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Conservatory Roof Options. Your choices explained

27 August 2018 by Superior Conservatory Panels

If you want to refurbish your conservatory, there are several conservatory roof options available.  Every type of conservatory roof has its advantages and disadvantages. These we will explain in this article as well as provide an overview of what you can expect with the current products on the market.

conservatory roof options

Your complete guide to conservatory roofing options.

The great thing about the range of conservatory roofing options you can buy is technology.  Glass, solid roofs and composite materials today will all improve your old conservatory.  Any of the choices available are sure to enhance your old poorly insulated glass units or basic polycarbonate sheets.  What you need to look at is which type of material will work best for you.

First of all, it is worth looking at what you are trying to achieve with the overall conservatory refurbishment.

  • What is the best material on a price to long-term value basis?
  • Is your conservatory suitable for the renovation you are looking to carry out?
  • What are you looking to achieve by refurbishing your conservatory?

When it comes to deciding on the type of conservatory refurbishment available, the choices are:

  • New glass in your existing roof.
  • A completely solid new conservatory roof.
  • A new glass conservatory roof.
  • Solid panels within an existing roof, like our Thermotec panels.
  • A new tiled roof with or without glass roof panels.
  • New polycarbonate sheets in your existing roof.
  • A complete latest-generation conservatory using the existing base work.

Why refurbish your old conservatory?

Approximately 3 million conservatories exist in British homes.  Tastes change and more so over the last 20-30 years.  Aluminium is popular for residential properties where PVCu was always the dominant material.  Bifolding and sliding doors replace many of the traditional patio doors found in our homes.

Conservatories were once highly desirable with leading brands such as Amdega and David Salisbury offering high-end conservatory constructions.  Virtually every home improvement company provided conservatories.  The trend today is for modern, fully-built home extensions, not the bolt-on upvc, aluminium or timber conservatory of old.

Therefore, thousands of old conservatories are dated, unloved and unusable.  This is mostly down to poor temperature control and out of date materials, particularly in the roof.

A market came about several years ago to bring old conservatories back to life.  Best of all, the latest generation of conservatory roofing options is built to last.  They offer the best in insulation, technical know-how and a longer life-span than first-generation glass, aluminium, plastic and polycarbonate.

There are some excellent conservatory roof options and refurbishment solutions on the market.  Some of these address damaged and even dangerous conservatories.  Others provide a new cosmetic appearance with energy saving and comfort.  Finally, there are products like our Thermotec roof that transform an otherwise good conservatory into something you can actually use!

It is worth bearing in mind that Planning regulations stipulated that a conservatory roof required at least 75% transparency. With the Building Regulations of 2010, this stipulation does not apply.

Glass vs solid conservatory roofs.

One of the reasons conservatories are so popular is the feeling of light and space. We all visualise spending the summer months in a bright and airy conservatory, looking out to our garden. The reality is few of us use our conservatories as intended.

Glass is popular for conservatory roofs, but even latest generation high performance glass makes a conservatory too hot. Solid roofs won’t let in light but create a more comfortable interior as a result. Finally, there is the combination of a solid roof with glass panels such as rooflights or some glass roof panels to let in more light.

In choosing from the various conservatory roof options, you will need to think about the glass vs solid roof advantages and disadvantages.

New Glass Roof. Pros and Cons.

Your old conservatory probably has standard double glazed units.  That is toughened or laminated glass with an air space. It is also likely to feature metal bars to the perimeter of the glass unit.  This is typical of early generation glass units.

Modern glass units by comparison feature laminated or toughened safety glass, with a soft-coat low-emissivity coating, warm edge plastic spacer bars and argon gas fill. All these modern components create a much more energy efficient unit.  You can even enhance it with solar control blue or grey tint as well as a self-cleaning coating.

The advantages of a new glass roof to refurbish a conservatory is an improved internal temperature and less solar glare.  However, this will only be marginally cooler in the summer. Finally, new glass can work out costly, and you will still need to consider replacement in the future once again.

New Polycarbonate Roof. Pros and Cons.

In our view, the only advantage of a polycarbonate roof is low cost.  Widely used in outside lean-to’s and greenhouses, polycarbonate is basic.  It is noisy when it rains, even modern polycarbonate has poor insulation.  We do not recommend it. As a result of its poor performance, polycarbonate doesn’t effectively ‘renovate’ your conservatory or part of the better conservatory roof options you can buy.

New Conservatory Blinds. Pros and Cons.

Conservatory blinds are another low-cost option. However, they are not a long-term solution.  Conservatory blinds gather dust and dirt. They also need careful use to prevent them from failing.  Conservatory blinds only partially cool the conservatory in the summer months and do nothing in winter.  As a result, we do not consider blinds as a conservatory refurbishment.

New tiled roof. Pros and Cons.

Just like our Thermotec aluminium roof, a tiled roof is solid and well insulated. If you were to compare our product to anything, it would be the pros and cons against a new tiled roof.

