Replacing Conservatory Roof

jdo2012

jdo2012 wrote: »

I am in a similar situation, wanting to replace a polycarbonate roof with some form of solid roof on a 5mx3m lean-to conservatory. I've found a number of specialist solid conservatory roof systems online (***,***), but these seem quite expensive (seen postings from people having paid >5k). I have asked for a quote, though.

Another option is *** etc., this should be (by my calculations) less expensive. So would also be interested in seeing the photos and a rough idea of cost.

Many thanks!

The quote came in, it is 5.5k for removal of the old roof and installation of a shingle or recycled slate roof system with plaster internal finish. I won't name the roof system, because apparently that's not allowed in this forum, but let's say there is a newspaper with the same name. No doubt a quality product, but I think the price is a bit steep.

The other option, slates or tiles made from recycled material (won't name the company, but there are a few) on a wooden frame works out cheaper in my probably naive calculation:

slates or tiles: 15 m2 * £20/m2 = £300
wooden roof frame: no idea, let's say another £300
internal drylining: £100?
other bits and pieces: £200?
labour: would one guy be able to do this in a week? If so, 5*£200 = £1000

Total: £1900. Maybe I'm thinking too simple about this.

I'm assuming this project will be exempt from planning permission and building regulations, because:

"There were changes made to the building regulations on October 1st 2010 which allows anyone to put a solid roof on a conservatory as long as they meet the following criteria:
They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area.
The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows.
There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls.
Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements."

I meet all these criteria, possible except for the heating system one. There is a radiator with a thermostatic valve (does this count as separate temperature and on/off controls?).

Any comments?

Thanks!

southcoastrgi

It isn't a problem to name the product but what you can't do as a newbi is start naming companies because whatever you write it looks like you either own it or work for it, which is the reason why you can't post the link & have to write add co.uk to it, when you have made a few more posts then you will be able to post links, hope that makes sense,

No a trv isn't suitable as a on/off timer.

jdo2012

southcoastrgi wrote: »

It isn't a problem to name the product but what you can't do as a newbi is start naming companies because whatever you write it looks like you either own it or work for it, which is the reason why you can't post the link & have to write add co.uk to it, when you have made a few more posts then you will be able to post links, hope that makes sense,

No a trv isn't suitable as a on/off timer.

Thanks for the clarification! (what if the company name and product name are the same?).

If a thermostatic valve is not sufficient I suppose I need to create a separate CH zone for the conservatory, or do away with the radiator altogether and install an air conditioning / heat pump unit.

southcoastrgi

jdo2012 wrote: »

Thanks for the clarification! (what if the company name and product name are the same?).

If a thermostatic valve is not sufficient I suppose I need to create a separate CH zone for the conservatory, or do away with the radiator altogether and install an air conditioning / heat pump unit.

Yes very good point but it is unusual for them both to be the same.

It does in deed look like they are asking for it to be zoned, now is a trv a temp control ? Well yes it is but I guess they are asking for a room stat/timer tbh the regs are becoming an a** with regard to heating zones but that's maybe for another thread.

plasticandproud

I woudn't worry too much about the building regs as regards heating, it would only be an issue if you came to sell your house, and you could quite easily rectify it.

I received a quote from "the name of the newspaper" too, couldn't believe the ridiculous price. I have copied and pasted the offending lines from their email below:

Bespoke Edwardian Roof Size 3000mm wide x 4000mm Projection, 2 Roof Vents, Tile Colour, White UPVC Trims £7344.00 Including Vat and Delivery

SPECIAL TRADE PRICE £4750.00 INCLUDING VAT AND DELIVERY (Includes 10% discount for Orders before August 31st )

I wasn't expecting anything like this, it sounds an awful lot of money. I have an existing conservatory which is tired, and I was going to replace it with a new one which was from a supply only company online. The whole conservatory including solar control blue self cleaning glass roof was only £4.5K. My idea was to order that conservatory without a roof, then get the solid roof. As it's going to cost more than the whole conservatory, I won't bother. I think I will go down my original route of buying the conservatory complete.

Another option is to get a normal polycarbonate roof, as long as you keep an air gap for ventilation, you could put a wood frame in with insulation and board the roof, keeping the outside roof the same. Much cheaper option and probably something you could mostly do yourself, apart from the plastering.

cfw1994

We are also considering replacing our glass roof (far too hot!). It is a pretty solid wood conservatory: wondering whether the roof bars (probably 4x2) would be sufficient for something like an "envirolite" tiling system plus some insulation underneath....
Probably need to get a builder in to take a look !
cheers

leveller2911

Hi Gaz,
Might be an idea to look at the site rules regarding advertising..

kirtlan123

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this will be of any help to anyone but there is a website that sells all sorts of conservatory roof parts you may need to repair an existing conservatory roof (at a really good price).

They are called 'Faster Plastics' should be able to find them if typed in google!

They do gutters and polycarbonate etc and also greenhouses and pvc gates and fencing!

Graham2704

In changing the roof from a polycarb one to a slate one you are changing the use of the room from a conservatory (that does not need permission) under a certain sq foot to an extension and would need planning permission or building regs.

scotsblood

Graham2704 wrote: »

In changing the roof from a polycarb one to a slate one you are changing the use of the room from a conservatory (that does not need permission) under a certain sq foot to an extension and would need planning permission or building regs.

Sorry, not actually correct for England;-
There were changes made to the building regulations on October 1st 2010 which allows anyone to put a solid roof on a conservatory as long as they meet the following criteria:
They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area.
The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows.
There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls.
Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements."
From my local council planning site info guides.