Outdoor SunSpaces News

Verandas are both beautiful and practical, and they can add a lot of value to a property. But do you know just how widespread they are? Many cultures and architectural styles have used verandas not only as a stylish aesthetic feature, but also as a clever solution to housing issues that have arisen in certain places and periods.

In this blog post, we'll show you some popular veranda types from around the world - prepare to be inspired!

More...

Our range of verandas and garden rooms are available to order with a variety of customisable options. From sound, heating, locking doors and gutter options, with SunSpaces you are truly able to make your veranda or garden room your own.

One of the main options available, however, is the material of the roof. Choose from either glass or polycarbonate, but which is better? Here we take a look at the two materials, providing the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Glass Roofs

Advantages:

• Glass roof provide ideal acoustic properties, meaning less noise will be made during heavy rainfall
• Completely clear material results in great opportunities to gaze outside at the stars at night and birds in the day
• Clean, polished appearance brings a classy look to the property

Disadvantages:

• Potential safety risk if panels are not of a good enough quality
• Little to no UV protection
• Sometimes slightly costlier

Polycarbonate Roofs

Advantages:

• Life expectancy of up to 25 years
• Cost-effective option
• Very high impact resistance
• Available in a variety of clarity options
• High UV protection
• Excellent structural performance
• Maintains strength and colour over a long period of time
• Resistance to all weather conditions
• Self-extinguishing qualities

Disadvantages:

• Unlike a glass roof, you are not able to have a clear view of the sky unless a solid polycarbonate is used
• Poor acoustic properties – quite noisy during heavy rainfall

The main points

The roof of your garden room or veranda is its most important feature. It keeps the structure together as well as protecting it from rain, wind and snow. But with different material options available, it can become quite difficult to choose the right one. Above we have listed some of the main advantages and disadvantages when it comes to polycarbonate vs glass roofs, but a few of these stand out more than others, so let’s take a deeper look!

Sounds Insulation

If you’ve ever been under a polycarbonate roof during heavy rainfall, you’ll definitely be familiar with the loud thudding and sometimes unbearable noises that occur. Unfortunately, this is enough to put the majority of homeowners off as a veranda and garden room is a place where people want to sit back and relax, not listen to loud and annoying noises. Being interrupted with the loud thudding of rain and the howling wind is the last thing you want, therefore, if a peaceful space is something you’re interested, a glass roof is definitely the choice for you.

Aesthetics

Glass roofs enable light to fill your garden room as well as providing beautiful views that you can use to gaze at the sky and surroundings during both day and night. Its classier appearance enables structures to look more prestige, perfect for homeowners looking to create a property that stands out. Polycarbonate roofs, on the other hand, are often translucent so not completely clear and do not offer the same look like glass.

Maintenance

Glass roofs often use an easy clean coating which repels dirt fantastically. The provides a clean-looking roof that doesn’t require much effort to keep looking good. Polycarbonate roofs sometimes do not offer this level of low-maintenance and require some level of upkeep to remove dirt and moss.   

And there you have it – our polycarbonate vs glass roof comparison! Here at SunSpaces, we offer both glass and polycarbonate roof options for our range of verandas and garden rooms. However, our selection of polycarbonate and glass roofs are made of the very best materials, meaning the differences between the two are very slight and ultimately come down personal preference.

For more information on our polycarbonate and glass roofs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the SunSpaces team today by calling 01727 845 788 or emailing info@sunspaces.co.uk

If you are the proud owner of a SunSpaces veranda, chances are you’ll want to keep it looking clean and tidy.

After all, who wants to invest in a beautiful state-of-the-art veranda, only to see it become an eyesore due to lack of care and maintenance?

Well, fear not, verandarers of the UK – help is at hand and it comes in the form of elbow grease and a soapy sponge.

Cleaning Your Veranda: Things to Avoid

As a general rule of thumb, in order to avoid damaging your stunning SunSpace in pursuit of pristine sheen, the “softly, softly” approach is the best course of action. Remember, while all SunSpaces verandas are made of the highest quality materials, they aren’t indestructible.

Corrosive chemicals and heavy-duty cleaning agents could prove damaging to your pride and joy, so avoid using acidic cleaning products.

Meanwhile, refrain from using harsh cleaning tools like scouring pads, abrasive implements and sharp objects, as these could leave notable scratches.

Similarly, it’s also worth avoiding using a pressure washer as well, as the powerful jets could also cause damage, particularly to seals and moving parts.

Top Tips for a Clean Veranda

So, by now you should be well-equipped with the knowledge and know-how of what NOT to do. It’s only fitting we let you in on the other half of the equation and tell you exactly what you SHOULD do.

Here are a few handy hints and tips to keep your veranda looking great!

Cleaning Glass Panels

Whether you have opted for a glass or polycarbonate roof for your veranda, keeping it clean can make a monumental difference to the appearance of your outdoor living space, not to mention your enjoyment of it.

To keep your panels clean as a proverbial whistle, mix a small amount of pH-neutral cleaning product with plenty of water and apply with a soft cloth. This will help prevent any gritty dirt from scratching the glass while you clean.

If you have opted for the optional glass side panels, repeat the same process as above, taking care not to scratch the surface.

Cleaning Aluminium Parts

Keeping the aluminium frames clean can also make a big difference with regards to the overall appearance of the veranda, particularly if you have opted for a white frame.

