Is a Conservatory Roof Replacement Worth the Cost?
Barely getting any use out of your conservatory anymore because of excess heat in summer and too much cold in winter? What you need is a new conservatory roof and this article will tell you everything you need to know about a conservatory roof replacement. Read it and discover if itโs worth buying one, what roof replacements can be purchased and if theyโre subject to planning permission. Hereโs a little question and answer section to get the article started.
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Q1: What does a conservatory roof replacement cost?
Cost will be decided by the size of the conservatory, what style of roof you choose (tiled, glass or hybrid), and how complex, or not, the design is. As an indication, smaller coverings generally cost less than larger roof coverings.
Q2: How long do conservatory roof replacements last and what types are there?
You can get access to glass roofs, solid/tiled roofs and traditional polycarbonate roofs. 10-20 years is the estimated lifespan of polycarbonate roofs, but itโs more like 20-40 years for well-fitted and well-maintained glass and solid/tiled roofs.
Q3: Is planning permission necessary for a conservatory roof replacement?
Most replacement conservatory roofs are considered permitted developments and therefore donโt require planning permission. However, if a house is listed or in a conservation area or the roof update will mark a major alteration, planning permission could be needed.
Q4: How long do replacement conservatory roof installations take?
It can take as little as one day, but in general, youโll be looking at about three days. That may increase to around a week if structural alterations are required or the weather disturbs the installation.
Spotting When to Have a Conservatory Roof Replacement
Problems that arise are usually very noticeable and happen prior to a system suffering complete failure. Watch out for any of the following issues.
- Leaking. A declining roof will often start to leak and manifest into damp.
- Sagging. Any sagging in the roof indicates some structural weakness, an improper installation or debris buildup.
- Discolouration. Weathering, moss and algae growth is bad for inducing discolouration.
- Water ingress. As soon as cracks emerge in panels or seals, it accelerates the risk of water ingress.
- Mould. The advent of mould poses a structural and health risk.
- Damp and condensation. Suggests substandard roof insulation and ventilation.
- Moisture. Once moisture appears, it too signals poor insulation.
Thermal and Comfort Warnings
Youโre urged not to turn a blind eye to performance issues even if the roof structure seems fine. Thatโs when you should explore solid roof conservatories. A traditional conservatory roof doesnโt come close to offering the demanded temperature regulation.
As heat escapes from your badly insulated conservatory, you naturally turn to your heating system to create warmth, which drives up energy costs. Year-round use is practically impossible if the roof isnโt doing its job.
The Upsides of a Conservatory Roof Replacement
An utmost advantage of a new conservatory roof is the comfort it initiates, guaranteeing you a cosy space at any time of the year. Compared to older roofs, contemporary systems instil a perfect indoor climate.
Tiled roofs manage to massively reduce dependency on heating, ushering more affordable energy. The elevated warmth will be motivation to use the space with greater frequency.
Sick of being disturbed by outdoor noise in your conservatory? Some roof systems are purposely made to address this, offering high-quality acoustic performance to make heavy rain and external noise less audible. They also attract lots of sunlight in case youโre worried about the space becoming too dark.
Moving from an ageing glass or polycarbonate roof to a modern roof additionally improves home aesthetics and property valuations.
Types of Conservatory Roof Replacement & Materials
The roof you select will be influenced by its cost, appearance and how much insulation it offers. Modern roofing systems are amazingly hi-tech and thereโs several of them.
- Modern glass roofs
A modern glass roof replacement contains advanced glazing and itโs vital to the superior thermal standards it realises, stopping conservatories from becoming too hot or too cold. Most modern roofs include self-cleaning coatings, and low-emissivity roofs often have self-cleaning glass to reduce maintenance requirements. - Tiled and solid roofs
Sometimes sold as a solid roof, the tiled, solid conservatory roof delivers elite insulation and is unbelievably lightweight. Simple and fast to install, it removes draughts from conservatory spaces to increase comfort levels. - Hybrid roofs
A combining together of solid, insulated panels and glazed sections signifies a hybrid solution, which provides a perfect balance of light and thermal efficiency. - Polycarbonate roofs
For the cheapest roof, polycarbonate systems come first, but their low-cost is symbolic of some downfalls. While highly durable, their thermal performance is drastically behind what modern glass and tiled systems supply. - Roof lanterns
Commonly found in extensions and contemporary conservatories, roof lanterns invariably use solar-control glazing in their design for magnified comfort. Enormously sophisticated, they endure for much longer than traditional coverings.
