Can You Replace a Glass or Polycarbonate Conservatory Roof with a Solid Roof?
Many older conservatories were built with glass or polycarbonate roofs. These materials allow plenty of natural light into the room, but they can also make the conservatory difficult to use throughout the year.
A polycarbonate roof may become noisy during heavy rain, while both older glass and polycarbonate systems can allow the room to become too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Over time, roof panels, seals and trims may also begin to show signs of age.
Replacing the existing roof with a modern solid, tiled or hybrid system can transform the way the conservatory looks and feels. It can improve insulation, reduce glare, lower rain noise and create a more conventional internal ceiling.
In many cases, a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof can be replaced without demolishing the whole conservatory. However, the existing structure must be surveyed carefully to confirm that it is suitable for the proposed replacement roof.
Why Replace an Existing Conservatory Roof?
The roof has a major effect on the comfort of a conservatory.
Older roof systems were often designed primarily to provide natural light rather than the thermal performance expected from a modern living room. As the conservatory ages, the difference between its temperature and the rest of the home can become increasingly noticeable.
Homeowners may consider replacing the roof because of:
- Excessive heat during sunny weather
- A cold room during autumn and winter
- Noise from rain on polycarbonate panels
- Strong glare through the roof
- Faded furniture or flooring
- Condensation
- Draughts around ageing roof panels
- Leaks or damaged seals
- Discolouration of old polycarbonate
- A dated internal appearance
- Difficulty installing attractive ceiling lighting
- A desire to use the room more regularly
A replacement roof can address several of these problems at the same time, although the final result will also depend on the condition of the windows, doors, flooring and supporting structure.
Can You Put a Solid Roof on an Existing Conservatory?
It is often possible to replace an existing glass or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight solid or tiled roof system.
The new roof is designed to sit on the existing conservatory frames, provided those frames and the structure beneath them are suitable. The original roof is removed, and the replacement system is measured and manufactured to fit the conservatory.
However, not every conservatory is automatically suitable for a roof replacement.
Before work begins, the following may need to be assessed:
- The condition of the conservatory frames
- The strength and stability of the supporting structure
- The existing brickwork or dwarf walls
- The foundations
- The connection between the conservatory and the house
- The size and shape of the roof
- The age of the conservatory
- Signs of movement or damage
- The condition of the windows and doors
- Any previous alterations
A professional survey is essential because the new roof must be compatible with the existing structure.
What Happens to the Existing Roof?
The old roof is normally removed before the replacement system is installed.
The exact process will depend on the conservatory and the type of roof being replaced, but it may involve:
- Removing the glass or polycarbonate panels
- Removing the existing roof bars
- Inspecting the top of the conservatory frames
- Checking the wall connection and structural supports
- Preparing the structure for the new roof
- Installing the replacement roof system
- Completing the external weatherproofing
- Installing insulation
- Boarding and plastering the internal ceiling
- Fitting lighting where required
- Renewing guttering and trims
- Completing the internal decoration
The room will be exposed during part of the work, so the installation must be planned and managed carefully.
What Types of Replacement Roof Are Available?
A solid replacement roof does not necessarily mean that all natural light has to be removed.
Modern systems allow homeowners to choose between a tiled roof, a hybrid roof with selected glass panels or a system that retains a large glazed section with a plastered internal perimeter.
The right option will depend on the conservatory, the orientation of the property and how the room will be used.
Ultraroof380 Tiled Conservatory Roof
The Ultraroof380 is a lightweight tiled roof system designed for conservatories and extensions.
It provides a more substantial external appearance than a traditional glass or polycarbonate roof. Its insulated construction can also help the conservatory maintain a more comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Internally, the roof can be boarded and plastered to create a conventional ceiling. This can completely change the character of the conservatory and help it feel more like a permanent room.
Glazed panels can be incorporated into the roof where additional natural light is needed.
