{"id":106,"date":"2019-11-14T10:18:57","date_gmt":"2019-11-14T10:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rightmove.co.uk\/home-improvements\/?p=106"},"modified":"2020-01-24T15:11:38","modified_gmt":"2020-01-24T15:11:38","slug":"conservatory-roofing-lightweight-or-tiled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rightmove.co.uk\/home-improvements\/roofing\/conservatory-roofing-lightweight-or-tiled\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Best Conservatory Roof Material?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is your conservatory freezing in winter and scorching in summer? If you\u2019re starting to feel that it\u2019s taking (in energy bills) more than it\u2019s giving (in functionality), it might be time for a new conservatory roof.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, roofing materials have come a long way in the last decade \u2013 and since 2010 conservatories no longer have to be 75% translucent to comply with building regulations. Here is a look at the most popular conservatory roofing options and the advantages and disadvantages of each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picture your perfect conservatory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, it\u2019s a good idea to identify the problems with your conservatory as it is \u2013 and think big about how you\u2019d prefer it to be. Would you like to transform your conservatory into something like an extension of your house \u2013 that isn\u2019t an extension? Or do you want to keep it as a sheltered space that gets flooded with natural light and lets the outside in? Maybe your elderly and grubby conservatory roof is simply overdue a replacement \u2013 as cheaply as possible? Envisage the end goal before you begin planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glass roof or polycarbonate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it is <\/em>more expensive than polycarbonate, glass is generally considered to be the superior choice when it comes to conservatory roofing. This is because it\u2019s a much better insulator, meaning it keeps your conservatory cool in summer and warm in winter – plus it generally looks more sophisticated. But that doesn’t mean polycarbonate should be ruled out altogether. If you need to go cheaper – you can rest assured that it will still let in plenty of natural light. You may just need to invest in a portable heater for those chilly winter months!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is PVC a good conservatory roof material? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are pros and cons of using PVC, but, if you have no grand plans for your conservatory \u2013 and little budget for the job \u2013 a new roof made from PVC is the cheapest to buy and install. You can count on this material to let in natural light, not require much maintenance and last for up to 20 years. But although PVC is the most affordable roofing material, it can be a false economy.  Poor thermal performance could well cost you more down the track in energy bills. Then there\u2019s the environmental fallout. While some parts of the PVC can be reused, much of it can\u2019t and will most likely linger in the landfill for centuries. Weigh up what is more important to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A glass act: glazed or not?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your conservatory is a place where you love to sit and watch the clouds or stargaze, a fully glazed roof is more durable than PVC and should last for decades. They\u2019re also comparatively easy to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while \u2013 thanks to advances in technology \u2013 \u2018glass roof conservatory\u2019 no longer translates to \u2018greenhouse\u2019, as a roofing material glass still doesn\u2019t perform very well at its main task \u2013 keeping the space at a pleasantly even temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tiles that beguile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to turn your disused sunroom into a new room just as warm as any other in the home, tiles are another conservatory roofing option that could be worth considering.. Many people are opting to fit a tiled \u2018warm roof\u2019 on their conservatory as a way to extend their home without getting an extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Warm roofs\u2019 are made from a lightweight aluminium frame overlaid with tiles and a plastered internal ceiling \u2013 and can include skylights and Velux roof windows for natural light. Most importantly, their thermal rating is better than the average house roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiled conservatory roofs are usually topped with synthetic tiles \u2013 defined as those weighing under 20kg per square metre \u2013 as most conservatory structures cannot withstand heavyweight roof tiles such as concrete. Lightweight tiles are usually cheaper, easier and quicker to install than heavier tiles \u2013 and safer if you\u2019re DIYing, so bear this in mind. They\u2019re also a more environmentally friendly choice due to fewer (Co2\u2013producing) van trips needed to transport their lighter load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two leading brands of lightweight conservatory roof tiles are imitation slate tiles made by Tapco Slate<\/strong> (UK) and metal shingle tiles made by Metrotile<\/strong> (Belgium). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tapco tiles mimic the irregular texture and edges of natural slate. They come in 20 colours and are made from recyclable plastic and limestone. Metrotile tiles are made from pure steel, which is highly resistant to both general wear and tear and harsh weather conditions and reflects heat from the sun to retain warmth. If you want to invest in a conservatory roof which gives the space a combination of warmth, light and all\u2013year\u2013round usability, the gold standard is a \u2018hybrid\u2019 conservatory \u2013 made from a solid vaulted roof with an insulated aluminium frame and energy-efficient glass panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some things to consider before you decide on a new conservatory roof – lightweight or tiled:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n