FAQs

Conservatory Upgrades

Solar Inserts

Q: Are Insu inserts expensive?
No – while costs vary with size, style and complexity of your conservatory it will always be a small percentage of the original cost of the conservatory. It is certainly the most cost effective way to turn your conservatory into a year round 'comfort zone'.

Q: Will the panels need to be removed?
The panels will only need to be removed if the ends cannot be accessed such as at a valley or gutter or if roof vents are fitted. Insu fitters are trained to ensure any removal of panels is done correctly and no damage is caused in doing so. On some conservatories this job may be complex.

Q: Can Insu solar inserts be fitted to any polycarbonate roof structure?
Yes, our consultant will specify the correct insert for your conservatory to ensure maximum performance.

Q: Are different colour inserts available?
Insu inserts are silver. This gives maximum solar heat and glare performance and light, and the most natural appearance to the roof and is therefore the most popular choice. The colour is also neutral for a roof and will not date.

Q: The figures stated are amazing, is there evidence to say it works?
The performance of the Insu inserts has been assessed by the Rosenheim Test Laboratory in Germany. As far as we are aware Insu inserts are the only ones to be independently tested! Of course we have hundreds of customers who testify they are impressed and happy with the performance (click for testimonials section).

Q: Why don't new conservatories have inserts fitted as standard?
Unless consumers have experienced typical conservatory living, they are not aware of the excesses of heat, glare fading etc., therefore inserts are not deemed as a selling point for them. Specifying an insert enhanced roof would add cost.

Q: How do Insu Solar Inserts provide the most effective solution to solar heat in Polycarbonate roofed conservatories?
The unique patented shape of Insu solar inserts, with its flat top directly below the outside of the roof, reflects solar heat out before it can enter the glazing. In contrast to blinds where the heat is already inside the conservatory before it meets the blind.

Q: I understand that you only have one colour, why is this?
It is essential for effectiveness that the sun's heat is reflected out efficiently before it can enter the conservatory, and that the product has good light transmission.

The colour of the Insu Solar Inserts is an indication of the fact that it preferentially reflects heat whilst providing excellent light. The sun's solar heat is in the 'Infra red' region of the spectrum, which means it is beyond the sensitivity of our eyes. It is in this region that Insu heat reflectors are active.

We do not achieve a complete cut off between the Infra red and visible spectrum with our product and therefore lose a little of the red of the colour spectrum. This means that the blue end of the visible spectrum predominates and this explains why our product has a blue tint. It is a conformation that it is working well and is reflecting the 'Infra Red' solar heat out, and letting the light in.

There are products that have tints, which are achieved through the use of a dye. The problem with dyes is that they absorb solar heat and light. As a result they become hot, which can lead to cracking and stressing of the glazing and they also have lower light transmission. Consequently they do not efficiently reflect heat, have poor performance, and are less effective at reducing summer temperatures.

Q: What is the life expectancy of Insu Solar Inserts?
Because they are encapsulated within the structure of the Polycabonate panels, and therefore fully protected against the weather their life is the same as the roof glazed panels – twenty five years

Q: How do Insu Solar Inserts help prevent fading and control glare?
Insu Solar inserts contain Ultra-violet filters to cut our 99% of ultra violet rays to help protect furnishing from fading, and to protect the skin.

They have a unique construction, which provides a tint to reduce glare without unduly diminishing light transmission. Please refer to question 2 for the details of this.

Q: How effective are Insu Solar Inserts, in contrast to blinds, and what are their advantages over blinds?

  • Solar Inserts differ in many ways. Firstly because they are integrated within the glazing they have much higher performance – they exclude up to 85% of the sun's heat, in contrast to a maximum of 50 % for blinds. The reason for this is simple! Solar laminates stop the heat before it enters the conservatory, in contrast to blinds where the heat has entered the conservatory before it meets the blind.
  • Because they are integrated within the glazing system they do not attract dirt, and dead insects therefore the only cleaning necessary is what you would normally undertake for cleaning the glazing.
  • Solar laminates are permanently fixed; they are not mechanical so there is no need to operate. This means that the conservatory is always protected against the heat, glare and fading. There is no need to remember to pull down the blinds when you go out, and you will never find that the plants have frazzled when you return home from shopping or a day out.
  • They are not mechanical so have much greater life expectancy, and require no maintenance.
  • Unlike blinds they do not block out the view. You have clear natural unobstructed vision out so that you can enjoy the view of trees and the sky and the experience of outdoor living while being protected from the weather in your conservatory.
  • Blinds clutter up the appearance of the conservatory, Insu Solar inserts do not change the appearance apart for a light tint.
  • They have significantly greater life expectancy - equal to the life of the glazing panels.

