What is the best conservatory roof replacement?

A conservatory is more than a glass room on the side of your house. Modern conservatories have come a long way from the traditional form and there are now many types of conservatory roofs, constructed using different materials.

If you’re thinking of replacing your conservatory roof, you’re probably wondering what the different conservatory roof types are and which is the best conservatory roof for you. 

Why should I get a conservatory roof replacement?

Firstly, why should you replace your conservatory roof? Well, without a decent roof, you’ll experience all of the common problems associated with conservatories. The UK’s weather is unpredictable, and a conservatory with a poor roof is not well equipt to handle it. 

With poor insulation, your conservatory will be swelteringly hot in summer, freezing in winter and experience leaks and draughts every time the heavens open! All of this will render your space useless for most of the year. 

By replacing your conservatory roof, you’ll benefit from a more usable, weather-proof space that looks the part too. But the type of roof you choose plays a big role in the benefits you can expect. 

What are the different conservatory roof types? 

There are 4 types of conservatory roofs, they include: 

1. Polycarbonate roofs
2. Glass roofs 
3. Solid tiled roofs
4. Hybrid roofs

We’ll run through exactly what each roof is, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide which is the best type of conservatory roof. 

1. Polycarbonate conservatory roof

Polycarbonate roofs were once the most common and remain the most affordable option for a conservatory. Their low price point makes a polycarbonate roof the ideal choice if you’re on a budget or are renovating a house to sell and make a profit. 

However, they’re not the best for quality or durability. They tend not to last very long and won’t increase the amount you can use the space. If you have room in your budget to afford a better option, it’ll pay dividends in the long run.

Pros of a polycarbonate roof

• Cheap – Polycarbonate roofs are the cheapest roof option on the market.
• Versatile – Polycarbonate is easy to shape which means it can be used for any shape or style of conservatory.

Cons of a polycarbonate roof

• Poor insulation – Polycarbonate roofs don’t keep heat out on sunny days, or heat in when it’s cold. This will make your space unusable for most of the year.
• Noisy – Harsh rain and wind create quite a lot of noise on a plastic roof.
• Unattractive – polycarbonate roofs have the tendency to look cheap and flimsy. Over time, they’ll become muckier until they’re barely opaque at all, which isn’t a great look or feel.
• High maintenance – Expect to clean your conservatory roof often. 

2. Glass conservatory roof 

Glass roofs are much nicer to look at than polycarbonate roofs and are slightly better at insulating too. If you’re wanting a light and airy garden room, a glass roof might be perfect for you. 

Pros of a glass roof

• Let in lots of light – With a room made entirely of glass you’ll get maximum natural light and great views of your garden.
• Durable – a glass roof should last decades without needing to be replaced.

Cons of a glass roof

• Poor temperature control – Even with modern conservatory glass, expect a sauna in summer and a freezer in winter. 
• More expensive – A glass roof isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in expensive energy bills to try and heat or cool your conservatory.

3. Solid Tiled Roof 

A solid tiled roof transforms a conservatory into more of an extension of your home. They’re the best roof option when it comes to insulation and temperature control in your conservatory. If you’re not set on a traditional conservatory look and want a fully functioning extra room in your home, a solid roof is a great investment.

Pros of a tiled roof

• Year-round living space – A solid roof has excellent thermal efficiency, keeping the temperature comfortable inside, whatever the weather.
• Adds value to your home – With the look of an extension, a solid roof has the potential to add a ton of value on to your home.
• Low maintenance – Unlike glass and polycarbonate roofs, a solid roof requires very little maintenance. No cleaning is required!
• Secure – A solid roof is virtually burglary-proof.

Cons of a tiled roof 

• Less natural light – Although many solid roofs still have glass walls, no light will come through the roof.
• More expensive – They are a more expensive option than a polycarbonate or glass roof, but the benefits make it a worthwhile investment. 

4. Hybrid Roof

A hybrid roof combines tiles and glass features, creating a stunning piece of architecture without compromising on usability. With so many different styles available, hybrid roofs are often a bespoke design, so you’ll have the freedom to create the perfect space for you. 

Pros of a hybrid roof

• Looks stunning – Tiled roofs with a glass feature easily create the most stunning conservatory look, both outside and in.
• Great temperature control – Even with a partial glass roof, your conservatory will be thermally efficient, meaning it’s warm in winter yet cool in summer.
• Low maintenance – Tiles are really durable and require no maintenance. If you choose a good supplier, they’ll likely supply self-cleaning glass for any features which reduce cleaning requirments.
• Best of both worlds – Let in lots of natural light with views of your garden and the sky while still controlling the temperature.
• Customisable – From spotlights to different coloured tiles to just about any glass feature you can think of – the options are endless.

Cons of a hybrid roof

• Most expensive – As you’ve probably guessed, the best product has the highest price tag. You get what you pay for after all!

What is the best conservatory roof replacement? 

When choosing what roof you would like to have on your conservatory, think of how you will use the space. Everyone has different preferences and requirements, but this is our opinion…

With all the reasons above considered, we wouldn’t recommend a polycarbonate roof in any circumstance. A glass roof is a nice option that gives the traditional look and feel of a conservatory, but you’ll still have the issue of poor temperature control. However, a tiled roof is practical, thermally efficient and looks fantastic. With the option to add on glass features that provide both temperature control and a stunning, light and airy feel, a tiled conservatory roof with a glass feature is the best option for a conservatory roof replacement.

Still struggling to decide the best choice for you? The style of your existing conservatory might help you choose which conservatory roof type is best for you.

Conservatory roof styles 

The type of conservatory roof material you choose might depend on the style, size and shape of your existing conservatory. Take a look at all the different conservatory styles below and how a tiled or hybrid roof looks for each style.

Victorian 

A Victorian conservatory roof is timelessly popular. With a rounded shape, a steeply pitched roof and pentagonal bay window shapes, this style of conservatory looks great with any roof type.

Edwardian 

Also known as Georgian-style conservatories, these are rectangular in shape with a sloped roof from each edge. These slopes can be altered to adjust the height of the roof, which makes an Edwardian roof an appealing option.

Lean-To 

The lean-to is a singular sloping roof that looks as if it leans into the house. This option is very popular for its flexibility and cheaper price.

Gable 

Creating an exaggerated impression of height with two sloped panels, a Gable roof is a great choice for internal space.

P shape, L shape, T shape

The name of these conservatories is all the explanation you need. P-shaped, L-shaped and T-shaped conservatories tend to cover quite a large area, which is something to consider when deciding on a roof.

Who is the best conservatory roof replacement company?

Offering an unrivalled roof replacement solution, the SupaLite Roof is the best on the market! SupaLite specialises in solid conservatory roofing with either ExtraLite tiles or slate in a range of colours and the option to add a little luxury with a Sky Vista or Pitched Roof Orangery.

It uses a lightweight, aluminium frame, 150mm of humidity-proof insulation, a waterproof membrane and sturdy tiles to create a resilient conservatory that can withstand any weather! So you can enjoy your conservatory, all year round.

Talk to the experts

Here at Lightweight Roofing Solutions, we’re registered installers of the SupaLite conservatory roof, operating throughout the North West and South West of the UK. 
Our experts are always on hand to help you choose the right replacement conservatory roof for you and answer any queries you might have. Give us a call on 0333 456 5776, email info@lwrsol.co.uk or fill in a quick quote form to get in touch with us.