory windows with new smart glass, applying a film is a cost-effective and hassle-free solution. The film can be applied directly to your existing windows and glass panels, and it doesn’t require any major construction work.
Note: While smart film offers flexibility, it isn’t as durable as smart glass. For those seeking a long-term solution, smart glass is often the more reliable choice.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to make your conservatory a year-round space, smart film is definitely worth considering. By improving comfort, helping reduce glare, increasing privacy, and offering a sleek aesthetic, smart film can help transform your conservatory into a space you can enjoy all year round.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing with family, or using the space as a home office, smart film provides the flexibility and comfort you need. It’s a practical upgrade that will make your conservatory a true extension of your home, no matter the season.
To get the best quality smart film in the UK, connect with our team. At SmartPro, we are dedicated to offering our best services and solutions regarding smart glass and its innovative technologies. Book a call from our expert today!