Q: Will the Insu Solar Inserts affect the growth of my plants in the conservatory?
The sun's rays that affect plant growth are in the visible region of the colour spectrum and there is plenty of light to ensure vigorous growth.

Q: Do Insu Solar Inserts affect the light?
There is a minor reduction in light transmission, which is necessary to control Summer Glare, but this is not generally noticeable because the eye can accommodate changes in lighting conditions. The only time that changes in light will be noticeable is when the lighting conditions are marginal. For example: on dull winter's afternoons, when you generally have the lights on anyway, and during the short period of transition, between day to night.

Q: Why are Solar films Unsuitable for installation onto Polycarbonate roofs?
Solar film products have a contraction and expansion rate equal to that of glass, since this is the material that they were designed to be bonded to. Polycarbonate on the other hand has a much higher expansion and contraction rate. If a Solar film is mounted onto Polycarbonate the film is stretched when the sun is on the glazing because the roof glazing expands, at night, or when the roof cools it contracts. Because the expansion/contraction coefficients are not compatible the film bunches when the roof contracts which leads to an unsightly appearance and enables water to percolate behind the film leading to deterioration of the adhesive, and the film. The life expectancy in the UK climate is reduced to three to five years which is unacceptably low, apart from the unsightly appearance.

Q: I understand that PVC films such as Coolcoat can be used on polycarbonate.
The more pliable Plasticised PVC materials used in the construction of Coolcoat materials enables them to stretch when the polycarbonate roof expands. However with time the plasticisers, which are used to provide this pliability, migrate out and the PVC becomes brittle. PVC also has relatively poor longevity when subjected to the sun's rays and can become opaque, in the final stages of deterioration it turns purple at which time it becomes a heat absorber, this deep colour absorbs the sun and causes further acceleration of the deterioration process.

When new Coolcoat is not transparent but opaque, and it therefore significantly reduces light.

Q: What are the benefits of the unique design of the Insu Solar Inserts with their channel shape?
The channel shape Solar insert is simply slid into each polycarbonate roof cavity. It is not attached in any way to the panel, therefore as the panel contracts and expands the Solar insert simply slides within the cavity.

The unique shape has a splayed wing, which is sprung into the cavity. It is therefore firmly held within the cavity space but also has low friction because of the small contact area at the bottom of the wing. As a result the Insu Solar insert can be easily installed up to lengths of 7 metres without the need for rods or lubricating spray which are necessary when fitting the low cost flexible tapes used by some other companies. This is important as it ensures that there is no possibility of light penetration, which is a problem with some of the flexible tapes, or discolouration due to silicon spray in the cavities.


Solar Laminates

Q: Will the solar laminate affect the growth of my plants in the conservatory?
The suns rays that affect plant growth are in the visible region of the colour spectrum and there is plenty of light to ensure vigorous growth

Q: I have heard that solar films similar to those fitted in offices could cause cracking of the glass panels under certain circumstances?
Many solar films absorb a significant amount of the solar heat which means that they can heat up the inner glazing panel of a double glazing unit causing thermal stress which may lead to cracking of the inner pane.

Insu solar laminates are completely different to window film products. They are much more substantial and as they function principally by reflecting solar energy out before it enters the conservatory, they do not absorb significant amounts of heat and are perfectly safe when fitted to glazing.

Because Insu Solar laminates have low absorption they are safe to fit internally where they provide winter insulation. External Insu Solar Laminates reflect the suns heat out before it enters the glazing so the glazing panel is actually kept cooler that it would otherwise be.

Q: Do Solar Laminates affect the light?

There is a minor reduction in light transmission, which is necessary to control Summer Glare, but this is not generally noticeable because the eye can accommodates changes in lighting conditions. The only time that changes in light will be noticeable is when the lighting conditions are marginal. For example: on dull winter’s afternoons when you have the lights on anyway, and during the short period of transition between day to night.

