Most conservatory owners have come to know its two main problems: they tend to be glazed houses in the summer, and glorified ice houses in the winter. And for a few weeks out of the year it can be a nice space to use, but the rest of the year the door is left shut.
Most conservatories built in the last twenty years are likely to have a glass or polycarbonate roof, and as you might have already known, this is where the majority of the problem lies. These types of roofs do a terrible job of insulating the space below them. Because it is not cost effective to replace the entire conservatory, the roof is the best place to start.
With a roof conversion, the walls and foundation of the structure remain the same. All we do is remove the polycarbonate roof and replace it with an insulated structure. The goal is to complete the finishing touches on the space and give the conservatory a more permanent feel. Now you would be happy to sit in it in February.
Tiled roofs are the big winner for coverage. For these roofs, we install a lightweight timber frame, add insulation that meets extension standards, and match the tiles to your house. The interior gets a nice, spotlit, plastered ceiling, and when all is said and done, it looks like it has been part of the building the whole time. [Tiled conservatory roofs →]
Solid roofs are similar in that they are fully insulated, but they are a bit more customizable in terms of budget and style. [Solid conservatory roofs →]
For the people that want their conservatory to have a natural light feel, glass and lightweight roofs are the best option. Modern glass and hybrid roofs have improved insulation and light distribution compared to older styles that featured polycarbonate. [Lightweight roof options →]
If you are a natural light lover, it comes down to how you plan on using the room, your budget, and the sacrifices in light that you are willing to make. We can help you figure out your options with no commitment required.
The biggest benefit from a solid, insulated roof is the temperature. Unlike other roof options, solid roofs trap the winter heat and block the summer sun. So, the room can be used for the entire year and not just a few weeks. Your heating system gets a break as well.
Then there’s the noise. Rain on polycarbonate? Very loud. Rain on tiled roofs? Much quieter. You can hold a conversation, or even watch TV, without the need for a remote.
I’ll be blunt, the trade-off is the amount of light. A solid roof will block more of the daylight than the clear panels. On the whole, for a room that’s actually usable, most people think it’s a fair trade. You could add in some spotlights or have a couple of roof windows and bring some of that light back in, so it’s worth putting that into consideration.
Planning permission
Most roof conversions will be able to go ahead under approved development rules. This means that in almost all cases, you will not need to make a planning application. There are some exceptions such as conservation areas or listed buildings, or if the proposed works are unusually large, so we will check yours to be sure.
The cost
You’ll be happy to know that we will be completely honest, as the cost for a solid roof is a bit more than a like-for-like polycarbonate replacement, and we won’t pretend otherwise. The room that you’ll be able to use every day of the year, instead of just in the spring and autumn, will also add value to your house.
Get in touch
We’d really like to hear about your conservatory, and what you think the issues are, and we’ll come and have a look at it. This will also give you the chance to hear an honest recommendation on which roof suits the room and have an idea on the costs.
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