In the past conservatories had to have a glass or polycarbonate roof, but in 2010 the government changed the rules so that homeowners can replace their existing conservatory roof with a solid roof without needing planning permission. Having a solid conservatory roof will also improve the thermal efficiency of your home making it warmer in winter and keeping heat away from the sun in summer – helping to reduce energy bills.
A badly insulated conservatory is cold and draughty in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer – it is often used as a storage area rather than an extra living space. Replacing your old glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid one will make the room usable all year round and add value to your home.
How Long Will A Solid Conservatory Roof Take To Fit?
Generally, the installation of a solid conservatory roof will take up to three days for a standard sized conservatory or four or five days for larger ones. You will need to be home during the installation so that you can sign off the job on completion.
The best solid roof for conservatories is the Livinroof hybrid roof from Bryant & Cairns. This replacement conservatory roof allows shaped glass panels to be added into the design, which helps to bring in more natural light. It can be finished in either modern or traditional tiles and is fully insulated with an internal ceiling pelmet, which makes it more energy efficient.
If you choose a tiled solid conservatory roof then it will require some maintenance. Unlike polycarbonate or glass, a tiled roof will attract moss growth, which can damage the tiles and obstruct drainage points. If this is a problem for you then your installer should be able to offer you a range of maintenance options.
A uPVC conservatory with a concrete roof can become heavy and over time could cause the structure of your conservatory to sag. This can be a serious safety hazard and it is always recommended that if you have a concrete conservatory then it should be replaced with a lightweight alternative such as a Leka warm roof.
The other thing to consider when choosing a new conservatory roof is whether it will require structural improvements as part of the project. Many uPVC conservatories are built on poor foundations and this will need to be rectified before installing a solid roof, as it is likely that the conservatory won’t be able to support the weight of a solid roof on its existing structure. Ask your installer for a detailed quote that includes any structural improvements that may be necessary.