Author: Matthew

As a Stockton homeowner whose conservatory is uncomfortable in the summer and winter, you’re not alone. The biggest complaint we get from Stockton families is that their conservatories have become rooms that have a short usage window, typically 2 months. The good news is that an upgraded roof would give you year-round usage without the stress of a traditional roof extension.

Why old polycarbonate roofs fall short

Polycarbonate conservatory roofs have long been a budget option for adding light to a room, but they lack insulation and let in outdoor noise. As a result, polycarbonate roofs can make it difficult to carry on a conversation as the rain beats down and the room swings from a stuffy summer greenhouse to a cold winter fridge. The erratic temperature has led many Stockton homeowners to look into glass and tiled roof alternatives.

The case for a modern glass roof

High performance solar-controlled glass units in modern glazed roofs let in natural light and minimise heat gain. When combined with thermally broken roof frames, glass roofs can significantly improve the insulation of a conservatory. This erases the trade-offs of hot, greenhouses in summer and cold, unpleasant rooms in winter while preserving the bright and airy feel that most conservatories have. In glass room constructions that aim to bring a garden or seating area into a working or reading space, glazed roofs are often the best option.

Why some homeowners choose a tiled roof instead

Tiled conservatory roofs offer a completely unique solution. Rather than glazing, a lightweight tiled system is installed over an insulated structure. This can give a performance similar to a solid extension roof. This option is most useful for homeowners who are more likely to use their conservatory in the evenings, as a reception room or snug, where there is a greater priority to keep the area warm, quiet, and private, compared to having a lot of light. Also, a tiled roof has the benefit of blending in a conservatory much better, especially on more old-style properties around the Stockton area. A glass box roof looks really out of place on these properties.

Weighing up cost and planning considerations

Glass roofs are less expensive than fully tiled roofs. One reason is that glass roofs require less building work and often don’t require additional support. This is reflected in the cost. However, many homeowners say that a tiled roof pays for itself over the years that they have it. This is because of the savings they get from needing less heating within the house and the extra months in the year that they can use the house.

Planning permission is unlikely to be needed for either option if you are doing a direct replacement of your conservatory roof. A tiled conservatory roof may require Building Regulations approval as the performance of the roof is improved. It is worthwhile getting your local roofer to check your conservatory first. The age and condition of the frame, its orientation, and the condition it is in will have an impact on which solution is most cost effective.

Which option suits your home?

For Stockton area homeowners, the method of use determines the upgrade approach. Thinking about use cases like breakfast nooks, home offices, plant rooms, etc., balances the advantage and price of replacing a carcass roof (polycarbonate) with a modern, sleek glass roof. However, if you want an additional room that is usable year-round, a tiled roof conservatory is the way to go. Replacing an existing roof on a conservatory is a win-win for homeowners, resulting in an often housing-improved, frequently used room, especially considering the cost of the initial upgrade is less than most other improvement options.

Homeowners planning a new conservatory, or looking to replace an ageing roof, are increasingly choosing between traditional glass and modern tiled systems. Both have genuine advantages, so the right choice really comes down to how the room will be used.

The Appeal of Glass

Conservatories with glass roofs offer a bright and open atmosphere and a strong connection to the garden. Polycarbonate roofs did not perform well thermally, while modern, high-performing glazing does perform much better. However, even with this improvement, they still do not reach the level of thermal control of a fully insulated tiled roof.

The Case for Tiled Roofs

The structure is surrounded by lightweight insulating materials and the finish is made of lightweight tiles that allow for matching to the main house roof. This means the room will be definitely warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and will have significantly less noise during heavy rain.

Natural Light Considerations

The main drawback of a tiled roof is that it blocks overhead natural light that you would otherwise get with glass. Many homeowners overcome this by adding rooflights or a lantern feature to the tiled roof, achieving a balance between insulation and natural light.

