When considering a conservatory roof, many factors need to be taken into account. These include: budget, maintenance, roof lifespan and the amount of light required.
Glass roofs allow light to flood into the room, creating a warm and airy space that feels like part of your home. They are also better insulators than polycarbonate and less likely to be scratched or damaged.
Tiled roofs
Many of the glazed conservatories built at the peak of their popularity are now showing signs of age, with old polycarbonate or glass roofs that lack the modern insulating properties they need to stay warm and comfortable. A solid tiled conservatory roof is the ideal solution for these older structures and can be installed without upgrading the structure of the conservatory itself.
Tiled roofs are able to retain heat much more effectively than glass or polycarbonate roofs thanks to their low U-Value. This means you can keep the temperature in your conservatory constant throughout the year and won’t need to turn the heating up. This will save you money and reduce your energy bills as well as helping to lower your carbon footprint.
A new tiled roof can also be fitted with a range of top brands of roof windows. This is a great way to bring extra daylight into your conservatory and give it a real feel of being part of the rest of your home.
Glass roofs
Whether you’re building a new conservatory or revamping your existing space, it’s important to consider the best roof type for the space. Glass roofs are a good choice if you’re looking to keep the room’s outdoorsy feel and blend it into your home. They’re also better insulators than polycarbonate and let in plenty of light.
Unlike opaque polycarbonate, clear glass can look sleek and sophisticated. Combined with solar control technology that deflects sunlight, it can create a warm and comfortable space throughout the year without the need for artificial lighting.
The pitter-patter of rain against a glass roof can be barely heard, making it a peaceful and tranquil space to relax in. It’s possible to even stargaze at night. Glass conservatory roofs are also available in tinted options which reduce glare and help keep the conservatory cool. They’re also self-cleaning and easy to maintain.
Concrete roofs
This type of roof costs more than glass and polycarbonate, but it is a more durable material that doesn’t require much maintenance. It also lets in a lot of natural light. However, it might need some repairs from time to time, especially if there are any structural damages or if moss grows on the surface of the roof.
A solid conservatory roof with tiles is an excellent option for anyone who wants a beautiful space that’s comfortable all year round. These warm conservatory roofs are extremely popular, and they’re easy to install in your existing sun room or new build project.
They offer a choice of lightweight outer finishes such as Metrotile or Britmet and come with a 40 year warranty. They’re also compatible with a wide range of roof windows, which can help you bring more natural light into your home. You should always check whether your installer belongs to CERTASS or FENSA before choosing them for your replacement conservatory roof.
Steel roofs
A solid roof can transform a conservatory into a full living space. It is insulated, which keeps the conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer and cuts energy costs. It can also be fitted with roof windows (aka rooflights) to let in natural light.
It is worth bearing in mind that a solid tiled roof will make your conservatory seven times heavier than polycarbonate, so it’s important to get a survey done by a professional to ensure the existing structure and foundation can handle the weight. Many of the older style conservatories will require additional strengthening to support a solid roof.
Some of the more modern solid roof systems, such as those from Supalite and Eurocell have an aluminium frame, which means you may not need additional support to your existing structure or foundations. These systems can also be installed in a shorter timeframe and provide an improved ceiling with a more attractive appearance.