It is possible to replace your conservatory roof with tiles and is becoming a popular option for many homeowners across the UK. Conservatories became unused spaces in a home but now with new energy efficient tiled roofs conservatories are being revamped. So, what are the benefits, challenges, and regulations involved? Let’s explore.
Why Replace a Conservatory Roof with Tiles?
There are lots of benefits that a tiled roofer provides over a traditional glass or polycarbonate roof:
- Improved insulation: Tiled roofs with insulation keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Reduced noise: Tiles are strong materials so there is less noise from rain as well as outside noise.
- Modern aesthetics: Tiled roofs look better and have a variety of different styles or colours that can match your main house roof.
- Increased usability: A tiled roof can make the conservatory feel like another room in the house rather than something just for the summer.
Example: A family in Norwich had their polycarbonate conservatory roof replaced by the Point Roofing & Guttering team and reported a 30% reduction in their winter heating bills.
Is It Legal to Replace a Conservatory Roof with Tiles?
Yes, you can replace a conservatory roof with tiles in the UK, but there are some important regulations to consider:
- Building regulations approval: By adding tiles to your conservatory roof you need to get building regulations to approve at the roof can handle the additional weight.
- Planning permission: Usually, planning permission is not needed when installing a tiled conservatory roof although exceptions apply for listed buildings or conservation areas.
- Thermal performance standards: Building regulations require tiled roofs to meet specific insulation and energy efficiency standards but your roofer can help with this when installation.
Question: Do you know if the roof frame of your conservatory can handle the weight of a tiled roof?
Benefits of a Tiled Conservatory Roof
There are many benefits of converting to a tiled conservatory roof that include:
- Energy efficiency: A tiled roof reduces heat loss, keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer making it a comfortable room all year.
- Durability: Tiles are far more durable than polycarbonate or glass, once fitted they will last for 20+ years and need less maintenance.
- Value addition: By adding a well-insulated tiled conservatory roof to will increase its market value.
- More quiet: Tiles will reduce the sound of rain and wind making the space more relaxing.
Example: In Norwich, a homeowner added a tiled roof to their conservatory and saw their property’s value increase by 10%.
Challenges to Consider
While tiled conservatory roofs offer many advantages, there are some challenges that you need to consider:
- Structural integrity: A tiled roof is heavier than glass or polycarbonate so you need a roofer to assess the structure properly before starting.
- Cost: Tiled roofs are more expensive up front and range from £4,000 to £6,000 depending on size and materials.
- Light reduction: Tiles will block out light so the room will feel darker but skylights can be installed to combat this.
- Ventilation: A tiled conservatory roof is more at risk to damp so proper ventilation must be added when installing.
Types of Tiles for Conservatory Roofs
There are several options when choosing tiles for your conservatory roof:
- Lightweight tiles: Lightweight tile kits are specially designed for conservatory roofs so that the load is less on the structure.
- Concrete tiles: Durable and long-lasting but significantly heavier so additional support may need installing.
- Composite tiles: A blend of materials offering durability and a variety of styles.
- Slate tiles: Premium in appearance and can match your main house but additional structural support may need adding.
Example: Many homeowners in Norwich opt for lightweight composite tiles that mimicked traditional slate, this achieves a great look that matches the home but is also lightweight so building regulations are not needed.
Installation Process
Replacing a conservatory roof with tiles involves several steps:
- Initial assessment: A professional roofer like our team at Point Roofing & Guttering can inspect your conservatory roof to create a plan.
- Reinforcement: If needed, additional support can be installed with steal and timbers, light weight options usually do not need this.
- Removal of old roof: The existing glass or polycarbonate panels are carefully removed.
- Installation of insulation: The structure and insulation boards are added to create the frame and improve thermal performance.
- Fitting the tiles: If using tiles they are installed on top of breathable membrane felt and battens.
- Adding finishing touches: To finish the job fascia and gutter can be installed, plastering internally and also skylights can be fitted into the roof to maintain light.
Question: Have you discussed your project with a expert roofer? Contact us and we would be happy to inspect your conservatory roof and create a plan for your tiled roof conversion.
Costs and Budgeting
The cost of replacing a conservatory roof with a lightweight kit or tiles varies based on size, materials, and labour:
- Small conservatories: From £4,000 to £5,000.
- Medium conservatories: Around £5,500 to £7,000.
- Large conservatories: £8,000 or more.
Additional expenses might include:
- Structural reinforcements: £500 to £1,500.
- Skylights: £500 to £1,000 per unit.
- Internal plastering and decoration: £1,000 to £2,000.
Example: Point Roofing & Guttering recently quoted £6,500 on a tiled roof conversion in Norwich for a medium-sized conservatory, including two skylights.
Final Thoughts
Converting your conservatory roof to a tiled roof can be a costly initial investment but there are many benefits including improved energy efficiency, the room can be used all year round as well as being more durable and long lasting. It can transform the look of your home and make the conservatory appear as an extension to your main home. Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with a tiled insulated roof. Are you ready to upgrade your conservatory roof and unlock its full potential? Contact our team to discuss your tiled conservatory roof conversion.