Again, taking the gentle route to cleanliness, mix a small amount of pH-neutral detergent with plenty of clean water and apply using a soft sponge.

If possible, aim to give your aluminium frame a once over at least once a year to keep it looking as good as new.

Cleaning the Fabric

If you have accessorised your veranda to include a sunshade, you may want to give these areas a bit of occasional TLC to remove excess dirt and dust.

Gently remove the loose dirt and dust build-up by simply going over the problem areas with a soft brush or using a vacuum cleaner on a low setting.

This technique is also a good way to get rid of any unsightly cobwebs that may have built up in hard-to-reach areas, so try to tackle this issue at the same time.

For a more thorough clean of stubborn dirt and stains, mix a mild detergent with lukewarm water and gently apply with a sponge before lightly rinsing clean.

So, there you have it: one fool-proof guide to restoring your veranda to its former glory. For more top tips for a clean veranda, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 01727 845 788 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

Get in Touch

With a sleek design and practical functionality, the Aspire veranda has the ability to completely transform the way you spend your downtime at home.

Whether you’re looking to use your Aspire to quietly retire or let down your hair in the open air, this versatile veranda from SunSpaces is the perfect place to enjoy your outdoor space.

How so? We’re glad you asked…

Why Choose the Aspire Veranda?

One of the biggest selling points of the Aspire veranda is its ability to be fully customised to your preferences. After all, why settle for someone else’s specifications in your own home?

With the Aspire, you have the opportunity to make your veranda your own and truly personalise your outdoor space. From the choice of roof material to optional sidewalls, the choice is completely yours.

Available in four fantastic colours, the Aspire customisable veranda can be configured in a number of ways to fit your wants and needs, turning your outdoor space into your own personal piazza.

Accessorise and Shine

Another great feature of the Aspire veranda is the variety of optional extras available, ranging from LED lighting to Bluetooth speakers.

If the customisable framework wasn’t personalised enough, adding any one of these veranda accessories to the mix will surely make your veranda unique to you.

Shades

Worried about harmful UV rays affecting your enjoyment of the summer sun? Put those worries on ice and stay protected our variety of shading options, specifically tailored to suit to you.

Lighting

Don’t let the sun go down on your enjoyment. Set your own curfew with remote-controlled LED lighting, guaranteed to keep your veranda shining long after sunset.

Heating

Why limit your outdoor fun to summertime sun? Enjoy your veranda all year-round with our range of outdoor heating options and give your SunSpace a warming glow, whatever the weather.

Sounds

Make your outdoor space a destination with a laid-back soundtrack. Our remote-controlled Bluetooth heater/speaker combo can provide hot tracks with outdoor warmth to match the vibe.

Stand Out from the Crowd

For those really looking to create a statement feature in their garden, the Aspire can even be configured as a free-standing structure in the middle of your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking to weatherproof a hot tub with a protective shelter or create a secluded area to escape the world, a detached Aspire is all you’ll require for secluded peace and privacy.

What are you waiting for? Let inspiration meet aspiration with Aspire veranda from SunSpaces.

For more information on the Aspire veranda or to explore the other outdoor living options available, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 01727 845 788 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

Get in Touch

Creating a Mediterranean environment in a UK setting can be a big ask, particularly when it comes to the vast differences in climate.

However, that’s not to say it’s an impossible task. In fact, with a few strategic choices and deliberate additions, your back garden could easily become a dead ringer for a Spanish villa.

Here are a few simple changes that can truly transform your outdoor space into the Mediterranean garden you’ve always dreamed of.

Go Green

One of the most effective ways to provide your garden with a genuine taste of the Med is to take a leaf out of their book…quite literally.

Incorporating plants and greenery that are native to Mediterranean countries can instantly give your faux-Med landscape and air of visual credibility.

The RHS website has a whole list of Mediterranean garden plants you can easily add to your outdoor space to create a truly authentic looking continental ambience.

Go Potty

Speaking of plants, strategic placement of plant pots in and around your garden is an effortless way to add a bona fide Mediterranean flavour to your outside space.

Terra cotta pots are a must-have for anyone looking to replicate the foreign vibe at home. Fill with your favourite Med flowers and vegetation for a subtle yet striking addition that really makes a difference.

Where possible, opt for Clay pots with a wide base where possible. While we can replicate the Mediterranean appeal, we have no bearing over the weather; wide-base pots will stand a better chance of survival in windy UK weather conditions.

Lighten Up

Light-coloured tiles are a fantastic flooring option for anyone looking to create a warming Mediterranean feel in their back garden.

Sunny creams and subtle yellows all have a distinctive overseas flair to them, particularly when the skies provide the climate to match.

If you’re really looking to invest in your Med-look garden, appropriate tiling is the ultimate ace up the sleeve.

Take Cover

Perhaps one of the best ways to create a truly authentic Mediterranean landscape in your outdoor space is to create an outdoor seating area.

Opting for a veranda can instantly transform your garden area, creating the feeling of stepping into another country every time you step out of your back door.

Accessorise with garden furniture and climbing plants that reach up the pillars of your veranda can truly cap off a wonderful Mediterranean setting in the most authentic way possible.

Imagine enjoying a morning coffee in the shaded comfort of your SunSpace as the summer sun beams down on your garden. Does it get any more continental than that?

Make your Mediterranean dreams a reality with SunSpaces today! Call now on 01727 845 788 or get in touch online using the button below.

Contact Us