A conservatory can be a great addition to any home. It adds extra space and gives you an additional living area to enjoy. However, you might be afraid of the age-old tale of the conservatory that is freezing in the winter and way too hot in the summer, making it virtually unusable most of the time.
Thankfully, conservatory roofing materials have come a long way over the past decade, and you can choose from many options.
Considerations To Make When Selecting Your Conservatory Roof Material
Glass Conservatory Roofs
Glass conservatory roofs are a good choice if you’re looking for a conservatory full of natural light. As long as you are willing to keep it clean, you can be sure that daylight will pass through brightening up your conservatory and making the space seem bigger.
However, glass is not the cheapest option. Some conservatories with glass roofs can also overheat in the summer and feel too cold during winter, making it tough to maintain a comfortable temperature. Glass conservatory roofs can also put off potential house buyers. For many years, these roofs have had a negative reputation and some may be afraid that it could bring about additional bills in years to come.
Polycarbonate Conservatory Roofs
A polycarbonate conservatory roof is created using plastic sheeting, with an air gap between multiple sheets to trap warm air. Plastic roofs weigh much less than other roof types, meaning that you won’t have to use a reinforced frame, which can be used for a quick, cheap structure.
However, once upon a time, all conservatory roofs were made from polycarbonate, and there are serious reasons why they aren’t as popular anymore. They can suffer from leaking, overheating and poor sound insulation. They are also simply just aesthetically poor, potentially devaluing your home.
Solid or Tiled Conservatory Roofs
A solid conservatory roof will take your conservatory and bring it closer to being an extension of your home, whilst still offering the light and airy space you likely chose it for.
Solid roofs offer superior insulation, improving the heat retention of your space. Tiled conservatory roofs are designed with insulation in mind, meaning you can enjoy your conservatory all year round, without worrying about your heating bills.
Exterior noise will also be a worry of the past with a solid conservatory roof. They will improve the acoustics and reduce noise pollution, by up to 30 decibels. This is great if you are hoping to use your conservatory as a place to relax.
Solid conservatory roofs are also known to increase property value. With improved usability and aesthetics, this can be a huge selling point.
Can I Change My Glass Conservatory Roof To A Solid Roof?
Changing a conservatory roof from a glass version to a solid roof is a common switch. Before you start any building work, you must think about the following:
- Will your foundations bear the extra load? Are they deep enough?
- Is the structure of the conservatory strong enough to take additional weight?
- Will a change of structure affect building regulations?
Do I Need Planning Permission To Put A Solid Roof On A Conservatory?
A solid roof can be added to a conservatory without requiring planning permission, as long as it falls within the permitted development guidelines for an extension.
For your structure to be exempt from building regulations, your conservatory must have a significant amount of the walls glazed. Whilst there aren’t particular guidelines on the percentage ratio of glazing to solid wall, this will be down to the discretion of your Local Building Authority. If you aren’t feeling confident, it is recommended that you speak to your local authority before you start any building work.
Choosing The Right Material For Your Conservatory Roof
When choosing the right material for your conservatory roof, consider your needs and preferences.
If you’re not confident about which material is the best for your conservatory roof, consult with a professional, such as the team, here at Stormshield. We’ll be able to advise you on the best replacement conservatory roof for your needs and talk you through all of the options available to you, to ensure that you are confident throughout the process.