Conservatory roof replacement: solid and tiled options

Most original conservatory roofs are glazed or made from polycarbonate sheeting. Both let in plenty of light, but they also let heat escape quickly in winter and let the room overheat in summer, and noise from rain can be considerable. Over time, seals around glazing bars perish, polycarbonate panels discolour and crack, and leaks can develop at the ridge or where the roof meets the house wall. Replacing the roof with a solid covering addresses those issues at the source rather than papering over them.

A solid conservatory roof covering is generally a lightweight, insulated panel system finished to look like a tiled or slated roof from outside, often with one or more roof windows or lantern lights left in to keep some natural light. A tiled finish uses lightweight roof tiles laid over the insulated structure in a way that more closely matches a traditional pitched roof. Both aim to improve insulation and cut down noise compared with the original glazing.

Which suits a particular conservatory depends on the structure underneath, since any solid covering adds weight compared with glass or polycarbonate, and the existing frame needs to be capable of carrying it. That is a question for a proper survey rather than a general rule, because conservatory frames vary considerably in their design and condition.

A conservatory roof repair deals with a specific fault: a cracked panel, a failed seal, a leaking ridge bar or a loose finial. If the rest of the roof is sound, repairing that one element is usually the sensible choice. Replacement becomes worth considering once several panels have degraded, once leaks keep recurring in different places, or once the main complaint is comfort, meaning the room is too hot, too cold or too noisy regardless of individual repairs.

An inspection of the existing roof and frame is the starting point either way, so the advice reflects the condition of your particular conservatory rather than a general assumption.

Broadly, the existing roof covering is removed down to the supporting frame, which is then checked and, where needed, reinforced to carry the new covering safely. An insulated roof system is then built up and finished externally in the chosen style, with roof windows or lanterns fitted where light is still wanted. Guttering, fascias and the junction with the house wall are finished so the new roof sheds water properly, in the same way these details matter on any pitched or flat roof.

Any works of this kind may need consent depending on the property and its history, which is worth checking before committing to a specification; our guide to building warrants for a new roof explains when that question needs raising for roofing projects generally.

We do not quote figures without seeing the conservatory, because the price depends on the size and shape of the roof, the condition and strength of the existing frame, whether reinforcement is needed, the number of roof windows or lanterns retained, and the access available for the work. A simple rectangular conservatory is a more straightforward job than one with several hips, valleys or an unusual roof shape, and that difference is reflected in the estimate rather than a standard price list.

Rowan Roofing is a family-run roofing firm based in Cardenden, Fife, trading for 16 years with over 50 years of roofing experience in the family. We cover Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee and the surrounding area, travelling up to 50 miles for the right job. Call 07508 571291 or send details through our contact page to arrange a look at your conservatory roof and a written estimate.