Conservatory Roof Replacement Guide

There are many solutions out there that promise that you will be able to use your conservatory again as an enjoyable space.

But don't get stuck with a partial or low-quality solution!

Take a look at the full guide to see a full comparison of the most popular conservatory solutions on the market.

Non-Compliant with Building Regulations:

To start off, glass roofs are heavy, and if you are thinking of replacing your glass roof with yet another glass roof, you may be surprised to find out that if the replacement goes over a certain weight, it can be non-compliant with building regulations and even unsafe to use! If this is the case, you would be financially responsible for bringing the conservatory into code.

Poor Insulation:

In the UK, buildings (including climate control and ventilation) account for 94 million metric tonnes of CO2 pollution, or 2.7% of the world's energy spent on buildings.

Lighting:

Noise:

“Whilst converting my conservatory roof Projects 4 Roofing included the replacement of 3 sealed units that were cracked and causing condensation between the panes. I took the opportunity to replace the windows with opaque glass for more privacy.”

- Mr & Mrs B., Sawston, Cambridge
Cambridgeshire

Similar Downsides to Glass Roofs:

While polycarbonate glass roofs are lightweight, they still face many of the same problems of glass roofs, including:

• Poor Insulation: Plastic is also a poor insulating material, resulting in hot days in the summer and freezing days in the winter.
• Noisy: due to poor insulation, you will still hear all the noise of your neighbourhood and the rain if you replace your conservatory roof with a polycarbonate roof.
• Lighting: Plastic roofing does little to nothing to block out overhead glare, and it can be challenging to fit these roofs with adequate lighting to enjoy at night.
• Condensation & Mould Growth: Similar to glass, polycarbonate roofs do a great job of generating condensation, that can then turn into mould and mildew over time.

But that's not all! Polycarbonate roofs have even more downsides beyond just the ones they share with glass roofs.

More Fragile than Glass Roofs:

Polycarbonate roofs can actually be even more fragile than glass roofs, resulting in various cracks and chips to the roof over time. They also handle very poorly with snow accumulation for this reason as well.

UV Decay and Fogging:

If you have ever seen a plastic bottle left outside for years, you will be able to see the effects that the sun's UV rays have on plastics. The unattractive fogginess and discoloration that you'll see over time in polycarbonate roofs is caused by oxidation to the plastic materials.

While many materials will oxidize when left out in the sun, in plastics this can result in micro-fractures that give a characteristic (and unattractive) discolouration in the plastic material. This decay also compromises the integrity of the polycarbonate roof over time, making it more prone to cracks, breakage, and leaking.

Sealant Failure and Pane Slippage:

Even if the polycarbonate panels of a conservatory roof are not damaged themselves, leaks can still occur because of a failure in the system that holds them together.

The sealant that keeps polycarbonate panels in place can fail over time, resulting in the need for constant maintenance. This can be irritating to say the least, since you may feel that you are having to maintain one panel after another.

Panel slippage is also not uncommon, and while often can be caused by a negligent installer, is nonetheless a problem that many polycarbonate conservatory roof owners face.

“I had also been living with a leaky roof for some time where one of the panes of glass had slipped. It was always freezing in there and heating the conservatory cost a fortune. I was basically heating the garden with all the gaps in the walls and roof.

Luckily I came across Projects 4 Roofing, who offer a conservatory roof conversion. Chris, the owner, came over to see me and explained the whole process, giving me the good news that the conservatory could be saved and given a new lease of life. Even better, it would only take a week and I would be left with a warm, fully insulated room with a proper plastered ceiling that didn’t leak.”

- Mrs Kisler
Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire

From what we have reviewed with Glass and Polycarbonate roofs, it is clear that the problems of these roofs are not simply limited to the glare and heat of the sun.

While conservatory blinds can offer shade and some decrease in the temperature of the conservatory in the winter, the blinds do nothing to address any of the other issues mentioned, making it a poor partial solution at best.

Unfortunately, many people who purchase conservatory blinds are under the impression that they will be a cheap solution to their conservatory problems, but end up having to spend even more money on a comprehensive solution once they find how little conservatory blinds actually help.

A Story of Failed Roof Blinds

Mr & Mrs Burling in Burwell, Cambridge commented that their conservatory had always been a no go area in the summer because the sun blazed down directly through the roof and made it far too hot.
They have had it for more than 20 years but have not been able to enjoy the view over their pond from the conservatory during the summer months, until now.

