Location: Anglesey, Wales
Project type: Refurbishment
Products used: Guardian Warm Roof, 2 Velux skylights
Fabricator: Siesta Group
For 27 years, Pam and Mark Gleave have lived in their Welsh farmhouse, but back in 2007, took the decision to add a large conservatory to increase their living space. So much more than an occasional summer room, for the last 12 years their conservatory has served as a full-time care space for their three disabled children. The children all rely on round-the-clock care, so need a space which both allows for wheelchair access, and enough room for their critical medical equipment.
Battling the common conservatory issues of overheating during summer and uncomfortably low temperatures during winter, the family had to continually heat the space on chillier days, and in warmer weather would have “3-4 fans running to try and keep the space cool enough for the children”.
When the roof of their conservatory began to fall into disrepair 15 years after install, Pam and Mark chose a Guardian Warm Roof to transform their space.
“The old roof would not have lasted another winter, it was leaking and had been repaired many times. The new roof system is fantastic and done at the right time for us - we don’t know how we would have managed with the high winds and torrential rain we have had just recently.”
Mark Gleave, Homeowner
Fabricated by Siesta Group, the new Guardian Warm Roof spans the large conservatory, which combines rectangular Edwardian and rounded Victorian-style sections. Adjoining the traditional, white-walled farmhouse, it seamlessly connects the house’s rooms.
For the Gleave family in particular, the energy costs associated with keeping a conservatory comfortable throughout the seasons are high, in what is a dedicated care-giving space used all year round. From the constant challenge of keeping the space comfortable, the couple noticed “an amazing difference straight away”, with the conservatory becoming comfortably temperate following the warm roof installation.
In a news story released before the Guardian Warm Roof installation, the family stressed how they wanted to continue to care for their children at home, even in the face of rising energy bills and the incredible cost of care. The energy efficiency brought by the Guardian Warm Roof will help to save energy and money for the family, keeping the space naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Installed in just three weeks, Pam shared how the installation process “blew them away from start to finish”, with the transformation completed in a much shorter time than they anticipated for such a large space.
“Guardian saved the day with their roofing system. The roof is now solid, extremely well insulated and no more noise when it rains - plus it looks great. We are feeling the benefit with the cold dark days drawing in. We are 100% happy with all that was done. The children have a nice warm and comfortable living space and in these troubled times we actually will save money this year.”Mark Gleave, Homeowner
Although not originally part of their plans, the Gleave family also chose to add two Velux skylights to their warm roof, introducing an ideal amount of natural daylight to the room. Aside from reducing their reliance on electric lighting throughout the year, the skylights also help to add life to the space, providing more views of the outdoors and connecting the family with their surroundings.
The Warm Roof was designed to incorporate grey Metrotiles, a design best in keeping with the traditional farmhouse style. Blending beautifully with the original building, the family said the new addition “just looks part of the house”. Though our Warm Roof systems can be designed to fit in or stand out with a wide array of tile colours, materials and textures, all are built to last with a 10-year warranty when installed by one of our 100+ Guardian Certified Installers.
The family now get the best of both worlds – with the efficiency and thermal insulation of a fixed roof with outside views of a conservatory, enjoying the surrounding views of their beautiful Anglesey property whilst future-proofing the space for years to come.
When deciding which solid roof solution to opt for, the Gleave family had to consider several factors, including cost and efficiency. They selected Guardian Warm Roof thanks to it being a cost-effective option for their home, which offered everything they were looking for to support the needs of their children all year round. The family also valued the positive reviews and feedback others gave from past work. They’ve even gone on to “recommend to several people” in the short time since completion – a testament to the speed of install, quality of finish and dedicated support of our team.
For over 20 years, Guardian have been supporting homeowners in their design journeys. Whether it’s to benefit from better energy efficiency, reduced noise and glare or simply for year-round comfort, a Guardian Warm Roof could be the perfect fit for your property.
Learn more about our systems or get in touch with our team to submit a quote.
