Smarter Roofing for Outdoor Living: Why Tinted, Self-Cleaning & Heatshield Panels Make All the Difference
When it comes to designing an outdoor living space that feels comfortable all year round, the type of roof glazing you choose is crucial. Whether you’re installing a veranda, glass room, carport or canopy, opting for upgraded roofing materials can significantly improve performance, usability, and long-term satisfaction.
At Milwood Group, we offer a range of roofing upgrades to suit various outdoor systems. These include tinted solar control glass, self-cleaning glass, and heat-reflective polycarbonate panels – each designed to reduce heat build-up, limit glare, block UV rays, and create a better environment beneath your structure.
Tinted Solar Control Glass – Reduce Glare, Not Light
Tinted glass, available in grey or bronze tones, offers an attractive and functional upgrade for glass-roofed systems. It helps reduce glare and solar heat gain while still allowing in plenty of natural daylight – ideal for garden rooms, verandas, and covered patio areas.
Key benefits:
- Lowers internal temperature by reflecting solar energy
- Reduces glare while maintaining light levels
- Protects furniture and flooring from UV damage
- Available in grey, blue, bronze options
Example performance (6mm grey tinted):
- Light Transmission: 60%
- Solar Factor: 0.32
- U-Value: 1.0 W/m²K
Self-Cleaning Activ™ Glass – Low Maintenance, High Performance
For installations where ongoing cleaning may be difficult – such as sloped glass roofs or high-level canopies – self-cleaning glass is an ideal upgrade. It features a transparent coating that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt and uses rainfall to rinse it clean.
Key benefits:
- Keeps glass clearer for longer with minimal upkeep
- Reduces the need for manual or chemical cleaning
- Maintains excellent solar control performance
- Suitable for all glass-roofed outdoor systems
Example performance:
- Light Transmission: 62%
- Solar Factor: 0.40
- U-Value: 1.0 W/m²K
Heatshield Polycarbonate – Lightweight and Thermally Efficient
For structures with polycarbonate roofs, such as carports and larger canopies, heat-reflective polycarbonate panels offer an effective upgrade. These sheets feature a special layer that reflects much of the sun’s heat while still allowing diffused natural light to pass through.
Key benefits:
- Significantly reduces solar heat gain
- Offers greater comfort in warmer months
- High impact resistance and lightweight
- Ideal for domestic and commercial applications
Example performance (heat-reflective option):
- Light Transmission: 20%
- Solar Transmission: 19%
By upgrading your roof glazing with tinted glass, self-cleaning technology, or heat-reflective polycarbonate, you can transform an outdoor structure into a practical, stylish, and comfortable all-weather space. These enhancements are simple to specify, easy to install, and deliver long-term value to any outdoor project.
Call us on 0333 305 5272 or email [email protected] to find out more about our range of products and optional upgrades.