Conservatory Roof Replacement: Prices, Types, and Lifespan
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Q1. What is the average cost of a new conservatory roof?
Cost varies as it depends on how large or small the conservatory is, what roofing system is selected and how complex or not it will be to fit a new roof. However, we can confidently say that small coverings tend to be cheaper to upgrade than larger coverings.
Q2: What types of conservatory roof replacement are there and what’s their lifespan?
There are three main options – glass roofs, solid/tiled roofs and traditional polycarbonate roofs. 10-20 years is the typical lifespan of a polycarbonate roof and 20-40 years is how long a well-installed and well-maintained glass or solid/tiled roof normally endures for.
Q3: Is planning permission necessary to replace a conservatory roof?
Permitted development rights usually apply to replacement conservatory roof projects, which means that planning approval isn’t needed. There’s the odd exception, such as if your home has listed status or the roof upgrade will prompt a major alteration.
Q4: How long do replacement conservatory roof installations take?
It’s possible to conclude some within one day, but it generally takes about three days to finish. If a series of structural alterations are required or the weather affects installation, it may take around one week.
Thermal and Comfort Forewarnings
Don’t misinterpret a structurally fine roof as being okay if performance issues arise – it indicates that you should investigate getting a solid conservatory roof replacement. Traditional conservatory roofs are prone to offering low-level insulation and poor temperature regulation.
If heat gets out of your conservatory, you have little option but to maximise use of your heating to keep the space warm, which will come at a high cost. In this instance, there’s virtually no chance of experiencing year-round use.
The Perks of Replacing a Conservatory Roof
With a new conservatory roof you’re assured of sustained comfort, no matter what time of the year it is. As opposed to older roofing systems, contemporary roofs deliver perfect climate control.
The fitting of tiled roofs will drastically lower heating usage, which will make it cheaper to heat a conservatory space and minimise energy consumption. An uplift in indoor warmth is bound to encourage you to use the setting whenever you have spare time.
Some roofing systems offer high-class acoustic performance if you get disturbed by noise while enjoying your conservatory surroundings – they’ll reduce the sound of heavy rain and external noise. Ample light still manages to filter its way in through such systems to maintain a bright and airy feel.
Replacement of an old roof for a contemporary system will also elevate your home’s appearance and increase its value.
Types of Conservatory Roof Replacement and Materials
Factors that will determine what conservatory roof is chosen include cost, aesthetics and insulation. Modern roofs are massively advanced and come in a variety of options.
- Modern glass roofs. Advanced glazing is a component of a modern glass roof replacement and central to how it achieves impressive thermal standards, ensuring that conservatories are kept cosy. Contemporary roofs largely feature self-cleaning coatings, and low-emissivity glazed roofs invariably incorporate self-cleaning glass to restrict the need for roof maintenance.
- Tiled and solid roofs. Solid roofs, or as they’re also known, a tiled conservatory roof, supply exemplary insulation and are amazingly lightweight. Fast and efficient to install, they can practically eliminate draughts to magnify warmth and see that conservatories provide sublime energy efficiency.
- Hybrid roofs. A hybrid roof is a combination of solid, insulated panels and glazed facets for balanced light gain and thermal efficiency.
- Polycarbonate roofs. Out of all the available systems, polycarbonate roofs are the cheapest available solution. While they have fantastic durability, their thermal performance falls well short of the standard attained by modern glass and tiled roofs, and conservatory climates suffer because of it.
- Roof lanterns. Many extensions and modern-day conservatories contain roof lanterns, which tend to encompass solar-control glazing for fortified comfort. Markedly more elegant than traditional roofs, their lifespan is significantly longer too.
What Do Conservatory Roof Replacements Cost?
In comparison to a full new conservatory installation, a conservatory roof cost generally works out about 60-70% less, subject to the specifications and existing condition of the structure.
Polycarbonate roofs win in terms of being the most affordable solution, followed by glass roofs. Tiled roof replacements are the most expensive, but justifiably so when you consider how insulating they are and the structural materials they’re composed of. Roof costs are dependent on things like the size and style of a conservatory, its current state and how complex, or not, the installation will be.
The long-term running costs associated with replacement roofs are considerably low, which is something to remember when paying out for one.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Conservatory roof replacements can often take place without planning permission as most systems enjoy permitted development rights.
Permitted development rights are granted to conservatory roof upgrades when no drastic alterations to the original structure are required. However, they may not apply if a house is either listed or situated in a conservation area.
Building regulations and planning permission are two separate things. To have a solid roof fitted on an existing conservatory, you usually must make a Building Regulation Application as it will change the thermal and structural performance of the location. It’s imperative that a replacement conservatory roof abides current insulation, ventilation and structural safety guidelines.
Local Authority Building Control oversees compliance in England and Wales. Once they grant approval, a certificate will be issued confirming that the installation meets Building Regulations – put this documentation in a safe place.
What A Replacement Roof Project Entails
So that you’re fully prepared for a conservatory roof replacement, we want to alert you to the fact that much of it relies on meticulous preparation and quality installation.
A project shouldn’t proceed until a full structural assessment is carried out to assess the integrity of the structure and identify any possible issues, such as damp and condensation.
If the work can begin and approval has been given, a standard roof replacement normally takes about two to five days. On average, it takes about one day to make a room weathertight following the removal of an old roof ahead of installing a replacement system.
Solid roof systems can take a bit longer to finalise – about one week due to the additional work involved e.g. lighting and plastering.
Recruit assistance from First Class Windows & Conservatories, as we can make all the necessary arrangements, including structural calculations and weatherproofing (including flashing) and ensuring Building Regulations are obeyed.
Tips on Finding a Reliable Installer
Logic shows that if you appoint a very experienced installer, it enhances the chances of your chosen roof offering elite performance and having a considerable conservatory roof lifespan.
- Trustpilot and Google reviews. Read a few Trustpilot and Google reviews for each potential installer to see what fellow householders think of their work practices and customer service.
- Check out previous work. Once you have a shortlist of installers qualified to install bespoke conservatories, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to view examples of roof installations they’ve managed.
- Accreditations. Do they hold some of the industry’s most high-profile accreditations? Such endorsements will give you confidence in their ability.
- Building regulations. Inquire if the replacement conservatory roofs they sell comply with Building Regulations and will be certified.
- Structural appraisal process. Gather details of the structural appraisal process.
- Some other points to note. Ask about timescales, what any guarantee covers, the materials they intend to use and if they have an aftercare service.
Conclusion
A conservatory roof replacement comes with a lot less upheaval and cost involved than a brand-new conservatory installation would. Its impact on thermal efficiency will be massively positive, reviving the prospect of utilising the space year-round.
Selecting between a roof lantern, hybrid roof, glass or solid roof is a case of deciding what your main priorities are. Hybrid offerings manage to give you a unique balance of insulation, durability and light, while solid and glass roofs resoundingly enhance temperature control and open the door to ample customisation.
You’re urged to wait for confirmation that an installation abides planning laws before progressing with a project. Planning permission isn’t needed for most replacement conservatory roofs, but they must satisfy Building Regulations and be certified.
First Class has been the architect of countless roof replacement projects in South Wales, and it would be an honour to take on yours. We can discuss it over a tea or coffee in our showroom at your home – whichever suits you best.
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