Replacing a conservatory roof: solid, glass or polycarbonate?

Too hot in summer, too cold in winter or noisy in the rain? Compare solid, glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs and what each means for your home.
Conservatory roof being replaced on a brick and timber-clad house

Many conservatories built in the 1990s and 2000s are now showing their age. If yours is too hot in summer, too cold in winter, noisy when it rains or starting to leak, replacing the roof can turn it into a room you use all year, often without rebuilding the walls.

Signs it is time for a new roof

  • you avoid the room for months of the year because of the temperature
  • condensation, damp patches or drips appear after heavy rain
  • the panels have discoloured, cracked or let in dirt
  • rain on the roof is too loud to hold a conversation

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the lightest and usually the least expensive option. It is quick to fit, but it is the noisiest in rain, insulates the least and tends to discolour over time. It suits a garden room you only use in milder months.

Modern glass

Today’s double-glazed roof units are a big step up from older glass roofs. Solar-control and self-cleaning coatings reduce glare and heat build-up while keeping the light, open feel that makes a conservatory special. Glass is a good choice if you love the view of the sky but want a more comfortable room.

Solid or tiled roof

A solid roof is insulated like the rest of your house, with a plastered ceiling inside and lightweight tiles or slates outside. It is the quietest and warmest option and makes the room feel like a true extension. Roof windows or a lantern can bring daylight back in.

Because a solid roof is heavier and changes how the room performs, it usually needs Building Regulations approval. The existing frames, walls and foundations must also be checked to make sure they can carry the extra weight, which is something we assess before quoting.

Which is right for you?

It depends on how you want to use the room, which way it faces and the condition of the existing structure. We are happy to look at your conservatory, explain the options honestly and recommend the one that makes sense for your home and budget.

Find out more about our conservatory work or book a visit.

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