Even with blinds it was too hot to sit in there. On the other hand, in winter they had to turn the heating up or it was too cold. The installation of a Guardian Warm Roof has enabled them to use the extra space all year round.

Heavy:

Conservatory Insulation panels can be quite heavy, and installing them may make your conservatory unsafe and non-compliant with building regulations, which as we have discussed would become your financial responsibility.

Condensation and Mould:

As we have also mentioned, glass and plastic are great collectors of condensation. When absorbent insulation panels are placed on these surfaces, they increase the formation of condensation, and help to facilitate mould and mildew growth by trapping moisture on the surface.

Aesthetics:

Since these panels are simply placed underneath your existing roof, the final product looks far from attractive — particularly when compared with a nice new roof.

The Time it Takes:

Because an extension is a far larger project involving the demolition of your current conservatory — putting in new foundations, construction of the walls, re-flooring, electrical installation, and roofing — an extension takes far longer to build than the time it takes to complete a conservatory conversion project.

How Expensive it is:

Due to the large amount of materials and many work hours involved (not counting the large mark-up likely placed on the real price), extensions are hugely expensive.

The Disruption:

Due to the time it takes to build an extension, you will likely have your house open to the elements for at least several days to weeks. During the construction process, you will also then have to deal with the frustration of construction and demolition noise, which is particularly unwelcome in this era of working from home.

Non-Compliant with Building Regulations:

Many times they do not meet building regulations, and you would be responsible for paying for the necessary repairs to make the roof compliant with building regulations (or re-roof all together with an approved roofing product). 

They could cause structural instability, leaks, cracks and other damages that at best you would have to pay to repair, and at worst could jeopardise your safety.

Condensation & Mould Growth:

Many times they are not ventilated properly, which can result in condensation buildup and eventual mould and mildew growth.

If you are thinking of installing an off-brand product insist on a visit from your local authority building control inspector to approve the installation and provide a Certificate of Compliance.

LABC Pre-approved:

Ensures that you are getting a quality and consistent product built in accordance with Building Regulations, allowing for a smooth and predictable Building Regulations approval process.

Waterproof Ventilation:

Allows your roof to breathe, preventing mould growth and condensation, while ensuring that your roof remains free from leaks.

State-of-the-art insulation:

Keeps your conservatory warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without interfering with roof ventilation.

Less noise:

Insulation also keeps out the noise of the neighborhood and rain dripping on the roof.

Solid Construction and Guaranteed:

The quality construction of a Guardian Warm Roof is matched by no one, which is why it comes with a 10-year product guarantee and endorsement from the LABC. We also offer a 20-year installation guarantee on top of that!

Team Guardian Members:

While there are many installers of Guardian Warm Roofs, only those that have been fully trained in installing the Guardian Warm Roof System can join Team Guardian.

Local Authority inspection:

All installations are registered with your local council and inspected by a Local Authority Building Inspector who visits site during and after installation before issuing your Completion Certificate.

Experienced & trusted workers:

We hire all of our own employees, who are trained exclusively on how to install Guardian Conservatory Roofs efficiently and effectively.

Fixed price quote:

All projects with us receive a fixed price quote. This price will not go up no matter what, for a full calendar year from when you received it.

Many sneaky players in the industry will start with a low figure and tack on every cost they can find, bringing your bill up to an astronomical figure. We think this is just plain wrong, so you will never find us using this tactic.

Fixed Schedule:

The key to a smooth project is a scheduled and efficient flow of tasks that need to be done. That is our specialty.

The installation process takes an average of 8 days.

Day 1: Installation Commences: Your old roof is removed, and your new Guardian Warm Roof is fixed to your conservatory and is watertight by the end of the day.

Day 2: 1st Fit Electrics: At this stage, wiring is installed to allow for any lighting, and the first LABC building inspection takes place.

Day 3-4: Roofing Installation is finished: Insulation, watertight ventilation, and tiling are installed in this stage, making your roof the fully insulated Guardian Warm Roof you are looking for!

Day 5-6: Plastering: Here your ceiling is plastered to give a finished look to your Guardian Warm Roof, and your walls can also be plastered at the same time as an additional service to give your conservatory the true look of an extension.

Day 7-8: Second Fit Electrics: If you have chosen to install any LED spotlights, they will be installed in this stage, along with any light switches or dimmers.

If you are looking for the perfect conservatory roof, a Guardian Warm Roof is your clear choice, and for an expert installer you needn't look any further than Projects 4 Roofing!