The construction of a new tiled roof on your conservatory means significant changes to your existing conservatory structure.  You will need to replace your existing conservatory roof entirely.  This could be a false economy if, like many conservatories, there is nothing wrong with the condition of your roof.

A tiled roof has new structural supports such as rafters, batons or even steelwork. These supports are intended to take the substantial weight of the new roof. They also allow the fitting of a new false ceiling.  Tiled roofs mean building work followed by plastering and decoration.

The result of a completed tiled roof is excellent but there are other considerations.

  • The entire project takes several days.
  • The weight of the roof makes it difficult to include in many types of conservatories.
  • Extra support is added to ensure the existing conservatory can take the weight.
  • You need planning permission with a Building Regulation Application.

A great choice in conservatory roof options is our Thermotec aluminium insulated roof panels.  Not only do they take less than a day to fit, but they also use virtually any existing conservatory roof frame.

thermotec

Comparing the various conservatory roof options.

Conservatory Roof Options
Benefit Thermotec Roof New Glass Roof New Blinds Polycarbonate Tiled Roof
Useable All Year Round Yes  Yes
Highly Insulated Yes  Yes
Cooler in the summer Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes
Warmer in the winter.  Yes  Yes
A quieter conservatory  Yes  Yes
Eliminates Solar Glare  Yes  Yes
Ten-year guarantee  Yes  Yes  Yes
Fitted in one day  Yes
Lowest U-Values  Yes  Yes
Huge Colour Choice  Yes  Yes
Planning Permission  Yes
Uses existing framework  Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes
Planning Permission   Yes

We are confident our innovative aluminium insulated conservatory panels provide the best in conservatory roof options for your home. They will transform your old conservatory. Best of all any of the old negatives found in your glass or polycarbonate roof will disappear on the day of installation. Take a look at some of the projects featuring our roofs in customer homes.

Contact us if you have any questions or would like to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation.

Filed Under: refurbish conservatory

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Addressing some conservatory insulation myths.

When it comes to upgrading your conservatory, the idea of replacing or improving the roof might raise several concerns. As a homeowner, you might have heard various myths that could make you hesitant about making changes. In this article, we’ll … [Read More...] about Addressing some conservatory insulation myths.

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Testimonials

Superior were very professional

We are very pleased with our new Thermotec roof it looks ,great, Superior were very professional and special thanks to the fitting team who did a brilliant job See how modern grey colour outside and white inside gives a new look to this Powys conservatory. 

Mr and Mrs G
Powys
September,20

Fitters Did an Excellent Job

We are pleased with our new Thermotec roof your fitters did an excellent job and we are looking forward to many a long day sitting in our conservatory enjoying the sunshine See how our panels in brown outside and white inside improved this classically styled conservatory. 

Mr and Mrs S
Penkridge
September,20

An immediate impact

“I must say that our new Thermotec roof not only enhances the appearance of the conservatory but has also made an immediate impact on the temperature inside which i believe will make the room more usable in the coming summer.” See how modern grey roof panels transformed this Lake District Edwardian Conservatory.

Mr and Mrs R
Lake District
May,20

Great job Superior

It all went so well today the fitters were great and as promised fitted my new Thermotec roof in one day. Great job Superior. Find out how just four aluminium panels improve a lean-to conservatory in Wigan.

Mr and Mrs J
Wigan
February,20

Money Well Spent

My immediate reaction is that I am very pleased with my new Thermotec roof the finished job and with the service provided by Superior. Money well spent! Find out how these grey outside, white inside conservatory roof panels improved a lean-to conservatory in Arnside.

JE Arnside
Arnside
December,19

All fitted in one day

I am very pleased with my new Thermotec roof, the range of colours available allowed me to match my terracotta roof tiles. All fitted in one day. Thank you, Superior. You can read all about the distinctive red roof panels supplied to this upvc conservatory in Deeside.

AS
Deeside
October,19

Very Professional Workmanship

The temperature within the new roof was instantly improved with less intense heat during an Autumnal sunny day, yet comfortable with no additional heat source at night. Superior is to be highly recommended. We observed an efficient response to queries and very professional workmanship on the day of installation. See this and other installations in… Read more “Very Professional Workmanship”

Llangollen Customer.
Llangollen
October,19

Much quieter than before

Our New Thermotec roof has lived up to our expectations,the recent heavy rain has been much quieter than before. See how this new conservatory roof in Ulverston, Cumbria transformed an existing upvc lean-to conservatory.

Mr and Mrs T
Ulverston
October,19

Looks like a proper additional room

It now looks like a proper additional room and the radiators are now more efficient.  We are very happy with our Thermotec roof.   See this and other installations of our innovative Thermotec roof panels.

Mr AG
Shrewsbury
October,19

Great Job by all at Superior

Really pleased with our new Thermotec roof. Great job by all at Superior. See how we transformed a small conservatory in Manchester with white and grey roof panels.

Mrs and Mrs K
Manchester
September,19

Very Smart and Modern

I am more than pleased with my new Thermotec roof. We no longer need ear defenders when it rains its much cooler when the sun shines and i think its looks very smart and modern. You can read full details about this conservatory roof replacement project.