An Ultraroof380 may be suitable for homeowners who want:
- A tiled external appearance
- Improved insulation
- Reduced glare
- Less noise from rain
- A plastered internal ceiling
- Integrated spotlights
- A more room-like interior
- The option to retain selected glazed areas
The lightweight design is intended for conservatory applications, but the existing structure must still be checked before installation.
LivinRoof Hybrid Conservatory Roof
The LivinRoof combines insulated solid sections with glazed roof panels.
This allows homeowners to control where natural light enters the room rather than choosing between a completely glazed roof and a completely solid one.
The glazed sections can be positioned to suit the layout of the conservatory. For example, glass may be retained above a dining area or positioned to help daylight reach the adjoining room.
Solid sections can then be used above seating, television screens or work areas where glare may otherwise be a problem.
LivinRoof may be suitable where homeowners want:
- Better insulation without removing all roof glazing
- A combination of solid and glazed panels
- Greater control over natural light
- Reduced glare
- Improved privacy
- A contemporary appearance
- A roof design tailored to the room
This type of hybrid system can be particularly useful where a fully solid roof could make the adjoining room feel too dark.
LivinRoom Conservatory Roof
The LivinRoom system creates a plastered internal perimeter around a glazed conservatory roof.
This provides a more substantial internal appearance while retaining a large amount of overhead natural light.
The plastered perimeter can accommodate spotlights, speakers and other fittings, helping the conservatory feel more like a finished living room.
LivinRoom may be suitable for homeowners who want:
- To retain a bright glazed roof
- A plastered internal ceiling perimeter
- Integrated lighting
- A more homely appearance
- A balance between a conservatory and an extension-style interior
It can provide an alternative for homeowners who do not want to replace the entire glazed character of the room.
Can a Polycarbonate Roof Be Replaced Directly?
A polycarbonate roof can often be removed and replaced with a modern lightweight roof system.
Polycarbonate was widely used because it is lightweight and affordable, but older panels can become discoloured, noisy and less effective at controlling temperature.
Replacing a polycarbonate roof can provide a noticeable improvement because the difference between the original lightweight panels and a modern insulated system is often significant.
The existing roof bars and panels are removed rather than simply covered over. This allows the replacement roof to be installed as a complete designed system.
It is generally better to use a purpose-made replacement roof than to attach insulation and boards beneath an ageing polycarbonate structure.
Can a Glass Conservatory Roof Be Replaced?
An existing glass roof can also often be replaced with a solid, tiled or hybrid roof.
The old glazing units and roof framework are removed before the new system is installed.
Homeowners may choose to replace a glass roof because:
- The room overheats in direct sunlight
- The existing glazing provides limited insulation
- Sealed units have failed
- The roof leaks
- Glare makes the room uncomfortable
- The glass is difficult to clean
- The internal appearance no longer suits the home
A hybrid system can be useful where the homeowner wants to retain some of the natural light previously provided by the glass roof.
Will a Solid Roof Make the Conservatory Dark?
A replacement roof will reduce some overhead light, but the room does not necessarily have to become dark.
The effect will depend on:
- The amount of glazing in the conservatory walls
- The orientation of the property
- The number and position of glazed roof panels
- Nearby buildings and trees
- The size of the room
- The colour of the internal ceiling
- The design of the adjoining room
- The width of the opening between the house and conservatory
A tiled or hybrid roof can include glazed sections to bring light into important areas.
Light-coloured internal finishes can also help distribute daylight around the room, while large windows and doors maintain views of the garden.
The position of roof glazing should be planned carefully rather than added without considering the room’s layout.
What Happens to Light in the Adjoining Room?
The adjoining kitchen, dining room or living room may currently rely on light passing through the conservatory roof.
Replacing the entire roof with a solid system could reduce the amount of daylight reaching that room.
This does not mean a replacement roof is unsuitable, but the design should take both spaces into account.
Possible solutions include:
- Adding glazed roof panels above the internal opening
- Choosing a hybrid roof
- Retaining a larger glazed section
- Installing wider garden doors
- Using light internal colours
- Reviewing the size of the opening between the rooms
- Choosing roof glazing based on the property’s orientation
A professional design should consider the conservatory and the original house together.
