Leaking Conservatory Roof? Signs It's Time for a Replacement
Leaks? Feeling too hot in summer and too cold in winter? Mould? These are the most common signs that your conservatory needs updating, and it’s almost always because of the roof.
Why are conservatory roofs prone to leaks?
Older conservatories are traditionally made with glass or plastic polycarbonate roof sheets which are held together by rubber gaskets. The idea was of course intended to retain as much light as possible, but the reality is often a practical nightmare. We give these types of roofs an average shelf life of 10-15 years. When new, the rubber gaskets are soft and grabby and hold the plastic or glass sheets through friction. However over time, the rubber goes hard and loses its grab, meaning the sheets start to slip down, creating gaps.
Additionally in the case of polycarbonate roofs (the most commonly used material in old conservatories), the plastic itself can go brittle over time, becoming fragile and more prone to damage in case of wind or hail.
Why do we recommend a conservatory roof replacement rather than a roof repair?
The simple answer is traditional roofing systems are not built for longevity. Whilst it might be tempting to try to do a cheap fix, you may end up paying more in the long-run, which is why we stopped offering this service.
You’re fighting a losing battle against gravity and time. The rubber gaskets cannot easily be replaced and the same issues will happen again, dragging those sheets down and reopening the gaps. There are also other issues that occur with glass / plastic roofs that will still exist even if you fix the leak problem.
Glass and plastic offer little to no insulation. Because of this, these rooms become essentially “posh greenhouses” that feel like a hotbox in summer and a walk-in freezer in winter and can also be prone to damp and mould. By switching to a modern solid roof system, you add high-quality insulation which allows you to use the space year-round.
At Charnwood Conservatories, we offer two services.
- Conservatory roof replacement is exactly as it sounds. We replace the old existing roof with a fully-insulated and plastered solid tiled roofing system, leaving the surrounding conservatory walls as they are. This can take as little as 3 days.
- Conservatory renovation is a little more extensive service that replaces the surrounding walls and windows, as well as the roof. The wall frames and ceiling are fully plastered and insulated, providing a seamless extension to the rest of the house. This is a popular choice for people wanting to install a TV wall or A/C unit. Depending on the size of the conservatory this usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Will I lose light with a solid conservatory roof?
This is a common question we get asked a lot and it’s understandable, but honestly no. Since the walls of the conservatory are fitted with windows and the ceilings are painted in white which reflects the light, our customers have repeatedly been pleasantly surprised, saying the rooms let in just as much light as before.
Solid roofs also allow you to use the ceiling as you would any other room of the house, including adding lighting fixtures so you can use the space, day and night, rain or shine.
Still unsure which option is best for you? Give us a call or get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions and offer a free non-obligation quote.
We work with customers across the whole of Leicestershire and surrounding areas.
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FAQs
- Do I need planning permission for a tiled conservatory roof?
In most cases, changing your conservatory roof to a solid tiled one falls under "Permitted Development." However, it must comply with Building Regulations. Our team handles all the technical details as part of our service to ensure your installation is fully compliant.
- How long does the installation take?
Most roof replacements can be completed in just a few days minimising disruption to your home life, and we offer a lifetime warranty on all installations.
- How much does a solid roof conservatory cost?
There are many different factors that can affect the final cost, from the size of your conservatory to the roof tiles (e.g. lightweight constructed tile vs traditional slate) or the interior finishings you choose.
The best way we can advise you is through a free consultation. Simply fill out our contact form below sharing a few details of what you’re looking for or give us a call and our team will be happy to answer any questions.