Is It Time to Upgrade Your Conservatory Roof?
Summer is a popular season for homeowners contacting us about the arranging of a solid conservatory roof replacement, as outdated conservatories are prone to suffering from overheating when subjected to high external temperatures.
An apt time then to write about this hot topic (pardon the pun!), covering all bases of the subject and touching on these points:
- Why replace your conservatory roof?
Traditional glass and polycarbonate roofs are a principal contributor to overheating and draughts; a solid roof cures this and ushers year-round useability. - How much does a solid roof cost?
The estimated cost can vary based on whether you have a simple roof replacement or proceed with a fully customised conservatory remodelling. - Will planning permission be required?
Most solid roofs are exempt from planning obligations, but they will need building regulations approval; Hazlemere will organise this. - How long will the installation take?
A single day is normally enough time to make it watertight and completion of the fitting takes about 5 working days, in most cases. - Is the existing framework retained?
We largely feel it best to replace any existing framework before incorporating a new roof so that structural stability is maintained and maximum energy efficiency is reached. - How long will it last and what about maintenance?
10 years is the minimum life expectancy of our solid replacement roof and maintenance is as simple as occasionally clearing the guttering and keeping your eyes peeled for any tile dilapidation.
Switching from an old polycarbonate or glass roof to a solid conservatory roof transforms everything – removing unwanted heat so that useability and conservatory enjoyment isn’t impacted.
It unlocks uninterrupted thermal efficiency, and with it, year-round comfort, making a long-standing conservatory feel like a brand new living space all over again.
There’s a lot more to be said though about solid roof conservatories, aside from just being the remedy to achieve all-round seasonal comfort.
Considering that fact, let’s go into things like cost, potential disruption, planning obligations etc. so that you’re fully educated on this practical way of being assured of a climate-controlled extension.
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Cost, Value & Investment: Is a Solid Roof Worth It?
We’ll start by discussing whether a conservatory solid roof replacement justifies itself and will add considerable value over the long-term.
Unquestionably, that would be a yes on both counts, as conservatory roof replacements have shown themselves to be an insulating measure that ignite habitable surroundings 365 days of the year.
Energy savings amassed following the reduced need for air conditioning or heating systems to stem unpleasant warmth or cold weather refund much of the cost of a conservatory roof conversion.
It can also help a conservatory realise its potential of uplifting a property’s valuation by an estimated 5% to 10% – money you may miss out on if living with an outdated conservatory roof.
What Does a Replacement Solid Roof Cost - And Why?
Speculating a price is not easy for us, as every solid conservatory roof replacement we build is a one-off solution, but we obviously recognise the significance of cost.
Factors that affect the cost of a new conservatory roof are things like the roof size, what material you request it be crafted from, the conservatory’s current condition and the amount of insulation offered.
A quick discussion, followed up by an assessment of the structure, is what we need to figure out a price.
Will a Solid Roof Lower My Energy Bills and Add Property Value?
Compared to how it felt prior to a new conservatory roof design being assimilated, the room temperature will be much steadier than before, whatever the weather’s up to outside.
Restoration of thermal efficiency after putting a solid roof on a conservatory will also be corroborated by future energy bills, becoming cheaper, especially during winter.
As well as smartening up the living space, returning it back to a liveable location is sure to be of great benefit for all the family.
When you come to sell the house, listing a fully energy-efficient conservatory amongst its salient features could hold the key to attracting buyers.
Planning, Installation & Disruption
A solid conservatory roof replacement sounds like an undertaking that would involve a lot of upheaval and take a fair bit of time to execute, but in the hands of a professional installer, it’s undisruptive and quick to turnaround.
The first job is to inspect the existing state of the conservatory and ascertain whether a submission for planning permission is required, while Hazlemere gets on with obtaining building regulations approval.
When the installation can proceed, Hazlemere will delicately detach the old roof and 99 times out of 100, update the framework before fixing the new solid roof into place for structural strength and energy efficiency. The last thing you want is any stability issues and to be left with a collapsed or unbalanced conservatory – that won’t happen on our watch!
