Expecting a cold conservatory this winter? Consider conservatory roof replacement!

As we enter into the colder part of the year, many of us will have come to terms with the fact that our conservatory will be far too cold to get any enjoyment out of until the weather warms up again. However, a replacement conservatory roof can eradicate this issue. Have you wondered if you might need one for your home? Ask yourself these four questions!

If you’d like to learn more about conservatory roof replacement, you can find all you need to know within this handy blog piece!

Why should you consider conservatory roof replacement?

There’s plenty of reasons why you should consider a conservatory roof replacement. Some of the key benefits of it include:

A comfortable temperature throughout the year

If your conservatory feels more like the inside of your fridge in the winter, it’s unbearably hot in the summer or it suffers from both issues, a replacement conservatory roof can resolve them. The conservatory roofs of today offer superior thermal performance, ensuring overheating and coldness issues are able to be eradicated.

A quieter conservatory

Let’s face it, it’s very easy to hear the sound of rain and wind hitting against a polycarbonate roof. For those who’d like to use their conservatory in peace and quiet, this poses a major obstacle to that. However, replacing with either a glass roof, a solid roof or a Livinroof will make the noise made from wind and rain much less audible.

More possible ways to use your conservatory

With a quiet and comfortable space at your disposal, you’re able to completely alter the way in which you use your conservatory. You might want to use it as a games room of some kind, an extension of your current kitchen or maybe just a place to read in the sun. No matter what plans you have in mind for a conservatory, a replacement conservatory roof can turn those plans into reality.

Save yourself some money

Replacing a conservatory roof is considerably cheaper than knocking down your current conservatory and building an entirely new one.

What types of replacement conservatory roof are there to choose from?

Here at Seal-Lite, we offer three types of replacement conservatory roof, the characteristics of which vary considerably. We have covered each of them below so you’re able to find which one you like best.

Glass conservatory roofs

If you’re looking to create a sunroom or a relaxing space to stargaze, a replacement glass roof is the best way to go. In addition to this, you can benefit from the following features:

• By opting for a tinted glass option, you can reduce solar entry, making it increasingly difficult for the conservatory to overheat during periods of warmth.
• Self-cleaning glass roofs are available and these utilise a special coating that breaks down organic dirt when it is exposed to UV rays. Once broken down, the dirt is then washed away by rainfall.
• We offer double glazed glass roofs with a U-value as low as 1.0 W/m2k, meaning they’re some of the most efficient on the market. This means you can enjoy a more comfortable conservatory for less.

Tiled conservatory roofs

Tiled roof conservatories look and feel more like a traditional extension of the home. Here at Seal-Lite, we install two different types of tiled roof, Guardian Warm Roofs and Ultraroofs from Ultraframe. The features of our tiled roofs include:

• Tiles that require no upkeep to maintain and have an expected lifespan of more than 40 years.
• 8 different tile colours to choose from so it’s possible to create a number of looks for your tiled roof extension.
• Able to be fitted with roof lights and full-length glazing panels, there’s no need to sacrifice too much light when opting for a tiled roof conservatory either.
• In terms of thermal efficiency, tiled roofs simply cannot be beaten. Our Ultraroofs, for example, can achieve mere U-values of 0.16 W/m2k. This ensures the conservatory will feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer whilst your energy bills should be lower too.
• Our Guardian Warm Roofs are also 100% recyclable, making them a great option for any homeowners who are looking to be more eco-friendly.

Livinroofs

Livinroofs are a unique hybrid of glazing and insulated roof panels, allowing homeowners to enjoy the best qualities of glass and tiled conservatory roofs simultaneously. Specifically, you can benefit from the following features:

• An internal vaulted or suspended ceiling, making the interior of your conservatory look and feel incredibly cosy.
• Able to achieve U-values of just 0.16 W/m2k and featuring no cold bridging, its thermal performance is just as good as our tiled roof solutions.
• It comes with highly configurable glazing panels, allowing you to utilise natural light where you need it. This means you can highlight certain features in the conservatory or enjoy huge quantities of natural light, depending on your preferences.

Will conservatory roof replacement require planning permission?

It is very rare for a conservatory roof replacement to require planning permission. However, when changing a glass conservatory roof to a tiled one, this is classed as a ‘change of use’ because the conservatory is now considered a permanent structure and not a temporary one. Changes of use can result in planning permission needing to be sought so it is best to check with your local planning authority who can advise you on this issue.

What about Building Regulations for conservatories?

Conservatories are usually exempt from Building Regulation approval. However, after changing a glass or polycarbonate roof to a solid or Livinroof, the conservatory will become subject to Building Regulations and approval will need to be sought. When changing the roof, JHAI, an Approved Inspector who provides Building Regulations approval, highlights that companies should be aware of the following things:

• Adequate structural support – it’s essential that the existing conservatory structure is able to support the new roof. Fortunately, the great thing about Livinroofs and solid roofs is that they are lightweight so in most cases the existing structure will be substantial enough to support them.
• Frames – the frames should be fully reinforced so that they’re able to support the roof.
• Thermal isolation – in order for a conservatory to be exempt from building regulations, they must be separated from the house by external quality walls, windows or doors. However, if you plan to remove the separating door from the house when changing the roof, this will need to be accounted for.
• Heating – conservatories must be fitted with an independent heating system in order to be exempt from Building Regulations so the application will take into account the current heating system too.

Fortunately, our tiled roofs and Livinroofs are LABC and JHAI approved respectively, which demonstrates their compliance with the standards outlined in Building Regulations. Where Building Regulations approval is required, we will also take care of it for you.

No matter if you prefer the light-enhancing qualities of a glass roof, the warmth of a tiled roof or a Livinroof, the perfect combination of these two qualities, you can’t go wrong when choosing to replace your conservatory roof. If you’d like to learn more about conservatory roof replacement or you’re interested in some of our other products like our high-quality doors or replacement windows, get in touch with us here at Seal-Lite by calling 01275 342 656 or contact us online.