Conservatories are one of the easiest ways to improve your home. Light and airy, these rooms are an affordable way to extend the living space of a property without breaking the bank.
Unfortunately though, for a lot of the year, conservatories are often too hot or too cold to use due to the use of thermally inefficient materials. For homeowners, this can be a disappointment that limits their enjoyment of their conservatory.
The best way to fix this is by replacing these inefficient materials with a solid conservatory roof. Replacing your conservatory roof makes it habitable all year round. Not only that but doing so can also add value to your home.
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Why Replace A Conservatory Roof?
Most homeowners replace their conservatory roof due to leaks, cracks, or to make it more thermally inefficient.
The majority of conservatories out there feature roofs made from single-pane glass or plastic sheeting. These materials have become the standard for conservatories for two main reasons. The first is that they are cheap, allowing more people to be able to afford a conservatory. The second is transparent roofing was necessary to comply with older UK regulations regarding home improvements.
These regulations have since changed, however, and, with households now a lot more energy-conscious, the thermal properties of single-pane glass and plastic sheeting are now considered poor.
The thermal conductivity of materials is determined by their U-value. The U-value tells you how well a material stops heat from escaping through it. The low the U-value, the better it is at insulating heat.
Single-pane glass commonly used in conservatory roofs has a U-value of around 5.8. Solid roofed conservatories lose very little heat in contrast. This is thanks to the use of materials such as foil quilting which has a U-value of 0.175-0.5. Opting for a double or triple-glazed roof will see similar benefits with a U-value as low as 0.7.
Benefits Of A Conservatory Roof Replacement:
Improve Thermal Efficiency
Comprised of tiles, panels, or specialist glass, solid conservatory roofs score highly on the thermal efficiency scale. Typically, conservatories with a tiled roof retain 10-15 times more heat than traditional installations.
Use Your Conservatory All-Year-Round
Many homeowners find that their conservatories are too cold in the winter months and too hot in the summer. This is because traditional roofs allow heat to transfer through them too easily. Modern conservatory roof solutions, however, keep temperatures regulated, avoiding extremes.
Add Value To Your Home
While replacing the roof of your conservatory does mean an up-front cost, it effectively turns the conservatory into another room. This addition of another usable room can make a big difference in the valuation of your home, making it a self-returning investment. Tiled roofs, especially, can change the perception of your property, sometimes adding upwards of £10,000 to its value.
Simple, Quick, Cost-Effective
Replacing the roof of your conservatory is faster, simpler, and more cost-effective than rebuilding your entire conservatory. Simply replacing the roof can save demolition and building costs, avoid unforeseen problems, and have the space usable in a much shorter time.
Quieter
Heavy rain or hail falling on polycarbonate roofing is prone to drowning out conversation and making your conservatory unusable. Solid roof options and thicker glass solutions not only insulate heat but also acoustics. While not soundproof, the sound of falling rain becomes a pleasant background noise, rather than something distracting.
Conservatory roof replacement can soundproof your room from rainfall.
Other Things To Consider
If opting for a tiled or composite conservatory roof, you will be trading some light for thermal efficiency. In most cases, this is not a problem with plenty of light streaming through elsewhere. If a conservatory has been installed in an enclosed space, however, this can mean it will be somewhat dimmer than before.
However, with lots of rooftop lighting options now available, as well as the possibility of a skylight, this is not generally considered a problem.
It’s also worth noting that having a new roof installed can mean a temporary disturbance to your garden and property while work is undertaken. It’s worth timing a new roof installation with this in mind to avoid potential issues regarding your household.
Types Of Solid Conservatory Roof
Tiled
Composite Panels/Tiles
Made from modern, synthetic materials, composite panels offer superior insulation and give a contemporary look to a conservatory. These offer enhanced insulation thanks to internal insulating materials that also block the sun’s rays in the summer to prevent heat build-up.
Glazed panels can also be used to introduce some light if desired. Composite solutions are rated to last upwards of 40 years.
Glazed
The cost of conservatory roof replacement depends on the material you choose and the size of your conservatory.
- Simply replacing a polycarbonate roof will cost between £3,500-£4,500.
- Installing a new glass conservatory roof costs on average around £5,000.
- Installing a solid roof (tiled or composite panels) will cost upwards of £6,700.
Larger conservatories require more materials which can add to the bill. They also require longer time on site, meaning the hours of labour begin to add up.
Something else to consider is the access to your roof. If a conservatory roof is awkward to access, this can make the job take longer, adding additional hours of labour on top.
Different areas will also have different rates. It’s therefore important to always shop around before accepting a quote.
We can provide you with an estimated price in under 30 seconds. Simply take our quiz.
Installing A New Conservatory Roof
The installation of a new conservatory roof will differ slightly depending on the type of material you have opted for. Nevertheless, the general process remains the same:
- The existing structure is surveyed to confirm a solid roof can be supported. Based on this survey, a roofing material will be suggested.
- The conservatory room is then cleared.
- The existing roof is then removed and structural repairs are conducted if necessary.
- Support structure added to existing roof spars.
- Exterior tiles or panels are then installed.
- Internal insulation material is then installed to the underside of the roof.
- Cladded and finished.
- Finishing touches.
Replacement Roof Requires Professionals
Replacing a conservatory roof is something that requires professional skill and knowledge. As replacements now involve the use of new techniques and materials to ensure thermal insulation is maintained, DIY conservatory roof replacements are not recommended.
In using a professional conservatory roof replacement company, you avoid the headache of mishaps, a poor finish, and guarantee your conservatory will be usable all year round. Doing the job yourself is risky as poor joins and improper installation can mean leaks and heat escaping, undoing any hard work and expense.
For tiled and composite solutions, try TileYourConservatory, a team of professional conservatory roof installers with thousands of happy customers to date.
New Conservatory Roof vs Conservatory Insulation
The alternative to a new conservatory roof is to add insulating cladding internally. This involves leaving the roof as is and simply adding a thermal layer of thermally efficient materials to the inside of your conservatory.
Conservatory Roof Replacement vs Conservatory Insulation
Conservatory insulation is cheaper than replacing a conservatory roof and can often be completed in a quicker time.
However, this solution leaves the exterior appearance of your conservatory as is. In the case of polycarbonate sheeting, this means the aesthetic of your conservatory is not improved.
Solid roofs also incorporate insulating materials into the new roof. This means you retain ceiling height with a solid roof, making it feel more spacious. With the option for glazed sections in a new roof too, they can also introduce more light than cladding solutions.
Conservatory Roof Replacement FAQ
What Is The Best Type Of Conservatory Roof?
Most conservatory experts now recommend solid roof solutions. Whether it’s tiles, synthetic tiles, or composite panels, these are the most thermally efficient solution and allow insulating material to be installed too.
Do You Need Planning Permission For Conservatory Roof Replacement?
No, you do not need planning permission to replace your conservatory roof. Modern regulations allow solid roofs to be installed without applying for permission from local authorities. The exceptions to this include listed buildings and properties that are located in protected environments.
How Long Does Installation Typically Take?
New roof installations don’t take long at all. In most cases, the job is completed within a day. For conservatories that have more difficult access or require adjustments to the framing structure, installation can take several days.
Can My Conservatory Support A New Roof?
All conservatories differ in their supporting structure. Composite materials are lightweight and most conservatories will be able to support a new solid roof. In the case of traditional tiles and glazing, however, a survey will need to be completed first by a replacement expert.
Can I Finance A New Conservatory Roof?
Some companies offer financing options for a new conservatory roof. This can help spread the cost of a new roof and allow the space to be enjoyed sooner, rather than later.
