Solar gain... Do I need to worry?

[Orangeinmybluelightcup]

Hello, after any advice on whether I need to worry about solar gain in my new extension, due to start in 2wks. We've planned a skylight/pod and full width glass doors. Width is about 2 double patio doors total, for an idea. Is it going to be too hot?! Tell me about your way facing rooms... We are replacing a conservatory, which is unbearable and heats the rest of the house like an oven!

Good thoughts. I might track the sun tomorrow and plot its path...

@WaltzingToWalsingham that's the sort of thing I have and it works really well and is lovely. If you can put something over it to make it water tight it's pretty handy as well . It's a nice place to sit.

We are building a west facing extension. It is 60sqm with 24sqm of glazing so this is something I've been really worried about.

Our builder told us to stay away from the glazed roof lanterns or anything that wouldn't open. He said, aside from the heat issue because the glass gets so hot that it just gets absolutely covered in flies.

So we put in 4 massive Velux skylights. They are electric and work on a sensor for temperature or humidity and will open/close automatically based on the parameters that you set. They will also close if it rains etc. In addition to the sensor, there is a wall switch or you can use Alexa/Google to tell them to open/close. (It costs about £100 extra per window to add the electric option).

There is also an option to add an awning to the Velux instead of blinds. These are external and can also be open/closed automatically. They stop the heat hitting the window in the first place but also they block a lot of heat but still allow some light.

We haven't added them yet cos they aren't cheap but can add them next year if too hot.

We also have two massive open doors (2.4m and 1.2m) into the old, very cool stone building. So we're hoping that excess heat escapes into there.

Still a bit nervous about it, but am confident we made the right decision about the skylights at least. The extension would not be the same without them.

I have a west-facing room (half conservatory half single-brick pitched roof. Unbearably hot in summer.

@Muststopeating really interesting that that is what your builder said. I think our room will be about 15m2 and then open through to the kitchen, so much smaller scale. Glass wall would be 3.5m. At present there is a conservatory where that will be, so we will be reducing the size. I've been tracking the sun and for much of the day it doesn't shine in. A handy tree provides some additional shade too. So my main concern is around sky lantern vs skylights I can open. It could be a bit of a magnifying glass.

We're getting roof lanterns in our extension and having electric blinds installed to keep the heat out when needed. Worth a look! As for flies, there's fly spray and my personal favourite, a vacuum cleaner!