Q: How effective are solar laminates in contrast to blinds and what are their advantages over blinds?

  • Solar Laminates differ in many ways. Firstly because they are integrated within the glazing they have much higher performance – they exclude up to 85 % of the suns heat in contrast to a maximum of 50 % for blinds. The reason for this is simple! Solar laminates stop the heat before it enters the conservatory, in contrast to blinds where the heat has entered the conservatory before it meets the blind.
  • Because they are integrated within the glazing system they do not attract dirt, and dead insects therefore the only cleaning necessary is what you would normally undertake for the glazing.
  • Solar laminates are permanently fixed; they are not mechanical so there is no need to operate. This means that the conservatory is always protected against the heat, glare and fading. There is no need to remember to pull down the blinds when you go out, and to find that the plants have frazzled when you return home from shopping or a day out.
  • They are not mechanical so have much greater life expectancy, and require no maintenance.
  • Unlike blinds they do not block out the view. You have clear natural unobstructed vision out so that you can enjoy the view of trees and the sky and the experience of outdoor living while being protected from the weather in your conservatory.
  • Blinds clutter the appearance of the conservatory, Solar laminates do not alter the appearance except for a light tint.
  • They have significantly greater life expectancy - equal to the life of the glazing panels.

Q: Do I need to exercise any special care when clean?
Insu Solar Laminates are tough and have a life expectancy of twenty years if cleaned as recommended, many have a scratch resistant surface that has a similar toughness to glass.

We recommend that you use a soft cloth and a window-cleaning squeegee, and avoid the use of any abrasive cleaners.

Q: How durable are External Laminates?
Insu Solar Laminates have been patented by, and are unique to Insu. In situations of severe solar overheating the product is the only solution to controlling temperatures because it is critical to stop the sun’s heat before it enters the glazing.

They have a unique durable external weatherable surface based of Poly Vinyl Fluoride, one of the most durable polymers known. This is used in the most demanding of situations for example: Aircraft Fuselages, Truck bodies, and to protect external graphics from the weather, salt and spray.

Q: What is the life expectancy of Insu Solar laminates?

Their life is the same as the life expectancy of the Double glazed units – twenty years.

Q: I understand that a problem with solar films is lifting of the edges. Is this a problem with Insu Solar Laminates?
Solar films are a product that is fitted to commercial buildings, often with sub-contract Labour who have not been well trained because high quality of installation is not critical in this environment?

Solar films are not a product that is suitable for Domestic Conservatories, because domestic conservatories require the highest standard of quality, finish and excellent transparency.

Insu Solar laminates are a totally different product which is more robust, durable and is of a much higher quality. Our fitters are directly employed, they are not sub contracted. We pay special attention to installation and finish including in some cases, sealing of our product to the glazing to provide a weather-tight fit.

Q: I understand that you only have one colour, why is this?
It is essential for effectiveness that the sun's heat is reflected out before it can enter the conservatory and that the product has good light transmission.

The colour of the Insu product is an indication of the fact that it preferentially reflecting heat whilst providing excellent light. The sun's solar heat is in the 'Infra red' region of the spectrum, which means it is beyond the sensitivity of our eyes, above the red in the colour spectrum. This is where Insu heat reflectors are active.

We do not achieve a complete cut off between the Infra red and visible spectrum with our product and therefore lose a little of the red of the spectrum. This means that the blue end of the visible spectrum predominates and this explains why our product has a blue tint. It is a conformation that it is working well and is reflecting the 'Infra Red' solar heat out, and letting the light in.

There are products such as solar films that have tints. The tint is achieved through the use of a dye. The problem with dyes is that they diminish light and absorb solar heat and light. As a result they become hot, which can lead to thermal stress cracking of the glazing and have low light transmission. Because they do not efficiently reflect heat they have poor performance at eliminating the sun’s heat and reducing summer temperatures.

Q: How do Insu Solar Laminates help prevent fading and control glare?
Insu Solar laminates contain Ultra-violet filters to cut our 99% of ultra violet rays to help protect furnishing from fading, and to protect the skin.

They have a unique construction, which provides a tint to reduce glare without unduly diminishing light transmission. Please refer to question 9 for the details of this.


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