Many homeowners find their conservatories more challenging to use than expected. This could be because it’s too hot in summer (known as the greenhouse effect), too cold in winter due to poor efficiency or draughts, or noisy when it rains. Often, these issues come down to the roof, especially in older conservatories. Because of this, you might not need a complete conservatory replacement.
We’ve written this guide to help you understand the simple process of changing to a tiled roof, from the options available to building regulations and the benefits.
Do I Need Planning Permission for a Conservatory Tiled Roof Replacement?
Usually, you won’t need planning permission to replace your conservatory roof with a tiled version. This is commonly considered a permitted development, especially if you’re not changing the size or shape. However, it’s always worth checking with your local council or local authority, and we can help you with this.
Understanding Tiled Conservatory Roofs
A replacement conservatory roof can transform your conservatory into a practical room for year-round use. Our tiled roofs use lightweight roof tiles and proper conservatory roof insulation to control temperature much better than polycarbonate roofs or traditional glazed roofs. These aren’t the heavy tiles used on regular house roofs; they’re specially designed to work with existing conservatory structures.
Our tiled roofs include honeycomb insulation and proper ventilation to prevent condensation. They’re tested to handle all types of weather and come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty and a 40-year guarantee on their weather sealing.
How Tiled Roofs Help Your Home
Switching to a tiled roof can make a big difference to your conservatory. Here are some of the most important things a tiled roof can give you:
- Temperature Control: A tiled roof’s insulation keeps your conservatory at a comfortable temperature year-round. No more hot and stuffy summers or freezing winter mornings.
- Energy Efficiency: With better insulation, your heating won’t need to work as hard in winter. Many homeowners notice a real difference in energy costs after switching to a tiled roof.
- Noise Pollution: A tiled roof significantly reduces rain noise and wind sounds, making a more usable space that is peaceful even during bad weather.
- UV Protection: Strong sunlight can damage and fade furniture, carpets, and pictures over time. A tiled roof stops harmful UV rays from getting in, protecting your belongings.
- Year-round Use: Instead of a room that’s only comfortable for a few months each year, you get a proper living space for all seasons. Whether it’s a home office, playroom, or dining area, your conservatory becomes as useful as any other room in your house.
- Added Value: A well-installed replacement roof can make your conservatory feel more like a proper extension. This often increases the value of your home, making it more attractive to prospective buyers.
Tiled vs Glass Roofs: What’s Right for You?
We offer glass roof replacement as well as tiled roof replacement. Both roofs have their strengths, and choosing between them depends on how you want to use your space.
Glass Roofs
At BSF Windows, our glass conservatory roofs are designed to offer excellent thermal efficiency while maintaining that bright, open feeling many homeowners love. Our roofs are thoroughly weather tested and approved by the BBA (British Board of Agrément), ensuring they’re built to last.
A glass roof may be ideal if you:
- Want to maximise natural light in your conservatory
- Prefer an open, airy feel with unobstructed garden views
- Enjoy a bright space for relaxation or entertaining
- Appreciate a classic style of the roof
- Value a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors
This roof system helps maintain comfortable temperatures while letting in plenty of natural light. Various frame colours are available, including White, Satin Black, Anthracite Grey, or custom RAL colours to match your home.
Tiled Roofs
Tiled roofs turn your conservatory into something more like a regular room. They’re particularly good if you:
- Want to use the room all year
- Need better temperature control
- Want lower energy bills
- Want a room that feels like an extension of your main house
- Want to match your house roof or brickwork
You can still get plenty of light with a tiled roof, and many people choose to include glazed panels, rooflights, or roof lanterns in their designs. A new solid conservatory roof offers the best thermal performance of any roof option.
Roof Replacement vs New Conservatory: Making Your Choice
A new conservatory roof replacement is often simpler and more cost effective than a full conservatory replacement, especially if your existing frames and base are in good condition. Most conservatories built in the last 20 years will be suitable for a new solid roof replacement, whether polycarbonate, tiled or glass.
However, there are times when a new conservatory might be a good idea. If your frames are damaged or very old, or if you want to change the size or shape of your space, starting fresh could make more sense. It’s also worth considering a complete replacement if your current conservatory doesn’t match your home’s style or want to change how you use the space entirely.
We’ll thoroughly check your existing conservatory roof system before recommending the best approach. We look at:
- The condition of your current frames and base
- The age of your conservatory
- The total structural integrity of your conservatory
- Your budget and goals for the space
This helps us advise whether a roof replacement alone will give you what you need or if you’d benefit more from a new conservatory.
Customising Your New Roof
Our tiled conservatory roofs can be tailored to match your home’s style. We offer lightweight tiles in a range of colours, including Charcoal, Slate and Oak for traditional tiles or greens and reds for something different.
Our standard glass panels are 28mm toughened double glazing, but you can upgrade to options like Activ Self-Cleaning glass or choose solar control glass in different coloured tints.
Every tiled roof we install has a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee and a 40-year warranty against weather damage on the conservatory roof tiles.
Ready to Improve Your Conservatory?
At BSF Windows, we’ve spent over a decade helping homeowners across Surrey, Sussex and surrounding areas improve their conservatories. We offer both tiled and glass roof options, and no matter which type of roof you opt for, our experienced team handles everything from initial design to final installation.
Replacing your conservatory roof costs less than a new conservatory, and a tiled version is a practical way to improve your home. It can make it feel like a new room and a new living space entirely.
While planning permission isn’t usually needed, we’ll handle necessary building regulations approval and paperwork to ensure everything’s done correctly. We can help liaise with the local building control department and consult with planning officers if required.
For more information or to arrange a free quote on conservatory work, you can call us on 01293 408 713, email us at bsfwindows@gmail.com or use our online contact form.
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