Our Guide To Replacing A Conservatory Roof
- 10 November 2022
- News
Is your home fitted with an old conservatory that seems to do nothing but accumulate clutter? Does the space become unbearably hot in the summer but far too cold in the winter? These are all common problems our clients encounter, and although in the past, the only way to make your conservatory usable again would be through tearing away the old room and building a new one, this is no longer the case. Your solution could be as simple as opting to replacing your conservatory roof with tiles. Intrigued to find out more? Our specialists in windows, doors and conservatories in Milton Keynes have compiled a guide to replacing a conservatory roof.
Replacing A Conservatory Roof: What To Expect
If you are one of the many homeowners with a decades-old conservatory, then it’s more than likely that it’s designed with a more traditional style. Victorian, Edwardian and Gable conservatories were all hugely popular, and while they are still an excellent way to enhance living space, they all have one feature in common – a glazed roof.
If installed correctly using quality materials, a glazed roof will be perfectly capable of keeping your conservatory at a steady temperature. However, for those built in the past, this was not always the case, as not only was single glazing used, but the materials did not have the advanced insulating qualities they have now. This is one of the most common reasons why homeowners replace a conservatory roof with tiles, but we’ll delve deeper into this topic shortly!
For those who are considering replacing their conservatory roof, there are a number of factors that you should consider before going ahead. Having specialised in conservatories in Milton Keynes for many years, this is something that we often run through with clients. So, we have put together a guide which will help you to answer the following questions:
- What Are The Signs You Need A Conservatory Roof Replacement?
- What Is A Tiled Roof Conservatory?
- How Can You Replace A Conservatory Roof With Tiles?
- What Are The Benefits Of A Tiled Conservatory Roof?
- Cost Of Conservatory Roof Replacement
What Are The Signs You Need A Conservatory Roof Replacement?
Before beginning to plan your conservatory roof replacement, it is important to consider why you’re making this decision. This will help you to determine your requirements when looking for a tiled roof, ensuring that your new system does not experience the same issues that you had before. Below are the most common reasons as to why clients approach us in need of a roof replacement:
Lack Of Temperature Control
As briefly mentioned above, it is incredibly common for older conservatories to struggle with maintaining a steady temperature. If you were to speak with anyone who has a conservatory dating back almost as far as when the property was built, it is likely that they will say that they are hardly able to sit comfortably in their space. Why? Because it is like a sauna during the summer and freezing over the colder months. This means that the room often ends up turning into a second attic to hoard old belongings instead of its intended use. The lack of temperature control is caused by the amount of glazing in the conservatory design. In the past, the glass was rarely equipped with the insulation needed to provide thermal performance.
Issues With Noise
Have you ever sat in a conservatory on a miserable day and noticed that the rain or wind sounds even noisier than it would if you were outside? While this may be relaxing for some, others find that it can cause disruption, especially when the sound echoes through their home. It can also make working from home challenging as many have converted their conservatory into their temporary office. The most common reasoning behind this is because the roof has been made using polycarbonate, which, although it is strong, does not protect your home from noise pollution.
If you have noticed that you are experiencing problems with noise across your property, then Fantastic Handyman has put together a helpful guide on everything you need to know about soundproofing your home.
Badly Installed Roofing
Many of us have fallen victim to a cowboy builder who promises the very best but most definitely does not deliver quality. If you had issues with your initial conservatory installer, then this is likely to be the reason why an upgrade is necessary. In this instance, you do not always need to abandon your old conservatory and start from scratch, as something as simple as a roof replacement could restore your space, saving you both time and money.
Age-Related Deterioration
Much like any other component of your home, conservatories can start to deteriorate with age. Due to the nature and responsibility of the roof, this is the one aspect, in particular, that is likely to show the first signs of wear and tear. Whether it may be down to adverse weather conditions or poor quality materials, roofing systems can start to no longer serve their purpose as much as you hoped. Failing to resolve this may lead to more significant problems, such as leaking, and in this instance, there may be no other choice but to replace the entire conservatory.
Unappealing Appearance
There doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem with your conservatory in order to replace the roof. The main reason that you would like to upgrade your conservatory roof may simply be down to the fact that the appearance no longer fits with your style. Your home should be the perfect representation of your personality and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, so there is no harm in renovating your space for this reason alone. A tiled roof replacement, in particular, is a fantastic way to modernise your conservatory, making it feel more like an extension of your home, able to be complete with contemporary skylights.
For more inspiration on ways that you can upgrade your property while boosting value, take a look at Homebuilding & Renovating.
What Is A Tiled Roof Conservatory?
Now that you are familiarised with whether a roof replacement suits your requirements, it’s time to take a closer look at what is a tiled roof conservatory. Tiled roofs are easy to install and can be tailored to fit any colour scheme. A vast range of different shades is available to suit your home, whether this may be slate grey, black or reddish-brown tiles.
If you are switching from glass to a tiled roof, then the main difference will be the amount of natural light that will stream into your conservatory. From the inside, a tiled roof will look the same as any other room in your home, with a fully plastered ceiling and the chance to install lighting. This is ideal for those who want to use their conservatory as, for example, an office, playroom or second living room, as it allows you to combine the features of a conservatory with the privacy of an extension. They can also be tailored to fit the style of the room you would like to achieve, with the option to incorporate a vaulted or sloping ceiling for the illusion of a larger space.
For those who love the idea of being able to see the sky from their glass roof but prefer the design of tiled, there is no reason why you cannot add skylights. Skylights are commonly incorporated into the design of a guardian tiled roof conservatory, allowing you to enjoy enhanced natural light and ventilation while keeping the space at a comfortable temperature.
How Can You Replace A Conservatory Roof With Tiles?
