Conservatory flat roof has a poor reputation and it can be explained by the fact that people recollect water dripping calamities of the 1970s. Since then we have advanced in the field of modern flat roofing, and the stigma remains. Flat roof properly done will overcome the socio problems of temperature control without the structural nightmares that tiles involve.

The weight is the greatest strength. It is a lot lighter than a tiled roof and as such your current conservatory frame is likely to be able to take the weight without significant changes being necessary. You do not get all the build-in sub-base and reinforcement for which tiled conversions cost so much.

Modern Flat Roof Materials

Flat roofs have changed with EPDM rubber membranes. These are basically single-sheet coverings that reach on top of your whole roof without a joint or a clog that may be the source of a shower. The material is durable with 20-30 years life span and does not crack or split with change of temperature.

Fiberglass (GRP) roofing creates a completely waterproof shell. The resin goes on in layers to create a smooth surface that is extraordinarily strong. It is more costly than EPDM yet nearly impossible to destroy after curing is completed.

Built up felt systems rely on several layers of reinforcement and bitumen. They are less costly when compared to other alternatives although they are more expensive to maintain. Conventional tar odor during installation puts off some people, but the new models are not so intense.

Insulation Makes All the Difference

The insulation of flat roofs is something that can be very high in comparison with the use of glass. The cavity between the roof deck and ceiling provides you with space to have thick layers of insulate. It is quite easy to surpass the requirements of the building regulations and have a room that can remain cool all-year-round.

Warm deck In warm deck the insulation is placed over the structural deck and all of the roof structure is maintained at room temperature. This eliminates condensation issues that affect certain designs of flat roof. The room is not wet and the insulation does its job better.

The ceiling and the roof deck have insulation in cold deck systems. They are cheaper and require proper cross ventilation to avoid functions of moisture. The airflow must be accurate and otherwise you will wind up with damp problems that cost you valuable money.

Drainage Details

Water must drain somewhere and not all flat roofs are flat roofs. They need a slight slope (called a fall) to direct water toward drainage points. The least slope would be 1:80 but, steep falls drain more readily and are more permanent.

Flat roofs have different functions of gutters. The roof structure is prone to internal drainage with the use of outlets that are linked to the downpipes inside the conservatory walls. This maintains the clean lines and makes removal of blockages more difficult.

The roof edges are enclosed in parapet walls that make a confined drainage zone. The water cannot be cascaded down the sides and this is protective to the conservatory structure, but all the water has to be got rid of in the drainage. In case it becomes blocked, you have ponding, which may destroy the roof membrane.

The Ceiling Question

Flat roofs would enable you to build suitable ceilings with lights, fans among others. It is no longer necessary to restrict yourself with recessed spotlights, pendant lights or even chandeliers due to the restrictions which are posed by a glass roof. The weight is taken by the solid structure and given mounting points.

The insulation against sounds is drastically enhanced. Roof deck, insulation, and the ceiling provide an impermeable layer which minimizes the external noise. The rains sound like a gentle patter rather than the drumming rains that you obtain with glass or polycarbonate.

You destroy the sense of freedom that conservatories have. The low ceiling height (usually around 2.4 meters) can make the space feel closed in compared to the soaring glass roof you’re replacing. This is claustrophobic to some people.

Installation Realities

The process of installing the flat roof is drier than people would think. Your conservatory is exposed to weather by the loss of the old, entire roof. It is not that you also need to think about the time of the year when it is rainy and this rain can take away your furniture and flooring.

There is the issue of weather delays. Installation of flat roofing materials must be done under dry weather and a week of rainfall might add more days to your project. Contractors have to move around weather windows thus causing an unpredictability in the scheduling.

The building control approval is normally necessary particularly in case you are altering the roof structure. Inspections that the inspector is interested in include the insulation level, ventilation, and structural sufficiency. Nothing can be done until they clear each stage.

Costs and Timing

Replacement of flat roof is usually cheaper than tiled one since one does not have to make any structural changes. The materials are less expensive; they take shorter time to install in times when weather is favorable. You should expect to pay between 30-50 per cent less than a tiled roof conversion.

In simple jobs, the duration is most commonly 1-2 weeks. The less friendly in shape (or multistory) complex conservatories are time-consuming. It can be extended twice due to bad weather, that is why it should not be planned during winter months, in case.

Maintenances are not as expensive as one may be anticipating. The yearly inspection and every now and then cleaning is necessary with a modern, flat roof, however, serious repairs are harbor rarely in case the roof was installed correct. Blocked drainage is the main cause of most problems, not the membrane collapse.

Living With the Change

The difference in temperature is dramatic and instantaneous. It will make your conservatory usable all year long and without sudden and uncomfortable changes in temperature. There are no heating and cooling expenses since you are not combating the green house effect.

Natural light intensities are reduced as compared to the roofs made of glass. You rely on windows and artificial lighting and this alters the feeling of the space. Others put in roof lights or glazed openings to restore some of the light.

It appears more of a regular extension of a room. You get comfort and usability and lose a little of the individuality which made the conservatory a thing in itself. But how it works out to be a fair trade is down to your priorities.

Common Problems to Avoid

Most of the flat roof failures are induced by a bad drainage design. Water pooling (ponding) stresses the membrane and eventually leads to leaks. Ensure that your contractor plans good falls and drainage outlets.

The problem of lack of insulation material causes the roof structure to rot due to the condensation. The insulation should be solid and well-ventilated so that excess moisture should not settle. Cold spots are generated by the thermal bridge this makes the condensation to form on their spots.

False economies are cheap materials and bad installation. A well put on flat roof can take more than 20 years before maintenance is carried out. Saving on materials or labour results in difficulties in a couple of years and costly repair.