Cost and Long-Term Value

Even though tiled roofs generally have a greater installation cost than plain glass replacements, many homeowners recognize this as a value-added investment because the space can now be utilized year-round and heating expenses are reduced.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

A glass roof may work for you if you mainly use your conservatory in the summer for entertaining. However, if you want a true extra room that can be used throughout the year, a tiled roof will usually be the better investment.

Our team would love to explain both options and give you an honest review based on how you plan to use your conservatory.

A conservatory roof might seem like a fairly standard option: a glass or polycarbonate covering, which is noisy, prone to damage and leaking, and that might feature an old rooflight that lets in a considerable amount of draughts. Did you know, though, that there are more options than you might think for your conservatory roof. You can go for a tiled conservatory roof instead, which will give you a whole host of benefits, and will look much more modern as well (something that is important for lots of people who are looking for ways to upgrade their conservatories). If you are hoping to find the best option for your conservatory, it needs to be modern, stylish, and work for you as well on a practical level, then tiling could very much be the way to go. It is the choice that many people are making as they upgrade their conservatories and start to think about their long-term options for their homes.

So how do you go about replacing your current conservatory roof with a modern tiled roof? Here, you can learn about how to get a new conservatory roof that will last you well into the future and will stand the test of time.

Choosing a New Conservatory Roof: Finding Your Best Options

For many people, tiled with be the best option because of the aesthetics, the insulation and the advanced technology that goes into a modern day tiled conservatory roof. However, some people also choose polycarbonate and glass roofs that use solar materials, so there will not be the issue of glare and it will not get as hot inside. This means you can keep the glass roof look if this is what you prefer.

A tiled roof is a more permanent option, though, making your roof look like that on the rest of your home. Suddenly, your conservatory is transformed into a versatile space that can be used as an extension, in any way you wish, not just as a conservatory. You will no longer have to content with poor insulation and glare, and the ceiling will look like that in any other part of the home – smoothly plastered for a modern appearance. You can also use it to fit any light fixtures you want, just as you would any other ceiling.

With your conservatory roof, you will be able to choose:

• Lightweight tiles of your choosing
• The internal and external finish
• Different types of insulation

The roof will be fully ventilated so there is no risk of condensation. It will also be able to support the weight of window cleaners easily, giving you more options when getting windows cleaned.

You should always consult with a specialist roofing company that deals with conservatory roofs in particular. They will be able to give you further information and advise you on the best options. Check their guarantees (tiles should usually be guaranteed) and ask them about all of the different choices you can make to update and personalise your conservatory.

Rooflights are versatile and are often used in both residential and commercial settings, with different requirements and considerations needed for each. Commercial roofs and properties can easily be fitted with complementary rooflights that will add light, openness and even value to the property, going a long way to improve the interior.

What kinds of rooflights are most often used to suit commercial spaces?

1. Barrel vaults. Longer rooflights like these can span a large roof area and prove to be good value for larger spaces, allowing more natural light penetration without the need for multiple individual rooflights.
2. Flat glass or polycarbonate rooflights. There are many trade brands and models that are perfect for installation into commercial roofs, with or without upstands or builders kerbs.
3. Access hatches. Commercial spaces need to be practical and an access hatch is certainly this. It can be used for stairway or ladderway access to the roof as well as being an attractive rooflight.

Flat roofs can have a bad reputation for leaking, getting damaged and generally not being as sturdy or stable as a pitched roof. However there is no need for a flat roof to be any lesser quality than a pitched roof, as long as the roof is high quality and has been properly installed.

An older flat roof will often need to be replaced if it is leaking, or has holes or damage that could lead to leaks in the future. Modern flat roofing materials are far superior to older ones, so this is a good option in the long run. The initial cost will still allow the opportunity to save money, as there won’t be the high cost of repairs, potentially as an emergency if the roof is leaking, has become unstable or is unsafe. New flat roofs that are installed by professionals can be very hardy and durable.