Internal lighting and plastering can then be sorted out, which is normally concluded within just a few days. We’ll be in and out of your house in no time and you won’t feel an ounce of stress thanks to our expert installation process.
Do I Need Planning Permission or Building Control Approval?
Generally, a conservatory solid roof replacement qualifies as a permitted development and this status removes the need for planning approval, in case you are keen to know “Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?”.
Critically though, solid roofs are subject to building regulations approval and for three reasons. The first is that transitioning to a solid roof alters a conservatory’s thermal performance, secondly, it also changes its structural load, and lastly, it constitutes what is called a “change of use”.
Designation of conservatory roof building regulations approval signifies that a solid roof system adheres to contemporary safety, insulation and ventilation standards.
Any dealings with your local authority with regards planning or building obligations can be left in the capable hands of Hazlemere to manage, including the tedious paperwork.
How Long Will the Installation Take - and Will My Conservatory Be Exposed?
Except for wanting to know how much does a conservatory roof replacement cost, another popular customer question is about the timescale for a solid roof project.
It varies depending on the scale of complexity, but about 5 working days is normally enough time for us to have a roof replacement affixed and functioning.
In the period between starting and finishing up, your conservatory won’t be left open and exposed to the weather. Within the first day, we’ll have the replacement roof watertight so that the space stays dry and protected, even if the weather turns nasty at any point between the beginning and end of the work.
Noise and disruption to home life will be minimal and our installers will clean up after each day.
Design, Durability & Practical Details
The lightweight tiles that constitute a solid conservatory roof can befit the traditional tiles on the roof of your house, with a range of authentic coloured finishes offered.
These tiles are composed of stone-coated steel for strength and dependable insulation and weather resistance.
On the inside of a solid roof, you get an immaculately plastered ceiling, into which you can have downlights installed, ready for switching on once your additional reception room or airy dining area needs illuminating at night.
Within the attractive covering, there’s room for a skylight or two if you want to overcome any loss of natural light that may occur upon trading roofing systems.
For your peace of mind, the product comes with an insurance backed 10-year guarantee.
Can I Keep My Conservatory Frame or Do I Need a Whole New One?
Although we’ve already briefly touched upon this point, we feel it important to elaborate further on why we’d rarely ever fit a solid roof before replacing the old frames it will sit on.
It gives us (and you) the contentment that our bespoke conservatories are structurally sound and that your safety is in no way endangered when using the versatile space.
It’s undeniable that solely replacing an ageing roof is a more budget-friendly option than a full conservatory replacement, but the extra cost is worth it for the long-lasting stability it brings.
A surveyor will be sent round to deduce if the structure can bear the roof’s weight, checking the walls, frames, foundations etc. From their findings, they will advise what additional structural work is urged.
How Durable Is a Solid Roof and What Kind of Maintenance Is Involved?
A lightweight conservatory roof replacement cost will prove great value (assuming it’s well-built), as this roof type promises enduring durability due to the robustness of the tiles or slates.
Many of our solid roof installations outlast their 10-year guarantee and continue to combat harsh weather conditions well past the approximate lifespan.
Administering recommended maintenance will give the roof the best chance of withstanding beyond the 10-year mark and it doesn’t entail much or need to be done that often.
Just clear guttering of any blockages, and every now and again, check the roof tiles remain unimpaired – that’s about the extent of it!
To pinpoint when the time calls for a roof replacement, watch out for issues like leaks or condensation emerging.
Ready to Make Your Conservatory a Comfortable Living Space?
If recollections of having a beautiful home extension with regulated warmth seem a lifetime ago, a solid tiled roof will reinstate what you’ve missed.
Core benefits include increased thermal comfort, lower energy bills, added value and elevated conservatory aesthetics.
Let us reunite you with the conservatory you fondly remember, just like old times, designing a customised solid roof together.
Book in a date to talk and get ready to rediscover the unadulterated pleasure of conservatory living.
Want to speak with an Advisor? Give us a call on 08000 825 825
Our friendly team will be pleased to help with any questions you may have.