Having specialised in guardian tiled roofs in Milton Keynes for many years, our team have perfected the installation process to ensure that every system provides complete reliability and durability. When clients approach us, the most common questions they ask are how you can replace a conservatory roof with tiles and whether the tiled roof is installed on top of their existing structure. The answer to the latter is no, the whole existing system will be removed, and the tiled roof will be built from scratch. And to answer the first, here are the steps you can expect from the process:
- 1. First, the old conservatory roof is completely removed to create a blank canvas
- 2. A new timber add-on is installed around the edge of the roof, just above the window frames
- 3. Aluminium structures are fitted on top of the timber, including beams and rafters, which create the foundation for the new system
- 4. If you choose to incorporate roof windows into your design, these will then be placed between the beams
- 5. The inside of the aluminium structure is equipped with timber battens before insulation is fitted on top
- 6. Timber ply is installed on the outside of the conservatory roof, as well as a waterproof membrane
- 7. The tiles can now be fitted and complete with finishing touches of your choice, such as flashings and cappings
For more information explaining the installation process of a guardian tiled roof, take a look at the video below!
What Are The Benefits Of A Tiled Conservatory Roof?
Any type of conservatory comes alongside a wealth of benefits from the ability to add a significant amount of extra living space to boosting your property value should you wish to sell up. However, what is the advantages of opting to invest in a tiled conservatory roof?
Alternative To A New Conservatory
You would be surprised how much a difference replacing the roof can make to the appearance, comfort and overall feel of your conservatory, making it the perfect alternative to building a brand new conservatory from scratch. Not only does this save you a significant amount of money, but it also saves time as, within just a few days, you will be able to begin using your new space again. You will not need to wait around for aspects such as fitting pipework and electrics as immediately after roof replacement; you can start relaxing in your conservatory immediately after completion.
Comfort All Year Round
With a tiled roof, you will never have to worry about your conservatory being either too hot or too cold down to the weather. You will be free to spend time in your space all year round without having to deal with unpredictable temperature changes. The room will remain nice and cool in the summer and cosy during the colder months, meaning that you have more conservatory use possibilities. If your new tiled roof has inspired you to reconsider how you plan to use your space, then why not take a look at Ideal Home for a host of ideas on conservatory uses?
Increased Sound Insulation
As mentioned previously, a common reason why homeowners replace their conservatory roofs is down to noise. However, due to the nature of a tiled roof, you will be provided with increased sound insulation. The interior of your roof will be complete with plastering, just like any other room on your property, which means that outdoor sounds will remain as muted as possible. This means that you can sit back and relax in your conservatory in the peace and quiet, even on the stormiest of days, making it ideal if you are looking to create a home office.
Reduced Energy Bills
Not only are glass or polycarbonate roofing systems culprits for causing an unsteady temperature, but they are also prone to allowing heat to escape. As hot air rises, you may find that you are continually turning your central heating up in a bid to heat your conservatory to the same temperature as the rest of the property. With a tiled roof, on the other hand, your conservatory will have the power to trap heat just as effectively as the main areas of your home. This leads to an immediate reduction in your energy bills, not only saving money but also making your home more efficient, consequently lowering your carbon footprint.
If your conservatory still has single gazed panels acting as walls, then to further improve your efficiency, we would most definitely recommend switching to double or triple glazing. Although all new conservatories will have double glazing, if you have an older design dating back many years, this may not be the case. Our team are specialists in double glazing in Aylesbury and the surrounding areas, so would always be happy to schedule a survey of your conservatory to determine whether replacing the glazing would be beneficial. A replacement can then be carried out alongside your guardian tiled roof installation to get your conservatory back up and running in no time.
For more handy ways that you can make your home more environmentally friendly, head over to Green Match.
Improve The Appearance Of Your Home
If you have an older conservatory that is beginning to dampen the aesthetics of your property, then installing a tiled roof is an excellent way to improve its appearance. The modern nature of tiled roofing systems means that they can be matched to the roof colour of your home itself, achieving a seamless finish. Moreover, as the inside of your roof will be a plastered ceiling as opposed to glass, you will be opened up to a wealth of interior design opportunities. Whether you incorporate statement light fixtures or recessed downlights, it couldn’t be easier to add a personal touch to the design of your conservatory.
Boost Property Value
According to an article by On The Market, a conservatory can add up to 12% to the value of your property, providing that it is of high quality. With this in mind, if you plan on selling up in the near future but do not have the budget for a new conservatory, then replacing the roof alone can work towards your advantage. Those who are viewing your home want to be able to envision themselves living in your property, so if you can provide them with a unique space, then you will stand out from the crowd. Tiled roofing systems are relatively modern, which means that it is unlikely that they would have been many homes with a tiled conservatory, adding a sought-after feature to your property.
Cost Of Conservatory Roof Replacement
Prices for conservatory roof replacements can vary and depend on many aspects of your room, such as the size and materials you choose. On average, you can expect to pay £4,000 for a smaller conservatory needing a tiled roof and £6,000 for a larger conservatory, with an additional cost of plastering the interior.
Although tiled roofs are more expensive than other materials, such as glass, they are 15 times more thermally efficient, saving money on energy bills and keeping warm during the colder months. They also last around 20+ years, 10 years more than a polycarbonate roof!
Reap The Benefits Of A Tiled Roof Conservatory!
We hope that our guide has helped you to familiarise yourself with the installation, features and benefits of a tiled roof. Regardless of your conservatory style, opting to replace your roofing system with a tiled alternative will always work to your advantage. Not only will it save you valuable time and money, but it is also a fantastic way to breathe a new lease of life into your home.
If you have any questions regarding tiled roof replacement or would like to book a consultation, then please do not hesitate to contact our team! We have many years of experience, meaning we are experts in double glazing in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, so we can assess your existing conservatory to determine the best solution to meet your requirements and budget.
