You have just built your conservatory according to your taste, and over time you realized you are not enjoying the maximum comfort you thought you would have. Your conservatory is either too cold during the winter or too hot during the summer that it causes sunburn.
When it rains, it’s the worst, as you can’t enjoy the peace and quiet. For these reasons, you are having thoughts about getting rid of the conservatory and regrets on why you built one in the first place.
First of all, your thoughts are valid, but you should consider replacing the conservatory roof instead. Replacing your conservatory roof might be an excellent solution.
Average Replacement Conservatory Roof Prices
The average cost for a conservatory roof replacement varies with the different roof types and the size of the conservatory you wish to cover.
This average price is between £3,200 – £11,500, with a polycarbonate roof replacement on the lower end and the tiled or solid roof on the higher margin.
Usually, a glass conservatory roof, especially the double glazed ones, are more expensive than a polycarbonate conservatory roof, considering they are more efficient and come with cleaning options. But they are cheap compared to the solid conservatory roof replacement because the solid conservatory roof requires more labour costs.
Below are the average prices listed for the different roof types:
A polycarbonate roof is between £3200 and £8500.
A glass roof is between £3500 and £9000.
A plastic roof is between £4,500 to £7,500.
A solid or tiled roof is between £7000 and £11500.
Benefits and Costs of a Replacement Tiled or Solid Conservatory Roof
If you decide to replace your conservatory roof with a tile or solid roof, you will be changing the entire look of your conservatory. The conservatory was traditionally intended to be an open place where you could get some fresh air and maybe grow some plants. A solid replacement roof will transform your conservatory to look just like your home. Well, if this is your goal, that is OK, and here are the benefits to having a tiled or solid conservatory roof.
Benefits
- A tiled or solid conservatory roof is very strong and durable, which means it has a long life span.
- This roof blends in with the rest of the house and can be transformed into another room.
- A tiled or solid conservatory roof serves as a good insulator to prevent overheating and over-freezing during the summer and winter.
- The tiled or solid conservatory roof offers you more privacy, which is the most secure.
- This roof type saves you a lot of energy bills as it is more thermally efficient than the others.
Due to these benefits, you should expect the price tag to be high, ranging from a price between £445 – £650 per square metre and between £4000 – £11500 in total, which also includes the VAT and installation price.
For a small standard roof, its cost is £4000, but a larger solid roof will cost more, starting at £6,000 due to the labour costs needed to accommodate the large size. Solid roof materials such as concrete cost less than materials such as slate which cost more. If you decide to include glass panels as skylights, you should be ready to pay more.
Note that changing your conservatory roof from any other roof type such as glass or polycarbonate will be classified as switching to a permanent extension. In that case, you should seek advice from the local authorities to verify if you need to apply for planning permission.
Benefits and Costs of a Replacement Glass Conservatory Roof
If you want more natural light coming into your conservatory, you should go for a glass conservatory roof. Besides letting more natural light come into your conservatory to brighten your space, here are other benefits.
Benefits
- The glass conservatory roof is strong and durable.
- This roof type is easy to clean and remove any debris.
- The glass conservatory roof looks exquisite and aesthetically pleasing.
- Using the double glazed panels can reduce your energy bills as they are thermally efficient.
- Double-glazed panels can help reduce noise from raindrops or the blowing wind.
The price of the glass conservatory roof is between £300-£350 per square metre resulting in a total cost of £3500 – £9000. This total cost includes VAT and installation.
Whatever price you get depends on the size and style of your conservatory. Note that the double glazed panels cost a little more than single glazed, but they are worth the investment.
The Benefits and Costs of a Replacement Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof
A more affordable option for a roof replacement is the polycarbonate conservatory roof. Apart from it being budget-friendly, here are other benefits.
Benefits
- It is strong and durable.
- It offers a low labour cost as the materials required are few and easy to install compared to other roof replacement types.
- This conservatory roof type is the best choice for a lean-to conservatory when on a budget.
The price for a polycarbonate conservatory roof type is £205 – £300 per square metre, that is a total cost of £3200 – £8500.
Before making a final decision on a Polycarbonate roof replacement, note that this roof type has a short life span and is not eco-friendly. It is also not thermally efficient, so this roof type will cost you more energy bills.
The Benefits and Costs of a Replacement Plastic Conservatory Roof
A plastic roof is similar to a solid conservatory roof replacement. It also makes your conservatory look like a standard house extension that can be converted to an extra room. Recycled plastics are often used in these replacements to be eco-friendly, thermally efficient, and help reduce noise.
A plastic roof cost ranges from £4,500 to £7,500, including the installation and VAT price. The exact price you will pay depends on your conservatory’s size and style.
Does the Conservatory Style affect the Roof Replacement Cost?
Yes, the cost of a conservatory roof replacement also depends on the conservatory-style you desire. It could be the Edwardian style, the Victorian style, the Lean-to style, the Gable-fronted style, the P-shaped style, the T-shaped, or the lantern style.
