Conservatory Roof Replacement Advice & Cost Considerations

A conservatory is a great investment for every home as it allows to enjoy both summer and winter without having to worry about the weather. However, if it is made of glass, it is very likely that you at some point it will have to be either repaired or replaced.

conservatory-roof-replacement

I’m worried that my conservatory roof needs replacing, how do I know for sure? If it does, what is the process for getting conservatory roof repairs?

The biggest giveaway sign is if it’s leaking! Conservatory roof repairs depend entirely on what’s the matter with your roof.  It’s a never ending question depending on the size of the glass and the materials involved. For a tailored conservatory roof replacement estimate of work involved you would need to get a quote specific to the issue at hand.

How do I know if I need to replace my conservatory roof?

One of the main indicators is a leaky roof. There could be many reasons for a leaky conservatory roof, such as inadequate flashing, slipped roof panels, loose cappings and leaking roof vents. Some of these issues can be addressed via conservatory repair work, however if the roof is in particularly bad shape, it can be easier just to replace the conservatory roof entirely.

How long does a conservatory roof replacement take?

Due to the fact that replacement roofs are made to slot into the pre-existing frames and walls it shouldn’t take long to install a conservatory roof; often one day is enough. It is worth discussing this with the roofing company you choose to go with and getting a written contract signed.

How much will a replacement conservatory roof cost?

It depends on the type of conservatory you have, for example, glass conservatory roofs will likely cost more than tiled ones.  Replacement conservatory roofs can cost quite a lot so it is worth researching into the price before agreeing to any work.  Get quotes from several roofing companies,  this will give you a rough idea of what costs you are facing.

For standard roof replacements prices start from around £1,000. As a general rule of thumb new conservatory roofs cost around 25% of the replacement conservatory cost, so it is still a cheaper option.

How can I keep my conservatory roof in good condition?

conservatory roof replacementTypically, conservatories have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, which is quite a large gap. To ensure you get the most out of your conservatory you should make sure that you regularly clean and maintain it.

Use a diluted mixture of bleach and water and a specialised conservatory roof cleaning tool  (which looks a bit like an extendable mop!). This may require using a step ladder, so if you don’t want to, alternatively you could hire a conservatory roof cleaner, but this will cost between £20 and £100, depending on which cleaner you choose and where you live.

Conservatory Roof Prices

There are several factors that affect conservatory roof prices. The two most important factors are the size and the type of material your want for your new roof.

Even though glass roofs typically cost more than polycarbonate roofs, they are a lot more popular as they are more energy efficient and also allow more light to come in.

We have a created a table to show the average conservatory roofing costs for typical types of conservatories. The prices has been taken from several leading conservatory installers in the UK.

Type of conservatory roof
Roof material
Average price
Lean-to conservatory 3m x 3,5 m
Polycarbonate
£2,355 – £2,705
Lean-to conservatory 3m x 3,5 m
Glass
£2,610 – £3,175
Victorian conservatory 4 m x 4 m
Polycarbonate
£4,345 – £5,005
Victorian conservatory 4 m x 4 m
Glass
£4,740 – £5,345
Edwardian conservatory 4 m x 4 m
Polycarbonate
£4,480 – £5,120
Edwardian conservatory 4 m x 4 m
Glass
£4,875 – £5,570

How much will a new glass conservatory roof cost?

Glass conservatory roofs are very popular in the UK because they are very energy efficient and allow in more sunlight. The price of a 3000mm x 3500mm new glass conservatory roof comes around to £2,650.

Conservatory glass roofs can be made from specialist glass that is energy efficient and self-cleaning but these options cost more. However, despite the biggest initial investment, energy efficient glass roofing material will help you reduce your energy bills, allowing you to save money in the long run.  

If you are considering of either repairing or replacing your glass conservatory roof, you will need to get try to get in touch with conservatory repair specialists to help you make the best possible decision.

Glass conservatory roof conservatories benefits

A glass conservatory roof presents many benefits when compared to a plastic one. Glass conservatory roofs can change the look of your conservatory. Furthermore, plastic roofs are not as energy-efficient as glass roofs, so you have to spend more money to warm the space because it is uncomfortable cold.

Bellow you can see the greatest benefits of installing a conservatory roof:

  • Reduced energy bills from increased energy efficiency.
  • More comfort and less noise, creating a more peaceful environment.
  • Easier to maintain and clean.
  • Creates a brighter environment by allowing more light to come in the whole year.
  • Enhance the look of your property and increase its value.  

How much will a solid conservatory roof cost?

Solid or tiled conservatory roofs cost more than glass or polycarbonate roofs as they are more difficult to build. They usually come with veluxe or roof windows, as they need to allow more light to come in. If you are planning to replace the existing glass roof with a solid or tiled one, your installer will need to check and make sure that your conservatory can support a solid roof. It is difficult to estimate the average cost as there are many factors that can affect the price. However, you should expect to pay at least £4,000 for a small conservatory and £6,000 for a large one.

How much will a polycarbonate plastic roof?

Polycarbonate plastic roofs prices are lower than glass roofs. However, they are not as popular as glass roofs as they are less energy efficient , allow less light to come in and experience big differences in temperature in summer and winter. The average price for a polycarbonate plastic roof is around £2,000 – £2,500. 

Benefits of polycarbonate roofs

Polycarbonate roofs have improved through the years. In the 90s, the majority of conservatory roofs were built with ineffective polycarbonate which does not control the conservatory temperature but only only protects your from rain and snow. Furthermore, during the Summer months, they become unbearably hot, especially if the material was of very poor quality.

Bellow you can see the greatest benefits of installing polycarbonate roofs:

  • Reject a huge percentage of Solar Gain.
  • Block 99% of Ultraviolet radiation.
  • Superb glare protection.
  • Great thermal insulation (Very low “U” values).
  • Weather resistant (rain,snow).
  • Light weight with very high impact resistance.

Compare conservatory roof quotes

Remember, although these figures might be useful for budgeting for a new conservatory roof but they are just estimates, and shouldn’t be used for any final cost preparation. To find the most up-to-date and accurate prices you can you should compare a number of free quotes from various local contractors and other, larger-scale retailers and manufacturers from across the UK. That way you can be sure your getting the best deal before your chosen conservatory fitter.

Of course, roof conservatory prices will vary according to the dimensions and the type of conservatory model you have; more elaborate, ornate roofs for Edwardian or Victorian styled conservatories can cost considerably more to replace and/or repair. Plus, shaded and tinted roofs can add a little extra to the final bill, while automatic openings or ventilation will cost even more. So, you should look into various specialist conservatory installation companies that offer the services you need to find the best price possible.

You should also remember that while the roof is being fitted or fixed the conservatory (and perhaps even the adjacent rooms) will be out of bounds for most of the time, so to make sure labourers can get on with the job you should avoid the area as much as possible – and perhaps even stay over a friends for a night or two if you can. Once they’ve installed the new roof, however, your conservatory will be ready to use and fully prepared for any kind of gathering or personal activity – come rain or shine!