Do I buy a tiled roof or glass roof?
We can’t give you a definitive answer to that as it will come down to how you want to use the space, which direction it faces, and the amount of budget you can spend. If you want the space to receive lots of natural light and are keen to have a great garden view, we recommend the use of solar control glazing, which will also help with temperature control.
To get that year-round feel inside your extension, it’s probably worth looking at getting a solid tiled roof installed. This can incorporate full length glass panels or Velux windows, giving you a perfect hybrid of a solid and glass roof and their respective benefits.
A TradeMark advisor can give you detailed insight into both options so that you’re fully informed.
Would it be worth replacing my frames too?
It would seem logical to update any old windows and doors at the same time as replacing your old roof to make the space as energy efficient as it can be. Failing to do so could hinder the impact a new roof has if you retain poor insulating windows and doors.
Trust us. Adding a new roof, as well as the latest energy efficient windows and doors, at the same time, will make your conservatory feel completely new again. Sound like a good idea? We can give you a fantastic deal for this bundle.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
You can put any questions you like to our friendly advisors – they’re always happy to help. Below are some common questions they regularly receive.
What are replacement tiled roofs made of?
It’s quick and simple to install a replacement solid roof system as much of the design is pre-manufactured, prior to being taken to your home for fitting. This minimises any disruption at your home. Every solid roof that we sell is customised for the relevant conservatory.
As for what the roof is made of, it is comprised of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard and exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. You can pick from various coloured finishes for the tiles and ask for solid panels to be included.
What is a Clad over roof?
Weight: A clad over roof will often be too heavy for old frames as it uses heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. It’s imperative that any new roofing system is lightweight. On average, the lightest solid roof weighs around 31KG/M ².
Tip: Always ask your installer for the total unit weight of the new roof per Sq.M
Fire Safety: ‘Clad-over’ systems also don’t comply with current fire safety regulations as they aren’t effectively fire tested as a complete roof structure, which is required for this part of building regulations. It may be the case that only the individual components of a clad-over system have been sufficiently tested. Solid roofs must be classified as AC, AB or AA in accordance with BS476-3.
Tip: Before you commit to anything, ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system first.
Building Regulations: It’s rare for a clad over system to receive Building Regulations Approval because of its poor thermal qualities and structural integrity. Please, take note that Building Regulations Approval is something entirely different to planning permission. When making a modification to a conservatory, such as replacing a glass or polycarbonate roof with a solid roof, you will be required to inform Building Control and gain their blessing.
Tip: Don’t begin a conversion until Building Control has been informed first. The ‘Final’ Certificate you receive should be kept in a safe place.
After it’s fitted, will my conservatory still get too hot and too cold?
You’ll be delighted to know that those days will be gone! Whereas your old polycarbonate roof would cause your conservatory to massively overheat in summer or become icy-cold in winter, a replacement roof will solve that. Solar control glazing will make an enormous difference, but if it’s a year-round extension that you want, we cannot recommend a solid tiled roof enough.
What is an ‘A’ rated window?
If you want the most energy efficient windows you can get in this country, ‘A’ rated windows are what you want. They are rated as such in the BFRC Rating Scheme, the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows, and easily comply with Building Regulations.
Replacement windows are energy rated in a very similar fashion to white goods, such as fridges, freezers, microwaves etc. as they use a traffic-light system from A-E. Being able to immediately identify the standard of thermal efficiency offered by a replacement window helps you to make a more informed decision.
How much will it cost to replace my existing roof?
If we are talking about a small conservatory roof, then it could be anything from £5,000, while a large conservatory roof will be anything from £12,000.
How long will it take to replace my existing conservatory roof?
Usually, we can get a tiled solid roof installed in just a few days, so we won’t be at your home for long.
Do I need planning permission to replace an existing roof?
It will not be necessary to obtain planning permission when replacing your roof, but you will need Buildings Regulation Control. Without it, you could run into problems in the future.
Do I need Building Regulations Approval?
It is and when you have obtained Building Regulations Approval from your local authority, it offers proof that the solid roof system is structural safe, thermally efficient and has been checked over by an approved building control inspector to ensure it’s sufficiently fitted. It will also show to buyers that the work was fully authorised when you come to sell your house.
NEED MORE ANSWERS?
Simply fill in your details below and one of our customer advisors will get in touch to answer any of your questions.