Let’s discuss these different conservatories and their roof replacements peculiarities.
Lean-to conservatory style
The lean-to conservatory is the least complicated as it appears basic with a sloping roof and three square or rectangular shaped sides mounted against the wall of an existing house.
They are very common in the UK, and for this reason, the roof replacement of this conservatory style costs the lowest compared to other conservatory roof replacement styles.
A lean-to roof size of about 3500mm x 3500mm will cost about £2,852 on average, while a lean-to roof size of about 3,000mm x 3,500mm will cost about £2,530 on average.
Victorian Conservatory Style
The Victorian conservatory is more complex than the lean-to conservatory as it appears curved and rounded with high roofs. It still has the square or rectangular sides as in the lean-to conservatory, but one side has a bay window with 3-5 facets, giving a curved appearance.
The complexity of the Victorian conservatory makes the roof replacement more expensive than the lean conservatory. They require more panels especially, on the curved side, so they also require more roofing materials.
A Victorian conservatory roof size of about 4000mm x 4000mm will cost about £4,672 on average, while a Victorian conservatory roof size of about 4,500mm x 4,500mm will cost about £4,945 on average.
Edwardian Conservatory Style
The Edwardian conservatory is built with a brick dwarf wall and a pitched roof plus square or rectangular sides. The roof consists of multiple planes of varying pitches that meet at an inverted v-shaped ridge. Note that the height of the roof can be adjusted by altering the pitch angle. This adjustment is an advantage to the roof replacement of this conservatory style.
The Edwardian conservatory is the second most common conservatory style in the UK, and a polycarbonate roof type is commonly used. Regardless, they look good with any material.
An Edwardian conservatory roof size of about 4000mm x 4000mm will cost about £4,800 on average, while an Edwardian conservatory roof size of about 4,500mm x 4,500mm will cost about £5,325 on average.
Note that both the Edwardian and Victorian conservatory roof styles require more roofing materials as they make use of more panels and structures.
Georgian Conservatory Style
The Georgian conservatory is similar to the Edwardian conservatory but larger. It features a grand gable roof design with two planes inclined to meet at a point in front of the structure, forming a triangle shape. This triangle-shaped structure can be glazed or infilled, which will affect the cost of conservatory roof replacement.
This conservatory design was inspired by Georgian architecture, and they fit perfectly with any house style.
A Georgian conservatory roof replacement size of about 3000mm x 3000mm will cost between £2,500 and £5,800 with the glass roof type on the higher end.
P-shaped conservatory style
A combination of the lean-to-conservatory style and the victorian conservatory-style gives a long section plus a round section resulting in the p-shaped conservatory.
These different conservatory styles can be designed in a 50-50 or 60-40 fraction where they are either equal in size or one is more emphasized than the other. The p-shaped conservatory fits perfectly with large detached properties.
The replacement of this conservatory roof style will cost more as it is more complex when compared to the individual lean-to and victorian conservatory styles.
T-shaped conservatory style
The T-shaped conservatory features a rectangular-sided room leaning against the wall of a house with a smaller structure protecting from the centre region. This conservatory style can combine the lean-to, Victorian or Edwardian conservatory styles.
The T-shaped conservatories appear like a letter T, and they suit large houses just like the p-shaped conservatory style.
The replacement cost for a T-shaped conservatory roof depends on the combination style chosen.
L-shaped conservatory style
The L-shaped conservatory resembles a capital letter L made, comprising a perfect combination of the Lean-to and Edwardian conservatory styles. This fits any house style but, it is best for larger houses. Note that they can be constructed around any property’s external or internal corner.
The replacement of this conservatory roof style will cost more, just like other “letter-shaped” conservatory, as they are more complex than the individual conservatory styles combined to construct them.
Lantern conservatory
The lantern conservatory could be made up of bricks, stone, and glass, often used for house swimming pools. They have a stylish elegant look that can’t be ignored. This conservatory features a two-tier roof separated by a row of windows, offering a good sky view.
Because of its two-tier roof, you will require more windows for this conservatory roof style. Although it provides more ventilation and looks grand, it costs more.
Benefits of reroofing your conservatory
Reroofing your conservatory is always a good idea when you get into the mood to try something new or if the old one is worn out. But what are the benefits that come with reroofing your conservatory? Keep reading to find out.
Reroofing your conservatory improves its durability.
The chance your conservatory will last for a longer period is high when you replace the old roof with a new one which the weather might have damaged. You prevent any damage that might cause water leakage, especially when it rains, or avoid the growth of moulds or fungi that can occur due to trapped moisture. Modern roofs have more durability than traditional ones. So, if your conservatory has a traditional roof, it will be good to replace it with a modern one.
Reroofing your conservatory makes your conservatory look better.
Anything aesthetically pleasing feels like home and gives a sense of comfort. Reroofing your conservatory could be the revamp your conservatory needs to make it look more grand and brand new. You can choose from the different styles of roof. You can also decide to go a little extra by adding color to make your conservatory feel like heaven.
