Your conservatory roof is one of the most important features of your space. It determines how much natural light you get, as well as how warm it can be in winter.
There are a variety of different roof materials available when replacing your conservatory roof including glass, polycarbonate and tiles. This article will discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
Glass
For many homeowners, glass is the preferred conservatory roof material. Its thermal efficiency and ability to let in a lot of natural light make it an attractive option for replacing older polycarbonate roofs that can overheat on sunny days or become murky with condensation.
New glass conservatory roofs have been developed to be both energy efficient and durable. They come with a thin coating to minimise glare and are available in a range of tints for added privacy and protection against UV rays. They also feature self-cleaning technology that reacts with sunlight to break down dirt and debris on the surface of the roof panels.
It’s important to remember that a new roof for your conservatory will not automatically require planning permission. However, it is always worth checking your local regulations before making any changes to your property. This is particularly true if you live in a conservation area or national park. Then you will need to submit a retrospective application.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an alternative to glass conservatory roofs which can offer a cost-effective solution. It is also shatterproof which makes it safer than glass. However, a polycarbonate roof can be difficult to maintain and is prone to discolouring over time.
A major problem with polycarbonate is that it isn’t a good insulator. This can make a conservatory too hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It is a good idea to invest in extra insulation to improve this.
Our Livinroof system allows you to replace a polycarbonate roof with glazing shaped to your conservatory and fitted with an internal insulated pelmet which is suitable for spotlights and speakers. This will deliver a cosy feel to your conservatory whilst helping to reduce noise and heat loss. It will allow more natural light into your room and offers the choice of different tints such as bronze and opal to control how much sun you let in.
Tiles
When choosing a conservatory roof, it’s important to think about aesthetics and practical aspects as well. Glass, polycarbonate and tiles all have their pros and cons, but if you want to make sure your new conservatory looks the part while also offering superior insulation and a traditional look, then a tiled roof could be the best choice for you.
A solid tiled roof will help to keep your conservatory warm throughout the year by trapping heat in, meaning you’ll save money on heating bills. These roofs are also very low maintenance as they don’t attract dirt or dust like a glass roof does.
Another benefit of a tiled conservatory roof is that it’s very lightweight, reducing external pressure on the structure. This makes it perfect for older conservatories that might have started to deteriorate and need a new roof.
Hybrid
The roof of your conservatory is a hugely important element, especially for those who want to transform their conservatory into an everyday living space. This is because a replacement roof will be the main source of light and will need to be able to offer superior insulation to avoid temperature fluctuations, noise and heat loss.
Choosing the right material will also impact on how your new conservatory looks. Glass roofs are a popular choice for homeowners because they provide a contemporary and clean aesthetic from the outside, but also allow plenty of natural light in to keep your home bright.
Polycarbonate is a cost-effective option that diffuses sunlight and reduces glare in your conservatory. However, it’s not as insulating as tiles or a glass roof and can often cause issues with temperature fluctuations which could affect your energy bills.
