This article asks: can I get a grant to insulate my conservatory? CorePro Systems are conservatory insulation specialists working throughout the UK installing insulated conservatory roof panels. Find out more about the green homes grant and conservatory roofs which qualify for the grant.

Is A New Conservatory Roof Included In The Green Homes Grant?

When assessing the Green Homes Grant for Conservatory Roofing, it can be tricky to assess what is eligible. Typically, a conservatory that is separate from the main house isn't often included in the EPC criteria rating; however, a conservatory that isn't separate from their home will be included and eligible.

Separate conservatories are those with dividing walls or solid doors installed between the main property and the conservatory. Nothing of this is confirmed, yet we can attest to the fact that a property's EPC rating is a solid, measurable indicator of how energy-efficient the overall home or building is.

Therefore, any household enhancement project eligible will vastly increase the EPC rating of the property, displaying a clear difference. It is highly unlikely that conservatory roof or cavity wall insulation is a vital feature included in the low-income scheme.

Companies are still awaiting more details on which projects adequately qualify for eligibility. On the other hand, the good news is that vouchers are offered for a broad range of other energy-efficient improvement measures. You may want to invest your money into other projects and improvements that will allow for more low-carbon heat measures, smart heating controls, energy-efficient doors and other cheaper solutions to save money. 

ARE CONSERVATORIES WORTH UPGRADING?

What is the Green Homes Grant?

The Green Grant Scheme was offered to homeowners in the form of a voucher. It is particularly aimed at aiding around 600,000 or more homeowners throughout England in ensuring their homes are more energy-efficient through existing insulation replacements and additional loft insulation instalments.

The government curated a scheme that was intended to cut energy bills down to its minimum seasonal performance factor and ensure jobs for numerous local trades involved in the scheme and its refurbishing projects. It was an initial step towards the UK's zero carbon target, implying the need to reduce carbon emissions by the year 2050. The scheme currently does not include Wales, Scotland or Ireland.

The UK government added that any home improvement projects that were applied for when the grant was first launched on September 1st will still be honoured to ensure these homes are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The scheme has since been replaced due to poor design and management; however, home improvements will still be made to those who had applied. 

Do all conservatory roofs qualify?

When the Green Homes Grant scheme was initially launched, many were confused about whether or not conservatory roofs were eligible to qualify, as there was much ambiguity. The scheme's agenda began as a way to enhance the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), which is an assessment criterion used to rate the construction and quality of domestic homes and conservatories across the country.

Over the years, many in the field found that the needs and requirements written into the criteria were not adequately met, so the scheme was developed to change that fact. Often conservatories weren't classified as an active part of the household or main home, so the EPC rating process overlooked some models due to their design.

Suppose you have a conservatory that is separated and not directly connected to the main house via a solid wall with a sliding glass door, allowing you to open it to get inside. It is, unfortunately, not regarded as part of the dwelling when it comes to an EPC assessment. As the conservatory is physically separated, any energy efficiency improvements you make on replacing the roof or adding double or triple-glazing insulation to the structure for the sake of energy-efficient won't affect your home or its heating bills.

These additional features, therefore, mean your conservatory won't be eligible for a Green Homes Grant nor improve its EPC rating. Alternatively, if your conservatory is connected and classed as part of your main home without any clear separation from your dwelling, it will often qualify as eligible for a Green Homes Grant and a brand-new refurbished conservatory roof. 

The newly used materials for conservatory roof construction can often provide a much cooler temperature to cope with the warmer seasons, filtering out all the heat, and in the winter, offers a much warmer room that conceals heat inside, meaning you won't need roof blinds or extra process heating. These products can also reduce or even remove the problem of condensation.

Living in the UK means many of us are accustomed to dull, cloudy weather and grey skies, so you'll find that your conservatory can be an ideal spot for those dark winter months, as it is perhaps the only way to achieve sufficient natural light. However, most conservatories, especially older builds, are simply too cold to exist in for comfort; the old-style ceiling and single-glazing glass walls allow for draughts and cold air to permeate, contributing to an unpleasant temperature and plenty of condensation.

On the other hand, new insulation materials ensure your home has reduced its reliance on extra heating. You'll find that you can successfully avoid the process of having to install costly underfloor heating, turn off your radiators, and enjoy a much warmer conservatory, a lack of condensation and lower energy bills. Focus on primary measures that need to be completed to lower your carbon footprint and lock in the heat as opposed to secondary measures.