Will a Solid Roof Make the Conservatory Warmer?
An insulated replacement roof can help reduce heat loss during colder weather.
Older polycarbonate and glass roofs often allow warmth to escape quickly, making the conservatory difficult to heat. A modern insulated roof can help the room retain heat for longer.
However, the roof is only one part of the structure.
Winter comfort will also depend on:
- The condition of the windows
- The efficiency of the doors
- Draughts around frames
- Floor insulation
- Heating
- Ventilation
- The condition of dwarf walls
- The size and orientation of the room
Where the windows and doors are old or damaged, replacing the roof alone may not provide the full improvement the homeowner expects.
Modern uPVC windows can be installed alongside the new roof where the existing frames are no longer suitable.
Will It Keep the Conservatory Cooler in Summer?
Solid insulated roof sections can reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the room from above.
This can help limit overheating and reduce glare, particularly in south-facing and west-facing conservatories.
A replacement roof can also make it easier to position seating, dining tables and television screens without strong sunlight falling directly onto them.
Ventilation will still be important during warm weather. Opening windows, doors and suitable vents help warm air escape and maintain airflow.
The roof, glazing and ventilation should be designed to work together.
Will a Replacement Roof Reduce Rain Noise?
Heavy rain can be very noisy on an old polycarbonate roof.
A solid or tiled roof can substantially reduce the level of rain noise entering the conservatory. This can make the room more suitable for conversation, television watching, relaxing or working from home.
A hybrid roof may also reduce noise compared with a fully glazed or polycarbonate system, although the glazed sections will still transmit more sound than the solid areas.
Reducing rain noise can make a significant difference to how often the room is used.
Can the Internal Ceiling Be Plastered?
One of the main benefits of a solid or tiled replacement roof is the option to create a plastered internal ceiling.
A plastered ceiling gives the conservatory a more familiar, room-like appearance. It can also provide suitable locations for:
- Recessed spotlights
- Pendant lighting
- Integrated speakers
- Decorative lighting
- Smoke alarms where required
- Ceiling-mounted fittings
The ceiling can be painted to match the adjoining rooms, helping the conservatory feel more connected to the rest of the home.
A plastered finish can be particularly effective when the room is being converted into a living room, dining room, office or snug.
Can You Add Rooflights or Glazed Panels?
Yes, depending on the chosen replacement roof system, glazed panels can often be included.
These are useful where homeowners want the insulation and appearance of a solid roof while retaining selected areas of overhead daylight.
Glazed sections could be positioned:
- Above a dining table
- Near the opening to the house
- Over a seating area
- To direct light toward a kitchen
- Where the room receives the least daylight
- To maintain a view of the sky
The design should balance light, comfort, privacy and glare.
Adding too much glazing may reduce some of the benefits of moving away from a fully glazed roof, while too little could make the room darker than intended.
Will the Windows and Doors Need Replacing Too?
The existing conservatory frames do not always need to be replaced, but their condition must be checked.
Replacement may be recommended if the windows or doors are:
- Draughty
- Damaged
- Difficult to operate
- Poorly sealed
- Visibly distorted
- Affected by failed glazing units
- No longer secure
- Unsuitable for the new roof
- Nearing the end of their useful life
New windows and doors can improve the overall result and prevent inefficient frames from limiting the benefit of the replacement roof.
Suitable door options may include:
The best option will depend on the size of the opening and how the room connects with the garden.
Can the Roof Shape Be Changed?
In some cases, a replacement roof provides an opportunity to alter the appearance or design of the conservatory.
However, the extent of any change will depend on the existing structure, dimensions, supporting frames and connection to the main property.
Possible alterations may include:
- Changing the roof style
- Introducing glazed panels
- Adjusting the roof pitch
- Replacing old decorative details
- Improving guttering
- Altering door openings
- Replacing sections of walling
More substantial changes may require additional structural work.
A detailed survey will help determine what is practical.
