The Challenge
When Kathryn replaced her old conservatory with a large open plan kitchen, dining and living space, she expected the new room to feel comfortable all year. The extension was north facing, so overheating never crossed her mind. It was only once the build was complete that the scale of the roof lantern became clear. At 3.15 metres by 4 metres, the glazing covered over twelve square metres of their new roof.
During the summer months the heat became overwhelming. The room was difficult to use for long periods and the high temperatures made everyday living uncomfortable. Kathryn described it simply. “It was very difficult in here to exist really with the higher and higher temperatures we are experiencing”
The large lantern also attracted flies, which gathered in the warm space within the lantern. The combination of heat, glare and insects meant the room was not being enjoyed in the way she had imagined.
The Vision
Kathryn wanted a solution that would allow her family to use the space comfortably throughout the year. She needed something strong enough to span the full width of the lantern, discreet enough to suit the clean lines of the extension and reliable enough to cope with daily use.
She explored every idea she could find. Mesh screens, foils, internal blinds and DIY concepts. None of them felt right. Other roof blind systems lacked the strength and tension needed for such a large opening.
Her goal was clear. She wanted a single, robust blind without visible cords that would control heat, reduce glare and make the room feel calm and usable again.
Our Solution
After extensive searching, Kathryn discovered WindowTreat and the Hercules XL roof blind. It was the first system she had found that could span the full 3.15 metre by 4 metre lantern with a single, high tension blind.
She spoke with Chris on a video consultation and reviewed the technical details, fabric options and installation requirements. The investment was significant, so she took time to consider it. After another summer of struggling with the heat, the decision became obvious. “By the time we got through another summer I said I am definitely going to get this blind because we one hundred percent need to do this.”
Kathryn chose a recommended sunscreen fabric that filters light, reduces heat and keeps the room bright without the harshness of direct sun. The Hercules XL system provided the strength, stability and tension needed for such a large span, along with smooth and quiet motorised operation.
The Result
The installation was straightforward. The fitting team handled all the furniture, worked carefully and left the room exactly as they found it. Kathryn appreciated how seamless the process felt. “They moved everything, sorted it all out and put it all back exactly where it had been.”
Although the blind was installed in winter, the benefits were immediate. The room felt warmer and more comfortable because the blind acted as a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss through the large expanse of glass. Kathryn noticed the difference straight away. The space held its warmth and felt more inviting.
She is now looking forward to the summer, confident that the Hercules XL will finally allow her to enjoy the room on the hottest days. The blind when closed also prevents flies from gathering in the lantern, keeping the space calmer in the day and into the evenings.
Kathryn was clear in her feedback that she would recommend WindowTreat. “Oh definitely.” She is pleased she made the investment and confident that the Hercules XL will make a huge difference to her home.
