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Conservatory Cooling Questions
Certain Solar Insert type products, using similar names to our famous 'POLYCOOL' registered and trademarked brand, proport to be similar to Polycool.
As the market leader of Solar Inserts renowned for our unique sputter coating technology over the last decade, we must state that Polycool is NOT associated in anyway with these products or companies. Inferior products do NOT invite comparison with the Polycool Solar Control Insert.
To learn more about the differences in film technology and manufacturing processes please click here.
Click on the questions below to reveal their answers.
- Is Polycool expensive?
No! Polycool Solar Control Systems are the most cost effective way to ‘cool your conservatory’, during our ‘long hot summers’ and keep your conservatory noticeably ‘warmer in the winter’ .
- How does the Polycool system work and how do I know it will work in my conservatory?
Polycool Solar Control Systems are based on similar technology developed by the ‘American space programme’ to control heat build-up . The Polycool System reflects ‘up to 85% of the suns solar energy’ from the interior of your conservatory, reducing excessive heat build-up and creating a more comfortable environment.
- Is Polycool guaranteed?
Yes! We GUARANTEE that; -
- Polycool will outlast your roof!
- Polycool has a Lifetime Gurantee
- Fitted correctly Polycool will reduce the temperature substantially during the hot periods as we have described, if not we will refund your money.
- Is Polycool easy to install?
Yes! Polycool inserts are designed to be easily and quickly fitted on a D.I.Y basis, Polycool is supplied complete with easy to follow instructions and a full fitting kit. You will usually only need;
- A pair of steps
- A pair of scissors
- A screwdriver
If you prefer Polycool have fully experienced fitting teams available, if you wish to avail our services please telephone for further information and a personal quotation. (Refer to Contact Us)
- Will Polycool fit my conservatory roof?
- What are the differences between Sputter coated and Vapor - 'Vacuum' coated inserts?
Polycool inserts are constructed using the latest ‘sputter coated technology’, using aluminium base metals embedded into the polyester film.
This is extremely relevant . With Vapor or vacuum coated solar inserts the metal lies on top of the polyester, this can cause uneven coating, leading to surface irregularities, visual imperfections, shading and more importantly demetalisation and delaminating. Initial tests indicate that these inserts can be up to 20% less efficient then Polycool inserts. (Film warranties are typically no longer than 5 years for this type of product).
With Polycool’s ‘sputtered film technologies’ the metal particles are embedded into the polyester, one atom at a time, leading to a more even coating, superior appearance, better visual quality and colour stability, and a longer lifespan than Vacuum Coated inserts. This is why we give a lifetime guarantee for Polycool products.
Click this link to see the differences between the two film construction processes.
Click this link to learn more about the differences between Polycool & other cheaper films.
- Can I view the product installed?
Polycool have several show conservatories available for you to view. Our conservatories are fully installed with Polycool Solar Control Inserts (Silver and Gold). To visit us in the glorious setting of the Warwickshire countryside, please telephone for an appointment. (Refer to Contact us for hours of business).
- How should Polycool inserts be fitted within my roof?
From our extensive research and development experience we suggest fitting the Polycool inserts in the top channel of your polycarbonate roof.
Standard polycarbonate roofs (including 16mm, 20mm and 25mm thick), benefit from having the inserts installed in a U shape, for maximum performance, efficiency and practicality, (especially if you have minimal access to the end of the channels or fitting around gutters, - reducing the possibility of creasing the film when sliding up the channel and helping to diffuse the dazzling effect when viewed from above).
Everlite, Ultralite 500 and other wide-span roof systems will in some cases require guttering to be removed, giving you access to install the Polycool inserts.
Because the top channel depth exceeds 25mm we suggest fitting the inserts in an inverted U shape (n). This will make the inserts more efficient and easier to install.
(N.B The above recommendations are for standard polycarbonate roofs only).
If your roof differs to a standard rectangular box section as displayed in ‘finding your type/style of polycarbonate roof’ our recommendation is to fit the inserts in the nearest available top cavity (cavity closest to the exterior side of the roof panel). Polycool inserts are flexible and have an ultra high tensile strength so you can fit them in either a U shape or inverted U shape (n). Polycool Solar Control inserts adapt to most styles of polycarbonate roof systems, making fitting practical and does not affect performance or (polycool) guarantees. For further fitting information please refer to the Installation guide or contact us on 01789 766880 or email pol@polycool.co.uk, open 7 days a week (see hours of business).
- What colours are Polycool Solar Control inserts available in and are there any performance differences?
Polycool inserts are available in Silver and Gold; both are ultra high performance films and equally reduce heat build-up and cool the conservatory. Reducing the suns glare, harmful UV rays and keep your conservatory warmer in the Winter.
Polycool inserts unique specification is bespoke only to Conservatory Cooling Ltd.
Bekaert films, one of the largest manufacturers worldwide of film, produce Polycool polyester film to our requested specification in two unique colours; -
Silver/Silver; for customers who prefer a more ‘natural’ light within their conservatories.
Gold/Silver, for customers who prefer a brighter ‘natural’ environment with additional glare reduction and a pleasing gold effect at night, which reflects delightfully when the light is turned on!! Research tells us, that our customers prefer a ‘lighter gold effect’, which can compliment their wood or wood effect conservatory construction.
We have deliberately commissioned a Gold/Silver film because it allows more natural light into the conservatory than a Gold/Gold insert.
