Your conservatory is one of the most important rooms in your home. It offers a relaxing retreat and a place to entertain family and friends. But it may not have the right roof, and over time the material will start to deteriorate and cause problems. Leaks, overheating and condensation are common, and if they occur frequently it could be a sign that the roof is in need of replacement.
The type of roof you choose will influence your conservatory’s appearance, functionality and value to your home. Glass, polycarbonate and tiles are all popular choices, each of which can offer benefits that help your conservatory to become a more useful room all year round.
Glass is a modern option, favoured for its sleekness and ability to let in lots of light. It’s a better insulator than polycarbonate and will keep your conservatory warmer in winter. It’s also less prone to overheating and can be fitted with a self-cleaning coating that combines titanium dioxide with hydrophilic action to disperse raindrops and react with UV light to break down dirt.
A glass roof will provide a sense of space that’s hard to achieve with other materials and can be a great way to link your conservatory with the garden. It’s a good idea to use aluminium frames as these will be strong and durable.
If you’re thinking of a glass roof it makes sense to opt for double glazing too, which will help keep the space insulated and reduce noise. You can even get glass that’s coated with a solar control layer which will deflect the sun’s rays and prevent it from overheating your conservatory.
Tiled roofs are a more traditional choice and can be a real asset to an older style conservatory. There are several types of tile available, including clay and concrete, which come in a range of colours and finishes and are resistant to fire and water. They can be more expensive than other options, however, and can take longer to install and repair if they need to be repaired or replaced.
You don’t usually need planning permission to add or change a conservatory roof, but check with your local authority (or the Planning Portal) as there are exceptions. This is particularly true if you live in a Conservation Area, National Park, World Heritage Site or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or if you have a listed building.
If you’re considering replacing your conservatory roof, make sure you work with a company that has a solid track record and plenty of customer reviews. If possible, ask for references from people who’ve had their conservatory roofs replaced by the company in question – they’ll be only too happy to share their experiences and give you a frank view of what to expect. conservatory roof