Mr S.D
Stoke on Trent
September,19

Professionalism from start to finish

I cannot thank Superior enough for their professionalism from start to finish You can read more about how we replaced these roof panels. 

Mr S
Shropshire
July,19

Thrilled with my new Thermotec roof.

I am thrilled with my new Thermotec roof. I will definitely recommend Superior to all my friends. The job was completed in one day and I am now sitting comfortably in my conservatory, even in this baking weather. Read how we transformed this conversatory.

Mr N
Wolseley Bridge, Staffs
July,19

Thermotec roof looks fab

Very very pleased with my new Thermotec roof looks fab and now using my conservatory as my new office Read the full project and more installations in our portfolio section.

Mr J. Mc
Staffordshire
April,19

Very pleased indeed

Thank you for the Thermotec installation by your excellent team. We are very pleased indeed.   Our portfolio section shows this and other installations of our Thermotec Roof System. 

Mr. R
Glossop
April,19

I can use my conservatory all year round

I am so pleased with my New Thermotec roof.  Didn’t want standard white and think the colours I chose look great.  I can now use my conservatory all year round as you promised. Our portfolio section illustrates this and other similar projects using dual colour Thermotec roofs.

Mrs A.R
Cuddington, Cheshire
February,19

A great job

We are very pleased with our new Thermotec roof. Looks good, Superior have done a great job. We give more information about this project in the portfolio section of the website.

Mr & Mrs D
Telford
December,18

End result is excellent

Just had new Thermotec roof and the end result is excellent and the two fitters were amazingly hardworking  as well as being such lovely guys.   Take a look at this project in full, as well as other projects.

Mrs D
Manchester
November,18

A more pleasant place to sit

We are delighted with our new Thermotec roof.  It is still bright but much cooler in the recent very hot weather and quieter in the downpour. Definitely, a much more pleasant place to sit than before. Take a look at further information and the project details relating to this testimonial.

Mr & Mrs S
Poynton
July,18

A brilliant job

We are very pleased with our new Thermotec roof panels. Your filters did a brilliant job in 30-degree heat. We even had a monsoon this morning to test it out. We now have a very comfortable living area.   Read more about this Derbyshire project completed by Superior Conservatory Panels.

Mr & Mrs N.
Chapel En Le Frith
July,18

Feeling very comfortable

Very pleased with our new Thermotec roof. We have used our conservatory throughout the hot weather spell and feeling very comfortable. Happy we chose the colour cream inside and Traffic Grey outside. Looks great. Find out more about the work done to this Stoke on Trent house.

Mr & Mrs B
Stoke-on-Trent
July,18

Superior have done a fantastic job

Wow ! What a difference our new Thermotec roof makes. Since installation,we have experienced different weather conditions and there is no comparison to the old polycarbonate roof. In cold weather the heat retention is so good we have turned the radiator down. When the sun beats down the conservatory is as cool as the main… Read more “Superior have done a fantastic job”

Mr & Mrs L.
Stafford
May,18

A proper additional room

It now looks like a proper additional room and the radiators are now more effecient.  We are very happy with our Thermotec roof.

Mr. G
Shrewsbury
April,18

Does what you promised

Very pleased with my new Thermotec roof.  Looks great and definately does what you promised it would do. Warm in winter and cool in summer or Spring even !!! Read more information about how we helped this Chester homeowner with their conservatory.

P.H
Chester
April,18

A wonderful job

We are very happy so far, especially with sub-zero temps outside. Kevin & his team did a wonderful job in very testing conditions. We will certainly recommend Superior to our friends.

Mr & Mrs W
Wales
March,18

Everything I hoped for

The Thermotec panels are everything I had hoped for and look outstanding both inside and out. There is clearly a reduction in heat loss as I am writing this letter in comfort with just the central heating radiator on. See in full, the case study on this Greasby installation. 

Mr W
Greasby
January,18

Noise dramatically reduced

Thanks to Superior and my new Thermotec Roof.  I can now watch the TV in my conservatory as the noise has been dramatically reduced and feels a lot warmer. If you have a similar conservatory, why not find out more about this case study?

Mr W
Bromborough
January,18

Installed by Professionals

Great Job installed by professionals, we would recommend Superior to anyone. We now have an extra sitting/dining/TV room for twelve months of the year. You can read more about this new brown conservatory roof in full, in our Portfolio Section

Mr and Mrs B
Telford, Shropshire
December,17

Pleased with my Thermotec roof

I am very pleased with my new Thermotec roof, and even more pleased with the standard of workmanship and the care that was taken. Find out more about how we transformed the existing conservatory to this Telford house.

Mrs D
Telford, Shropshire
November,17

Fitted within four hours

I am very pleased with my new Thermotec Roof.  Steve & Kev did a great job.They fitted panels & cleaned up within 4 hours More information on how we transformed this lean-to conservatory to this Cheshire home.

Mr W
Middlewich, Cheshire
October,17

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