Choosing a Conservatory Roof

Conservatories are more than just greenhouses nowadays; they can be living spaces, dining rooms, hobby centres or even entertainment areas. They are often designed with a specific style in mind to match the architectural character of your home and to maximise space within the garden. The roof is one of the key features of any conservatory and choosing the best option for your needs will take careful consideration and research.

There are a variety of different styles of conservatories; Victorian, Edwardian, Lean-To and P-shaped being the most popular. Each design has a distinct character that is reflected in the shape of the roof. The Double-Hip style has a central facet that moves away from the house, whereas the Edwardian has three sloped facets. The Bay-End and Gable designs both have a dramatic appearance that adds an element of drama to any space.

When choosing a new conservatory roof, there are several options to consider including polycarbonate, glass and solid tiles. Polycarbonate is the cheapest option but offers poor insulation, letting in too much heat in summer and leaving the conservatory cold in winter. Glass is more expensive but it looks better and with modern glass roofs you can enjoy low-emissivity coatings that reduce the amount of sunlight and solar heating entering the room.

Solid tiles offer the best insulation and can be an excellent alternative to a polycarbonate or glass roof. They also allow you to choose a more traditional interior finish with a plastered ceiling and downlights. However, solid roofs are the most expensive of all the options, and you will need to reinforce your existing walls to support the extra weight.

If you are considering a solid roof for your conservatory, be sure to consult with an expert before starting work on the structure. They will be able to provide you with an appraisal of the current structure and inform you of what roofing options may be available to you.

The cost of a conservatory roof will vary depending on the size, style and material chosen. You will need to consider how the roof will be used and if it will require any electrical installation or heating.

It’s worth checking with your local authority before altering your conservatory, especially if it is listed or in a conservation area. They may require you to apply for planning permission, which can take some time to obtain. You’ll also need to ensure that your builder is registered with a competent person scheme to provide you with an insurance-backed guarantee in case of any issues that may arise during the work. You can find a list of approved contractors on the government’s website. This will help you to avoid any unscrupulous traders. You’ll need to look for a company with a good reputation and who have completed a minimum of five successful installations in the past five years. A reputable company will be able to supply you with written quotes and references for previous customers.conservatory roof