Solid conservatory roof opinions / experiences

swajarbal

We are looking at getting our south facing conservatory roof replaced with an insulated and tiled roof. The conservatory is approx 6m across x 3m projection, so very large. It is unbearably hot in summer and we expect it will be cold in winter (only just bought the house so not experienced this yet).

The cost will be between £11k and £16k, having had a number of quotes.

For those who have had this done, would you recommend skylights (velux windows) for extra light and ventilation in summer, or are these redundant if you have conservatory windows?

Thanks

McKneff

Wow, that is 3xpensive.,
We had a conservatory with a dwarf wall. 
We replaces the roof, allnthe white windowsm 1 exrerior single door and a set of double doors
All for £8500. 

I dont think you can put a tiled roof onto a conservatory, tiles are too heavy for the footings. 

I, would seek advice from a few local companies as wellcas 3 quotes

Jeepers_Creepers

If this is a complete new roof - more strength than a normal connie roof - then I think you'd love having at least a couple of double-glazed skylights fitted as they'll let in lovely shafts of sunlight and allow you to see the sky without it being either too hot or letting out heat. I wouldn't bother having them as openers, tho', as this will cost a lot more and add complexity; you should have enough ventilation from opening windows? 

That's a big price, tho'...

ComicGeek

Don't ignore the fact that building control would technically need to be involved in this, LABC have a good guide here https://www.labc.co.uk/news/new-conservatory-roof-guide-available
There are a lot of cowboys offering systems that are inherently dangerous, but are so expensive that people think that they must be getting a high quality product/service. I would definitely want to get someone independent from the company to check everything over.

Davesnave

If they are going to be real tiles you may be in trouble; conservatories are built down to a price not over-specified to allow for amendments later.

Also, be very wary about reducing the light in the room behind. We have friends living locally who have ruined their living rooms by creating garden rooms with solid roofs. Opening roof light have pros and cons, but one pro is the updraught they allow and exit routes for trapped insects, which go upwards.

TELLIT01

We had a quote for a roof of similar size and the quote was over £15k - we didn't go ahead.  In that instance it is a complete new roof, it wouldn't be reusing any of the existing roof structure.  Uses lightweight tiles and about 4 inches of insulation in the roof construction.  We were including glazed panels and opening vents which would all add to the cost.  Conservatory frame construction means that it can take the weight of the new roof.

WaywardDriver

Converted our even bigger conservatory roof to lightweight tiles and insulation for £8k. But conversion required Building Control who insisted on a test to ensure existing structure strong enough to support new roof.

TELLIT01

WaywardDriver said:

Converted our even bigger conservatory roof to lightweight tiles and insulation for £8k. But conversion required Building Control who insisted on a test to ensure existing structure strong enough to support new roof.

Do you have any details of the system / material used?  Did any of the existing structure need to be replaced or did the new panels basically replace the old glazing?

WaywardDriver

TELLIT01 said:

WaywardDriver said:

Converted our even bigger conservatory roof to lightweight tiles and insulation for £8k. But conversion required Building Control who insisted on a test to ensure existing structure strong enough to support new roof.

Do you have any details of the system / material used?  Did any of the existing structure need to be replaced or did the new panels basically replace the old glazing?

The builder left the existing polycarbonate roof in place, put battens between the external roof trusses, inserted 100mm insulation, nailed marine plywood sheeting onto the battens then finally nailed lightweight tiles (which come in sheets) on top of the plywood. Leaving the existing roof wasn't what we'd agreed (saved the installer quite a bit of money) but now 2 years later, the roof hasn't given any problems and has evened out the cold/hot temperature variations to make the conservatory useable year-round.
Don't know the actual tile material but a Google search for "conservatory lightweight tiles" will give an idea.

theonlywayisup

Not commenting either way, but for a low pitch lightweight tile you could look at Britmet Lite Slate.

I don't like conservatories. 

Jeepers_Creepers

theonlywayisup said:

Not commenting either way, but for a low pitch lightweight tile you could look at Britmet Lite Slate.

I don't like conservatories. 

Wow - these are nice!

I get what you say about conservatories - there's something unpleasant about the cheapness of the roof in particular and the sheer amount of glass! Not a 'cosy' feel. The strange thing is that a 'garden room' can be very similar in many ways, but the addition of a 'proper' roof - perhaps with skylights - and a break in the wall of glass transforms it.

Garden rooms are fab. Connies should be shot.