North-Facing Gardens: Light, Damp and Green Roofs
In a north-facing garden shade is not the problem you are solving — daylight and damp are. That inverts several of the usual specification decisions.
Choose clear glazing
Opal and solar-control glass exist to cut heat you do not have. Clear glass keeps every bit of available daylight reaching your patio and the room behind.
Light-coloured frames underneath
A lighter internal frame colour reflects noticeably more light into a shaded space, even where the external face matches dark window frames.
Damp and airflow
Shaded patios dry slowly. Keeping the sides open, or using retractable screens rather than fixed panels, maintains airflow.
Plan for algae
North-facing roofs go green faster. Self-cleaning glass and easy access for cleaning are worth more here than anywhere else.
Frequently asked questions
Will a roof make it feel gloomy?
A clear glass roof is far less noticeable than people expect. A solid roof in this orientation usually is.
Is heating essential?
It transforms the usability of a north-facing patio, more so than in a sunny garden.
Should I still consider louvres?
You can, but the shade control they offer is worth less here than the constant daylight of glass.
How often will I clean it?
Expect more frequently than a south-facing roof; a self-cleaning coating helps.
Next step
Ask for a clear-glass, light-frame specification if your garden faces north.
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