Most conservatories (if not all) built in the UK in the last 20 years have a polycarbonate or glass roof. If this is the case for your conservatory, it is probably too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and sometimes both. A tiled conservatory roof solves this problem.
When conservatories first became popular, the builders focused on getting as much natural light as possible into the room because it was (and still is) undesirable to have a dark room. But they didn’t really seem to consider the impact of a huge glass or plastic roof when the sun is beating down on it. Or when it is -2 degrees outside and all the heating is escaping through the top.
That is where solid tiled roofs come in. They are insulated and they are real roofing. You can be in there in the summer and winter without being too hot or too cold.
What is Tiled Roof Conservatory
Tiled Roof Conservatories remove your existing roof made of glass or plastic, and instead place a fully insulated roof, along with a tiled finish. The tiles are probably composite, and therefore a lighter weight material rather than clay or slate, which is very good because your conservatory frame is not made to hold the weight of ‘real’ roofing materials. That includes weighty clay tiles.
The frame includes foam insulation with U-Values of around 0.15, which compared to 2.6 for glass is a massive difference, insulation with a vapour barrier, and then tiles on the top. Once constructed, the ceiling is slated and made to look like all of the other rooms. For some natural light, people enjoy the addition of a velux window or skylight, and we can assure you, if you do not want it to feel like a bunker, this is a good choice.
The Temperature Function
This is the number one reason to get a replacement roof. It conserves your ability to use your conservatory and in the summer you can sit in the area without irrational sweating because it’s not a greenhouse, and without crippling heating bills in winter you can use the area comfortably.
The difference is quite noticeable. While most polycarbonate covers have U-values of roughly 2.6 meaning thermal heat escapes quickly. An insulated roof tile cover has a U-value of about 0.15. That is over 17 times more efficient at keeping heat insulated. This means your conservatory will have roughly the same temperature as the rest of your home ±1-2 degrees.
And the noise. If you’ve ever sat in a conservatory when it rains heavily, then you know how loud it is with a polycarbonate roof, It`s like your sitting inside a giant drum. Tiled roofs reduces this noise. You can have a quiet conversations, watch tv, have people over without the stress of listening to the rain.
Planning Permission and Building Regs
The good news is, in most cases, replacing an existing roof is considered permitted development, meaning you probably won’t need planning permission. However, you will need to meet existing building regulations, including structural support, ventilation, and insulation.
An experienced installer will ensure the work meets building control requirements. Be sure to keep control documents as proof, especially if you plan to sell your house, as solicitors will ask for proof of any building work.
How long does it really take? Most installations take between three to five days depending on the size of your conservatory. Day one is always the same losing the old roof to the structure, then undergoing the insulation, tiles, plastering, and finishing internal details. While the work the conservatory is out of work, you can of course use the rest of the house.
To be honest, this is not cheap. Conservatories even for a small one can range from thousands of pounds. larger conservatories can run into five figures. But set against the cost of building a proper extension from scratch, it’s considerably less. And you’re getting a room that’s actually usable to a space that’s too hot, too cold, or too noisy most of the year.
Another consideration is energy costs. When your conservatory is well insulated, there’s no heat loss through the roof during winter, which is highly beneficial, considering the current energy prices. Also, if you don’t use your conservatory for half the year, you’re essentially getting an additional room for no extra cost.
Different styles available
In most cases, conservatory tiled roofs have lightweight tiled systems. Composite tiles are lightweight, as are those which are designed to resemble clay/slate. Each installer has a different system and among the most popular are Supalite, Guardian, and Ultraframe, which generally serve the same purpose.
Additionally, your roof can be fully tiled, which involves the construction of a traditional timber frame with rafters and standard roofing materials. Although structurally heavier, meaning your existing conservatory base and walls need to be reinforced, it is more expensive and provides the same aesthetic as a house roof. Some conservatories built with brick walls are able to support this; most newer ones built with UPVC frames are not.
When is It worth It?
If you have a conservatory you can’t use proudly because it is uncomfortable, then yes, it is worth it. You go from a conservatory space where it is only pleasant to sit in, in a few weeks in spring and a few weeks in autumn, to a room you can use all through winter and summer.
This also solves the problem of resale value. Estate agents will tell you conservatories don’t often add value to the house because buyers see it as an awkward room that they don’t know how to use and see as a problem. But an insulated room with a solid roof that could be a dining room, office, or living room. That is a value add space because buyers see the opportunity to use the space.
The only reason not to do it is if you really want a conservatory to feel bright and open, and enjoy the cumbersome temperatures. But most people that have a conservatory with a solid tiled roof say they wish they had done it sooner, most people feel that way.