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.