If you have an older conservatory, you might feel the time has come to replace the roof. A new roof can undoubtedly be a cheaper option than tearing down the whole room, especially when the doors and windows are fine and starting again, but you may be wondering precisely what is involved in a conservatory roof replacement, so let’s break it down.
Conservatory Roof Replacement Styles
When it comes to conservatory roof replacements, you have three main options: a glass roof, a lightweight solid roof conservatory and tiled roof conservatories.
Tiled Roof
One of the main benefits of tiling the roof is that it is one of the easiest to install. Of course, you lose some of the light because this is a solid conservatory roof option, but it could be a great choice if you want to turn the room into an extra bedroom with a solid roof for privacy. With a solid roof, you minimise the potential for draughts and naturally help to insulate the space. Costs will depend on the specifics of your space but are roughly £850 per square metre.
Solid Panel Roof
A solid panel roof will also turn the conservatory space into something more traditional room-like. This option covers the external roof with lightweight aluminium sheeting whilst the internal finish is plastered and looks like any normal ceiling. Again if you want an everyday use room rather than an occasional space, this might be your best option. You can even have a hybrid option with some lightweight aluminium panels and glass panels, but this will change the inside look. This is likely to be the most expensive option, and prices depend on how big the roofs are, but it will likely be over £15,000.
Glass Roof
If you are considering glass for your replacement conservatory roof, you need to ensure that the roof glass is energy efficient as this offers more consistent temperatures all year round. A glass conservatory roof allows enough heat when the sun shines to maintain a stable temperature. Self-cleaning glass is also an option, and the cost will vary depending on the glass chosen and the size of the roof, but it tends to fall between £2500-£7000.
Which is the Best Replacement Option?
The best replacement option for conservatory roofs does depend on your circumstance. What are you planning to use the space for, what is your budget, and do you want to keep a transparent roof or make it a solid roof? Any replacement option will give your room a new lease of life, so take time to think through the possibilities.
Why It Is Beneficial to Replace Conservatory Roofs?
Conservatories were often thrown up as a cheap extension to the home, requiring a shorter construction time and giving you a gloriously warm room when the sun hit it. But, the initial roof designs were also lacking in forward-thinking as they were often made from thin sheets of lightweight poly-carbonate to keep costs down. The flaw here is that they are also poorly insulated in the winter, and it can be an unpleasant cold space that no one wants to use. With heating prices increasing, it is also potentially a losing battle to pump heat into a space that won’t retain it. Replacing the roof is beneficial for saving money on heating and ensuring the room is usable all year round, no matter the temperatures outside.
Does Replacing a Conservatory Roof Need Planning Permission?
In most cases, there is no need to obtain planning permission to replace conservatory roofs. The original structure should have been submitted for planning permission before it was built, including the roof. If the home is new to you, this should be in your property paperwork held by your solicitor and something they check when conveyancing. However, you will need building regulations if you choose either of the solid roof options rather than a glass roof or a transparent PVC roof. This is different from planning permission, and there is usually no reason why your conservatory roof would be denied; it is more to ensure that the materials and artistry comply with building regulations. To be safe, check with your local authority before starting any replacement conservatory roof work. A replacement conservatory roof is usually around 70% cheaper than replacing the whole structure.
When to Consider a Conservatory Roof Replacement?
If you have an original polycarbonate roof, the initial roof lifespan is around 10-15 years, so if your roof is older than this, it is likely time to replace it. If you are looking to make full-time use of the room, then replacing it with a solid roof will help with energy efficiency, and again, now is the perfect time to do that.
Final Thoughts
No matter what roof option you decide on, we have a range of materials to assist the process. We have a well-stocked warehouse with everything you could need, including glazing roof bars and more, so get in touch today and see how we can help.