Why Is My Conservatory So Noisy When It’s Raining

There are certain things in life that just instantly put you in a bad mood...and rain drops on a conservatory roof are certainly one of those things. In at least a few seconds, the drops go from being a somewhat quiet, somewhat peaceful sound to an irritating high-decibel thought-blocking wall. I don’t think I’m the only one that’s encountered this phenomenon. It’s also one of the most common complaints people have about their conservatory, which begs the question: Why don’t more people warn people about it?

Why does this happen, and what can even be done about it?

It Has a Lot to Do with the Roof in this case, the honest answer is: almost everything has to do with what’s above your head. A conservatory roof behaves very differently than the roof of the rest of the house because it is generally a single, lightweight, flexible material covering a lot of open space and contrasts with a traditional roof consisting of several materials including tiles that are dense and heavy, insulation, timber and plasterboard. Rain hitting tiles really doesn’t translate into a lot of sound that makes it into the room because there are lots of materials/layers to help absorb and dampen the sound. A conservatory roof, however, typically has the roofing material covering it and you from the elements.

It's important to note, however, that it isn't just the roof.

Early models of polycarbonate conservatories tend to have the most issues with noise, and unfortunately, it is polycarbonate that has the biggest drawback in this case. The pros of polycarbonate are that it is very lightweight, cost-effective, and simple. That said, polycarbonate has some serious flaws. Firstly, polycarbonate is rather thin and rigid. It responds to impacts shed rainwater impacts the same way drum skins do.

Secondly, polycarbonate is notoriously bad for soundproofing due to its construction. Polycarbonate is made of several walls nested in one another. This construction actually helps with thermal insulation but serves no purpose for soundproofing.

Glass conservatory roofs tend to work better for this problem.

Polycarbonate is more dense than glass, so it’s less likely to resonate in the way that polycarbonate does. Also, most modern glazed units tend to have laminated layers, so they fare much better for sound insulation. Recently there has been a push towards warm roof conservatories. These replace the original roofs made of polycarbonate or glass. The traditional roofs are replaced with a solid, insulated roof that is lined with plasterboard to match the interior of the house. These roofs tend to be much more effective for temperature control but are also the cheapest options for noise control.

Why Insulation Matters More Than People Expect

The difference between noise and sound is measured by what is outside the material and behind it. Sound insulation incorporates density (‘mass’) with air gaps and layers that dampen vibration. Polycarbonate or glass as a single layer has little to obstruct, so rain sounds direct and unfiltered.

Thus, some people report noticeably improved conditions after the installation of an internal ceiling (or a conservatory roof lining). A lining doesn't change the conditions of a roof, so it won't make rain quiet completely, but an internal ceiling does improve conditions by providing a layer of insulation and an air gap.

Living With the Roof You Have

You may think a full roof replacement may not be an option for you financially. Fortunately, there are short term solutions. Adding soft furnishings, rugs, and thick curtains can lessen the amount of sound that gets through the roof. Sound can escape through the roof, but also get through smaller gaps surrounding it. 

Weighing Up Your Options

A lined ceiling may solve the issue for some. For others, only a fully insulated roof will do the trick. It will all depend on the construction of the conservatory, how badly it bothers you to have it installed, and your budget, of course.

A hot conservatory is not an indication of a bad build. Most conservatories were built prioritising light over heat control. Once you understand how your conservatory heats up, it’s easier to decide the priorities for your conservatory, whether it's a few adjustments to how you use the conservatory or a more significant upgrade to the roof and glazing.

If you’re considering changing to a tiled conservatory roof, get in touch with Smart Conservatory Solutions. Our experienced team can answer your questions, explain the options available and help you decide on the right solution for your conservatory. And have a range of payment options to suit your financial needs.