Is It Time For A Conservatory Roof Replacement?

If your conservatory roof is leaking, overheating, or just looking dull, it might be time for a replacement. Advances in roofing materials have made it possible to make your conservatory more energy efficient as well.

If you want to maximise natural light and insulation, try adding Velux-style windows into a solid conservatory roof. These transform polycarbonate or glass roofs into a structure that looks like it belongs in your home.
Tiled Roofs

Updating a conservatory roof with a solid tiled option will not only give it a more modern appearance, but it can also dramatically improve its energy efficiency. By reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems, it will become a comfortable space to relax in all year round.

A typical installation will start with the removal of the old roof and installation of a new timber or aluminium frame to support the tiles. Then, a layer of plasterboard is nailed to the rafters and skim coated to prepare it for painting.

The next layer is an insulated lining, usually consisting of a combination of plasterboard and a thin layer of insulation. This is then covered by a layer of lightweight tiles that are available in a range of styles, colours and finishes to suit any home. Velux windows can be installed to allow natural light to flood into the new conservatory roof and provide a more spacious feel to the room.
Concrete Roofs

For many homeowners, a conservatory is a place to enjoy some peace and quiet or indulge in some garden leisure activities. So, having a draughty conservatory roof can spoil the experience. Thankfully, a new or replacement roof can fix this.

Polycarbonate sheets may be super strong but they can still crack, warp and break, causing leaks or leaving your conservatory looking worse for wear after the winter storms have passed. This type of roof is best replaced with a solid conservatory roof that can be clad over to protect your existing glazing bars and create a luxurious new living space.

A shingle or concrete tiled roof is an attractive alternative to polycarbonate and will match your home. Lightweight shingles and concrete tiles are available in a range of colours with up to 60 year life expectancy. You will need to ensure your existing foundations can handle the weight of a solid roof and that trials are carried out before work commences. This is where a specialist like Roofworx Southwest can help.
Steel Roofs

If you’re looking for a solid conservatory roof replacement to make your conservatory usable all year round, then you should consider the advantages of a steel conservatory roof. They are incredibly durable and much more affordable than polycarbonate sheets.

They have the added advantage of a plastered ceiling which makes them easier to decorate and can accommodate various types of lighting (traditional lamps, spotlights, mood lighting etc.). They also give you the option of adding soffit lighting, which can add a dramatic accent or serve as a security feature.

Some of the better installers have partnered with roofing systems like Supalite and Guardian warm roof to help streamline the building regulations approval process by pre-approval or (as in the case of Roofworx Southwest) managing the inspections on your behalf. They will also be able to offer you a full range of roof options including the u-values of 0.18 and 0.18. They will typically use upgraded boarding to increase strength and reduce the risk of sagging.
Low-Pitch Roofs

As home extensions have boomed in popularity over the last decade low-pitch roofs have become a common feature. These roofs can be designed for height restrictions in existing homes or simply to add a contemporary look to your conservatory.

However, a low-pitched roof is not without its own challenges. Low roof pitches have shallow slopes which can cause rainwater to drain more slowly. This can allow water to find its way into the roof through small gaps between tiles.

This can lead to leaking, damp walls and ceilings as well as damage to the structure of your roof. Keeping up to date with roof maintenance and removing debris build-up can go a long way in reducing the risk of these problems occurring.