Advantages & Disadvantages of Solid Roof Conservatory Replacement

Pros and Cons of solid conservatory roofs

When looking for year-round usability of your conservatory, a solid roof is an increasingly popular choice.

It offers an insulating upgrade from traditional glass or polycarbonate roofing, transforming your conservatory into a comfortable living space regardless of the season. 

With high-quality insulating materials, a solid roof allows you to enjoy your conservatory without worrying about it being too cold in winter or too hot in summer.

Upgrading to a solid conservatory roof isn’t just about comfort; it’s a sustainable choice too.

Modern roofing designs have taken environmental concerns into account, ensuring that your home improvement is a responsible investment.

With the right materials and construction, a solid roof conservatory can become an energy-efficient extension of your home, aligning with both your personal tastes and a commitment to reducing your carbon footprint.

Advantages of Solid Roof Conservatories

When considering the installation of a solid roof for your conservatory, you are looking at a solution that offers year-round comfort.

Your conservatory becomes more energy-efficient due to the superior insulation offered by solid roofs. This helps in maintaining a consistent temperature which can reduce your energy bills.

Here’s a rundown of the benefits:

  • Temperature Control: Solid roofs reduce the heat loss in winter and excessive heat gain in the summer, ensuring a comfortable space no matter the season.
  • Privacy: One of the less obvious but equally important benefits is increased privacy. A solid roof shields the interior of your conservatory from outside view, providing you with a secluded ambience.

Additionally, a solid roof can reduce both glare and external noise:

Glare ReductionNoise Reduction
Diminishes bright sunlight for a more pleasant visual experience.Cuts down on outdoor noise, making your conservatory a peaceful retreat.


Your conservatory can also turn into a versatile space that feels more like a permanent extension of your home, rather than a seasonal room, enhancing the usability of the conservatory.

If you’re worried about the cost, remember solid roofs are a long-term choice which can potentially increase the value of your property and save on future maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of Solid Roof Conservatories

Loss of natural light: When considering a solid roof for your conservatory, natural light is often a primary concern. Solid roofs, by design, allow less light to filter in than their glass counterparts. Although you will still receive ample light through doors and windows, you might experience a modest average light loss of about 5%.

Costly: Another disadvantage is the cost. Typically, solid roofs are more expensive due to the materials used and the complexity of the installation process. They often necessitate additional structural support and are made of materials like tiles or reinforced glass, which come at a higher price point.

Permission: A solid roof may require you to seek planning permission, as it is considered a more significant modification to your property. This can add to the time and expense of your project.

Aesthetics: Changing to a solid roof can affect the aesthetic of your conservatory. The look and feel of the space will be altered, and it may not blend as seamlessly with the style of your home as a glass roof potentially would.

Why would you replace your conservatory roof?

When your conservatory roof shows signs of wear or poor performance, considering a replacement becomes essential for maintaining your space’s comfort and functionality.

How to know when to have a conservatory roof replacement

Deterioration and Damage:

  • Leaks: Water ingress can occur with cracked or missing tiles.
  • Wear and Tear: Discolouration, moss growth, and material decay can be unsightly and reduce functionality.

Performance Upgrades:

  • Insulation: A solid roof will keep your conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer.
  • Aesthetics: Updating the style can revitalise the entire structure.

What are the benefits of choosing a solid roof for a conservatory over other types of roofing?

Choosing a solid roof for your conservatory offers enhanced thermal efficiency, noise reduction and can transform the space into a year-round living area. It also potentially increases the value of your property.

Is planning permission required for installing a solid roof on an existing conservatory?

In many cases, planning permission is not required to install a solid roof on an existing conservatory, as it is often considered a permitted development. However, you should always check with your local council for specific regulations.

About the author 

Ben Hardman

Ben is a professional writer and the creator of sustainable living website TinyEco.com.
It's here where he helps people to reduce their environmental impact through simple, everyday choices. Away from the laptop, Ben loves spending time in the natural environment with his young family and Murphy the cocker spaniel.

Experience:
First Class BSc Biology degree (environmental and climate change focus)
Six years of working and writing in the environmental sector, including two years working at an international sustainability consultancy
Written for Ethical Consumer magazine, My Mother Tree, Unsustainable Magazine, Happy Eco News, Emission Index, PeakDistrict.org
Commented in The Independent, The Guardian, GreenMatch. Also featured on Radio 1's environmental special 'Minute of Me'

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