With rising global temperatures and a growing focus on climate change, the UK government has updated its conservatory overheating policy under Document Part O: Overheating. This new regulation aims to prevent homes, including conservatories, from becoming uncomfortably hot in summer. If you’re planning a conservatory design, orangery, or glass room extension, it’s essential to understand how these changes impact your project.
What is the Conservatory Overheating Policy?
From June 2022, all new-build properties must comply with strict conservatory overheating policies. The policy limits glazing ratios to ensure homes do not become uninhabitable due to excessive summer heat. Developers must either adhere to specific window size limits based on floor space or pass one of two detailed modelling tests. These tests consider factors such as:
- Room size and floor area relative to window size
- Window orientation and exposure to sunlight
- Ventilation and shading options
- Local climate conditions
This means that glass extensions, particularly those integrated into new-build homes, will need to meet these stricter compliance standards.
How Does The Conservatory Overheating Policy Impact Your Glass Extension?
If you’re planning a glass extension on a new-build property, you may need to reduce the amount of glazing in your design to comply with the new overheating policy. However, for those who dream of a stunning, floor-to-ceiling glass space, there is a solution—our high performance glass – New Generation Glass.
New Generation Glass (NGG) – The Key to Compliance
At Room Outside, we offer an advanced glazing solution that allows you to enjoy your new space whatever the weather while meeting overheating regulations. Our exclusive New Generation Glass (NGG) is engineered to regulate temperature, reduce glare, and protect against harmful UV rays.
Benefits of New Generation Glass
- Reduces Summer Heat: Blocks up to 86% of solar radiation, preventing excessive heat buildup.
- Improves Insulation: Retains warmth in winter with a U-Value below 1.0 for enhanced energy efficiency.
- Minimises Glare & UV Exposure: Protects furnishings and interiors from fading while improving comfort.
- Enhances Energy Efficiency: Features Low-E coating and Argon gas-filled double glazing for superior thermal performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Special polymeric resin treatment repels dirt and staining for easier cleaning.
Designing Your Dream Glass Extension Within Regulations
By incorporating NGG into your conservatory, orangery, or frameless glass extension, you can achieve compliance with overheating regulations while maximising natural light and open-plan living. Our expert designers can help tailor a solution that meets both your aesthetic preferences and the new policy requirements.
Future-Proofing Against Expanding Regulations
While Document Part O currently applies to new-build properties, there is growing speculation that future updates may extend these restrictions to all properties. Investing in high-performance glass now ensures your extension remains compliant for years to come.
Find Out More
To learn how New Generation Glass can help you achieve your dream conservatory while complying with overheating regulations, visit Room Outside. Watch our Tunnel of Heat demonstration video to see NGG’s performance in action.