Can You Install a Solid Roof on Any Conservatory Style?
Replacement roof systems can be suitable for many common conservatory styles, including:
- Lean-to conservatories
- Victorian conservatories
- Edwardian conservatories
- Gable-ended conservatories
- P-shaped conservatories
- T-shaped conservatories
- Larger bespoke conservatories
More complex shapes require careful measurement and design.
The age and style of the conservatory are less important than the condition and suitability of the supporting structure.
A simple rectangular lean-to may be more straightforward than a large multi-faceted conservatory, but both may be suitable for a replacement roof following a professional assessment.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Planning requirements depend on the property, the existing conservatory and the proposed changes.
A roof replacement may not always require a full planning application, but building regulations or other approvals may still apply.
Additional considerations may apply where:
- The property is listed
- The home is in a conservation area
- The conservatory was built under specific planning conditions
- The roof height or shape is being changed
- The project includes significant structural alterations
- Internal separation from the house is being changed
Homeowners should not assume that all roof replacements are treated in the same way.
The project should be assessed individually before work begins.
Why a Professional Survey Is Important
A replacement conservatory roof is not simply a decorative covering.
It is a complete roof system that must fit the existing structure accurately, provide weather protection and work safely with the conservatory beneath it.
A professional survey allows the installer to:
- Take precise measurements
- Check the condition of the frames
- Assess the supporting structure
- Identify signs of movement
- Review the roof connection
- Consider drainage and guttering
- Plan the position of glazed panels
- Check access for installation
- Identify other work that may be required
R&M Windows and Conservatories completes a full survey once an order has been placed. This helps ensure that the proposed roof is suitable and manufactured to fit the property correctly.
Avoid Covering an Old Roof Without Proper Assessment
Some homeowners consider attaching insulation, boards or lightweight tiles beneath or above the existing conservatory roof.
This may seem like a simple way to improve the room, but it can introduce problems if the original structure has not been designed or assessed for the additional materials.
Poorly planned roof coverings may:
- Add excessive weight
- Hide leaks
- Conceal damaged roof components
- Trap condensation
- Prevent ventilation
- Make maintenance difficult
- Create an uneven internal finish
- Fail to provide reliable weather protection
- Make structural problems harder to identify
A purpose-made replacement roof is designed as a complete system rather than an improvised covering fitted to an ageing roof.
What Can the Conservatory Be Used for Afterwards?
Replacing the roof can make the conservatory suitable for a much wider range of uses.
Depending on the completed design, the room could become:
- A family living room
- A dining space
- A home office
- A playroom
- A television room
- A reading room
- A hobby area
- A music room
- A place for entertaining
- A flexible family space
The roof design should reflect the intended use.
A home office may benefit from solid sections that reduce screen glare, while a dining room may benefit from glazed panels positioned above the table.
Is It Better Than Rebuilding the Conservatory?
Replacing the roof can be more practical than rebuilding the entire conservatory where the existing structure remains in good condition.
It allows homeowners to retain the current footprint, garden views and much of the original structure while improving comfort and appearance.
However, a roof replacement may not be the best option where:
- The foundations are unsuitable
- The frames are badly damaged
- The conservatory is too small
- The layout needs to change significantly
- The walling requires complete replacement
- The structure shows signs of movement
- The homeowner wants a completely different extension
The condition of the conservatory should guide the decision.
Replacement Conservatory Roofs in Bracknell
R&M Windows and Conservatories has been installing conservatories, windows and doors in Bracknell and the surrounding areas since 1987.
We can inspect your existing glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof, discuss how you would like to use the room and explain the suitable tiled, solid and hybrid replacement options.
Our team will provide a detailed quotation and clear payment schedule. Once an order has been placed, we complete a full survey to take precise measurements and ensure the proposed products are suitable for the property.
Our window, door and conservatory installations are covered by a full ten-year guarantee.
To find out whether your glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof can be replaced with a modern insulated system, contact R&M Windows and Conservatories for a free quotation.