Reroofing your conservatory adds value to your home.
When you reroof your conservatory and it looks better, it automatically adds value to your home whenever you decide to put up your home for sale. Because your conservatory now looks more aesthetically pleasing, it will sell faster.
Reroofing your conservatory provides better thermal efficiency.
When reroofing conservatories, modern methods are employed, which helps make it thermally efficient by using a good combination of installation materials, and this will help reduce your energy bills.
Can I get the roof replacement done on finance?
Yes, you can get a roof replacement on finance, especially if you have good credit. Some roofing companies offer the opportunity to pay for your roof replacement over several months or even years. Some of these companies could give a discount when you do this or add interest, which means you may be charged more than the original price.
How to choose the right conservatory roof installer?
When choosing a person to help install your conservatory roof, it is important you:
Ask for previous experience and reviews.
Ask the installer how long they have been working on conservatory roofs and research the online reviews from other clients based on similar jobs done.
Check if they are a member of trade bodies and accreditation schemes.
Be sure of the guarantees that come with their work by asking if they belong to any trade bodies or accreditation schemes. This will assure you of getting your money’s worth, and it will provide you with peace of mind.
An installer may belong to any of the different trade bodies and accreditation schemes. Belonging to these bodies means they have promised to uphold and protect the interest of customers as these bodies would ensure they follow through with certain rules in the industry.
Choose an installer you belong to either of the listed accreditation schemes:
- Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) – They maintain good safety and health standards when purchasing their services.
- The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) – They ensure the good energy efficacy of your conservatory.
- Certification and Self-Assessment (CERTASS) – They ensure you get more value for your money
- FairTrades / TrustMark accreditation
Compare quotes between installers.
Don’t be so quick to jump into the first roof replacement deal you come across, but you should have at least 3 price quotes from different installers to compare for the best deal.
FAQs
Is a conservatory roof replacement worth the cost?
Replacing your conservatory roof is worth it because of the following reasons:
- You save some energy bills, especially if you use an eco-friendly one.
- You increase the value of your home.
- You prevent any future roof damage that might cause you stress, especially if the existing roof has been there too long.
- You make your conservatory look aesthetically pleasing and brand new.
What is the best replacement roof for a conservatory?
You can’t conclusively say which replacement roof is best for a conservatory, and it all depends on what you need a roof replacement for and how much you have allocated to that replacement.
Based on your budget and preferences, you can say which of the roof types listed above is best for you.
Are there any building regulations I should be aware of?
You should be aware of no building regulations because you don’t need any building regulation approval for a roof replacement. With a door demarcating your house from the conservatory, you can work on your conservatory roof unrestricted.
Note that most conservatory roof material comes with building regulation approval.
Do I need Planning Permission For A Replacement Conservatory Roof?
If you are replacing with any roof type asides from the solid or tiled roof, you don’t need any planning permission for a replacement conservatory roof.
A solid or tiled roof replacement from a polycarbonate could be seen as a permanent change so you might require planning permission.
If you live in a Listed Building, you should seek advice from your council.
Why would you want to replace your conservatory roof with a polycarbonate roof?
The only reason you will want to do this is that you might be on a tight budget, considering the polycarbonate roof is cheap and easy to install. Asides from the price, the polycarbonate roof is not the best roof option for you to buy because it is not durable and has a short lifespan.
What’s the most eco-friendly material for a conservatory roof replacement?
The most eco-friendly material for a conservatory roof replacement is the plastic shingle roof because these are good insulators and energy-efficient. They also help control the room temperature making it not too hot or cold.
What are the types of glass conservatory roofs available?
The available options for a glass roof replacement include:
- A single glazed glass roof panel
- A double-glazed glass roof panel
- A triple glazed glass roof panel
- An energy-efficient coated glass roof
- A self-cleaning glass roof
- A solar control glass roof
You can always tint your glass roof according to your preference.
How long does a conservatory roof replacement take?
On average, for the small, simple reroofing of a lean-to conservatory, it could take just a day, but it could take about 3-5 days for a more complex reroofing. The extra days are due to the extra work that goes into the structural work, especially if you are replacing it with a solid roof.
If you are to consider the amount of time it takes before the roof arrives at your property, you should add an extra 3-5 weeks.
What is the purpose of glazed roof panels?
Glazed roof panels are thermally efficient and help maintain a suitable temperature within the conservatory. If this is not maintained, you could freeze up or burn up whenever the weather becomes too cold or hot.
Do I get guarantees for any conservatory roof replacement?
For every conservatory roof replacement done, you will receive a guarantee. You should always seek installers that belong to authorized trade bodies or accreditation schemes.
Is it possible to fix a leaking conservatory roof myself?
Yes, this is possible! But fixing a leaking conservatory roof is only a temporary solution. So it is highly recommended that you opt for a roof replacement whenever you notice a roof leak.