What Do Conservatory Roof Replacements Cost?
They are mostly about 60-70% cheaper than having a full new conservatory installation, subject to the necessary specifications and the existing structureโs condition.
Affordability-wise, polycarbonate roofs come out on top, then itโs glass roofs, while tiled roof replacements cost the most, but justifiably when you consider their first-class insulation and structural materials. Conservatory roof cost will be determined by the conservatory size and style, what state the present frames are in, and how complex the installation will be.
The outlay for a roof may seem daunting, but inexpensive running costs will see that energy costs are kept low over the long-term.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Conservatory roof replacements normally qualify as permitted developments, meaning that you donโt have to obtain planning permission.
This may not be the case if the original structure will need major alterations or the relevant home is either listed or within a conservation area.
Building regulations and planning permission are not the same thing! Fitting a solid roof to an existing conservatory usually needs submission of a Building Regulation Application as it will modify the thermal and structural performance of the setting. Whichever replacement conservatory roof is chosen, it must comply with current insulation, ventilation and structural safety standards.
Compliance is overseen by Local Authority Building Control in England and Wales. Once you have their approval, a certificate will be issued, which confirms that the roof installation is in accordance with Building Regulations โ the certificate needs storing in a safe place as youโll require it when selling.
The Steps Involved in a Conservatory Roof Replacement
Knowing what lies ahead after commissioning a conservatory roof replacement is helpful and itโs very dependent on intense preparation and an expert fitting.
It all starts with a full structural assessment as the integrity of the structure must be ascertained and to check for issues like damp and condensation.
Once you have the relevant approval and things can move forward, a standard roof replacement generally takes about two to five days. In most instances, replacement roofs can be made secure in one day to keep a conservatory space watertight.
Solid roof systems take a bit longer to install โ around one week โ as you have the additional work of plastering, lighting etc.
Take any stress out of the situation by allocating the work to MPN Conservatories, who will do the structural calculations, oversee weatherproofing (including flashing) and sort out any Building Regulations submission.
How to Find the Best Installer
To locate a suitable installation company takes research. With a reliable fitter, youโre assured of a roof that does what you need it to and promises a long conservatory roof lifespan.
- Trustpilot and Google reviews. Read what customers have to say on Trustpilot and Google about any installers that youโre considering who specialise in bespoke conservatories.
- Real-life case studies. Analyse the work of installers by checking their social media accounts for real-life projects.
- Accreditations. The best roof suppliers will have been endorsed by major industry bodies, validating their credentials as a trusted installer.
- Building regulations. Get confirmation that an installerโs replacement conservatory roofs satisfy Building Regulations and will be certified.
Structural appraisal process. Find out how they conduct the structural appraisal process. - A few last tips. Inquire about timescales and whatโs covered in the guarantee, as well as the materials that will be harnessed and whether aftercare is provided.
Conclusion
The cost of buying a brand-new conservatory will far outweigh how much youโll pay for just a conservatory roof replacement. Its impact will be dramatic โ restoring thermal efficiency so that year-round usability is achievable.
Knowing your priorities will help you discern if itโs worth getting a roof lantern, hybrid roof, glass or solid roof. Hybrid systems deliver a combination of insulation, durability and light, while solid and glass systems hugely enhance temperature control and offer abundant customisation.
Donโt progress with an installation until youโve clarified if permitted development rights are applicable. Replacement conservatory roofs normally donโt need planning permission; however, they must still observe Building Regulations and be certified.
Put it all in the hands of MPN Conservatories, whoโve been responsible for literally hundreds of roof replacement projects in South Wales. Set up a time to talk about introducing a high-performance roof to your living space.
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