- Will Polycool Solar Control Inserts make my conservatory much darker?
No! In summer, with silver Polycool fitted within a clear polycarbonate roof the ambient light reduction is typically 5%. (This may vary on roof construction or if you have a tinted/opaque roof and in winter light conditions) Gold Polycool will be slightly darker.
- Will Polycool damage my polycarbonate/PVC roof panels?
No! Polycool inserts actually enhance the performance of your roof and will not cause any damage to the polycarbonate or PVC panels.
In addition, the majority of polycarbonate and PVC roof materials are treated with a UV coating that will protect the top surface of the polycarbonate and reduce the rate of deteriation. If your roof has discoloured in sections you will find that the roof panel has either been put on the conservatory the wrong way around (hence discolouring as the UV protection is on the other side) or the UV protective layer has started to break down. Fitted correctly Polycool inserts will reflect the solar energy and reduce UV penetration, Polycool inserts do not negatively effect the roofing material.
This is why Polycool inserts are recommended by the leading polycarbonate and PVC roof manufacturers, who advise their customers to use solar inserts as the most effective solution to reduce overheating in conservatories. For any further information on this area, please feel free to contact our technical team.
- Are there any advantages in the Winter?
During the winter months with Polycool inserts fitted, the ambient room temperature is increased by re-radiating the heat that has built up during the day, and slowing the lapse rate at night.
Without Polycool fitted ‘typically 85% of the heat build-up’ is released through the roof to the cold winter night! – Fit Polycool and within a few days your conservatory will retain more daytime heat and feel warmer.
- How does Polycool compare to roof blinds?
Polycool is less expensive, maintenance free, and clean. Blinds will not stop the heat build-up, they attract dirt, insects and require constant maintenance. Polycool will stop excessive heat build-up, ‘reduce glare by up to 87%’ and eliminate Ultra Violet light by up to 98% (Silver) and 99% (Gold).
Roof blinds sandwich the hot air between the roof and blind, allowing heat to build-up. Polycool inserts fitted within the roof, expel ‘up to 85% of the solar energy’ thus helping to prevent heat build-up and require ‘no maintenance’. Polycool will help prevent your furnishings fading and make your conservatory ‘a more comfortable environment to enjoy’.
- How much will Polycool cost for my conservatory?
By using our online quotation facility or calling us on 01789 766880 with your conservatory dimensions (as displayed in ‘Finding your type/style of conservatory) you can obtain an immediate quotation for your individual conservatory.
Polycool is the most cost effective method to cool your conservatory in the summer and help keep warmer in the winter. Polycool inserts are relatively inexpensive and outstanding value for money.
- Do you have a product for glass-roofed conservatories?
By using our online quotation facility or calling us on 01789 766880 with your conservatory dimensions (as displayed in ‘Finding your type/style of conservatory) you can obtain an immediate quotation for your individual conservatory.
Polycool can provide a solar laminate film for glass-roofed conservatories, reducing heat gain by up to 56% and rejecting UV rays by up to 98%. (Suitable for certain types of single glazed roofs) Please contact us for further information.
- Will plants grow in my conservatory?
Yes! – With Polycool fitted the reduction in heat and near elimination of Ultra Violet light within the conservatory creates ‘a more comfortable environment conducive to plant growth’.
- Is Polycool supplied on a D.I.Y basis?
- Do Polycool offer an after sales service?
Yes! Our experienced and qualified team are available on Polycool’s helpline to assist you with any technical help or advice you may require instantly - 7 days a week (Summer), (See office hours – Contact Us). Technical support line 01789 766880 or send us an email pol@polycool.co.uk.
- Do Polycool have a fitting service?
Our experienced Polycool installation technicians are fully trained and highly skilled. We do not use ‘part time installers’ who may not have the skills and experience required to remove panelling or gutters. Our Polycool fitting teams are friendly, reliable and our fitting prices are extremely competitive nationwide.
If you wish to avail our services please telephone for further information and a personal quotation on 01789 766880 or email your request pol@polycool.co.uk
Installing Polycool
- Will Polycool reduce glare?
Yes! – Polycool will ‘reduce both glare and harmful UV rays by up to 99%’.
- Can Polycool be fitted to Everlite, Ultralite 500 or similar wide span conservatory roof systems?
Yes! Please refer to ‘Finding the type/style of your conservatory roof’. Polycool inserts will fit most conservatory roof systems. Please contact our technical support line – 01789 766880 for further assistance.
- Will I experience any condensation within my roof?
Creating a U-shape within the roofing channel, - polycool’s ‘air gap’, - allows dissipation of moisture and condensation. Moisture is inevitably present in the air within roof cavities and can occasionally condense within the polycarbonate channels, (particularly in Spring and Autumn when early morning and night time air temperatures are lower), - and the ambient temperatures increase during the day, sometimes forming condensation within the polycarbonate channels.
Standing water in gutters will not usually cause condensation, particularly if your conservatory has been constructed properly and correctly fitted with breather tape and panel end cappings.
If a lean to conservatory has been constructed without the correct ‘fall/angle pitch’ it is possible in certain cases for capillary action to ingest moisture into the roof channels. Polycool inserts in fact, help “burn off” condensation within the channels.
- Will a salesman call?
Not at all! – If you require any further assistance or information our customer services team are readily available to assist you on 01789 766880 or email us pol@polycool.co.uk
