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Sunroom vs fixed glass panels

Cost: A fixed canopy costs less per m² than an opening louvre roof - use the price calculator for an indicative figure.
Flexibility: Fixed canopy is always covered; louvre roof adjusts to conditions on demand.
Maintenance: Fixed canopy needs only cleaning and a fixings check; a louvre roof has a motor, drainage channels and pivot points to keep serviced.
Consent complexity: Both depend on the specific structure, but the electrical work for a motorised system is an extra factor to plan for.
Lifespan: Both use aluminium framing and are built to last well beyond their warranty period with basic care - fewer moving parts on a fixed canopy is one reason it needs less attention over time.

Fixed panels close one or two sides of a covered area. A sunroom closes all of them.

Side by side

	Sunrooms	Fixed Panels
Enclosure	All sides, with doors and windows	Selected sides only
Glazing	Toughened Low-E, single or double	Glass or louvre panels
Roof	Included	Fits under an existing or new canopy
Consent	More likely to be needed	Depends on the overall structure

Choose a sunroom for a fully usable room in winter.

Choose fixed panels when one exposed side is the only problem.