Why Is Rain So Loud on My Conservatory Roof?

There is something relaxing about listening to the rain from inside your home, but when that rain is hitting a conservatory roof directly above you, relaxing might not be the first word that comes to mind!

For some conservatory owners, even an ordinary British downpour can make conversations difficult, compete with the television and turn what should be a comfortable living space into a room they'd rather avoid until the weather improves. Don't get us started on hail!

So, why can rain sound so loud on a conservatory roof? 

And...is there anything you can do about it?

Why does rain sound so loud in a conservatory compared to the rest of the house?

When raindrops hit a conservatory roof, the impact causes the roofing material to vibrate and creates sound. How noticeable that sound becomes inside the conservatory depends on several factors, including the material and construction of the roof, the intensity of the rainfall and the acoustics of the room itself.

Unlike many other rooms in the home, conservatories also tend to contain large areas of hard surfaces, including glass windows and a polycarbonate or glass roof. These can make the acoustics inside a conservatory very different from those in a conventional room and is more likely to echo, meaning the rain is louder.

During light rain, you might barely notice it. During a proper British downpour? That's another story.

Are polycarbonate conservatory roofs noisy when it rains?

Rain noise is a common complaint associated with some traditional conservatory roof materials, particularly lightweight roofing like polycarbonate.

When heavy rain strikes the roof, the sound can become particularly noticeable inside, almost like a drum as some of our customers have said before their installation.

For some homeowners this is simply a minor annoyance. For others, it can affect how they use their conservatory altogether.

If you're turning up the television every time it rains or struggling to hold a conversation, the weather can quickly become another reason not to use the room.

What about glass conservatory roofs?

Glass roofs can also make rainfall noticeable as well.

The experience will vary depending on the construction of the conservatory and the type of glazing installed, so it isn't as simple as saying one conservatory will always be louder than another.

However, if rain noise is one of the things stopping you from enjoying your conservatory, it's worth considering the roof itself rather than simply accepting it as part of owning a conservatory.

Can you reduce rain noise in a conservatory?

There are some small changes that may help improve the acoustics inside a conservatory.

• Adding soft furnishings, rugs and other materials that absorb sound can reduce some of the echo within the room.
• Conservatory blinds may also change the acoustics of the space.
• Carpeting might also be an option if you have a solid floor in your conservatory

However, these measures don't change the surface that the rain is actually hitting.

If rain noise is a significant problem, despite trying to prevent it with other means, you may therefore want to consider whether the existing roof is still right for the way you want to use your conservatory.

Can a replacement conservatory roof make rain quieter?

Replacing the existing roof with an insulated roofing system can help reduce the noise experienced inside the conservatory when it rains and during other inclement weather, though results can vary depending on the conservatory and its existing sound problems.

Our Thermotec roof system uses insulated aluminium panels manufactured specifically to fit the existing conservatory structure.

As well as helping create a quieter environment when the rain arrives, an insulated replacement roof can address some of the other common reasons conservatories become difficult to use throughout the year, such as temperature extremes and glare.

We can talk forever about our conservatory roof panels, but hear it from our customers instead!

Rain noise might be the thing you notice today, but conservatory owners often experience different problems as the seasons change.

During warmer weather, excessive heat and glare can make some conservatories uncomfortable.

As temperatures fall, the same room can become difficult to keep warm.

Replacing the roof can help create a more comfortable environment throughout the year, while allowing homeowners to keep the conservatory they already have.

Is my conservatory suitable for a replacement roof?

Every conservatory is different, which is why suitability needs to be assessed individually.

Green Space UK replacement roofs are made to measure for the existing conservatory and can often be installed without replacing the entire structure in as little as one day.

If the sound of another downpour or the previous heatwave has got you wondering whether it's finally time to do something about your conservatory roof, we can help you explore the options available for your home!

Find out whether your conservatory could be suitable for a Green Space UK replacement roof today