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Choosing a Roofing Service, Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Conservatory Companies: How Do you Find a Good One

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From national firms to established local businesses there are plenty of conservatory companies vying for your business. How do you find the best one for your conservatory project? From Google Local Search to Facebook, here are some pros and cons to help you make a good choice.

The Golden Rule: Never Hire from a Cold Call

The hallmark of the trade cowboy is the one who calls you touting for business. No conservatory company apart from the rank beginner, the desperate cowboy or the crook will call you out of the blue or turn up at your door.

Finding Conservatory Companies with Google Local search

Google Local Search is automatically incorporated into Google Search so all you have to do is type in ‘Conservatory Roof Conversions‘ or whatever you are specifically looking for in the local area. Google Local Search automatically uses information such as your location settings, ip address and GPS settings (if on mobile) to scan the local area for businesses that are relevant, near by and prominent.

These are displayed as a map with an initial ‘three-pack’ of local businesses. Clicking on any of these three (or the ‘more places’ button) will bring up a fuller list.

All businesses listed on Google Local Search have been verified as real and, if they have been filled out properly, will have a website link, directions link and full contact information. They may also have reviews from customers.

conservatory companies on google local
An example list of roofing and conservatory companies on Google Local Search

One thing to be aware of with Google Local Search is that the business categories are limited so, taking the example above, you may find that ‘Roofing Services’ is the nearest match.

Directories and Trade Websites

Directories such as Cylex, Freeindex and Yell! cover a wide range of industries and enable conservatory companies to fill in a profile and upload photos, logos etc. Some directories also give customers the opportunity to post reviews.

A sub-section of directories which focus on various trades (e.g. Checkatrade, Rated People and TrustATrader) are becoming increasingly popular because they have extended traditional word of mouth to allow customers to post detailed reviews. At a glance, customers can see how many ratings a tradesperson has and their average score. They can usually read individual reviews for more detailed information. Sometimes reviews are split into categories (punctuality, quality, value, etc.)

Although trade directories and listings sites are a great way to locate recommended tradespeople, be aware that you are limiting yourself to a tiny section of the market. Many sites charge large ongoing membership fees or impose customer contact restrictions which make them unattractive (e.g. some tradespeople have to pay a charge for the privilege of providing a quote – even before they have seen the work that is to be done). You might find an even better option on your doorstep!

Credentials and Qualifications

conservatory companies may display nfrc logo
Industry accreditation can help with choosing a reputable company

There are many different credentials and certifications that pop up on the websites of conservatory websites, some more specific to building (e.g. Local Authority Building Control – LABC) while others are specific to certain trades.

It is thought that Google ranks accredited firms higher but don’t mistake an impressive bunch of website logos for the credentials behind them.

An earlier article on roofing firms looked at how you can check for NFRC certification and other membership organisations will similarly have a searchable database of its members.

As with the section on trade directories, be aware that certification with these bodies are often expensive and perfectly competent conservatory companies may opt to rely on their reputation and experience rather than fork out large sums of money to prove that they are good at what they have been doing for decades.

Experience and Word of Mouth

That brings us on to two of the most reliable methods of sourcing quality conservatory companies: experience and good old ‘word of mouth.’ The conservatory companies which have been around for decades will know the industry inside out and their continued existence in a competitive marketplace tells its own story. The more local they are to the area, the more knowledge they will have of the properties in the area and they will be keen to do a sterling job to keep up their local reputation.

And of course, if you see a conservatory that you really like, most homeowners would be only too happy to tell you which company they used and how they found the experience.

Social Media Profiles

facebook logo
Facebook is best used for additional checks

Finally, a note on social media profiles. Due to the ease of setting up a Facebook or Twitter page, it is best to use these platforms as additional checks on conservative companies rather than your main channel. Look at the quality of the reviews. Do they seem genuine? Has the customer added their name? How long have they been established and posting information?

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Uncategorized

Supalite Roof System – Are there Alternatives?

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The Supalite roof system is one of the most popular types of conservatory roof replacement for South West homeowners with dozens of internet searches per month. We have previously posted a Supalite roof review but what if your local roofer is not an approved Supalite installer and you don’t fancy a go at DIY Supalite Roof Installation? Are there other options?

All of the systems below can achieve the basic goal of turning a conservatory which is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter into a habitable year-round space without the expense of a full rebuild.

They all require building regulations approval but require less red tape than a full-scale conversion.

We have researched the most popular replacement roof systems and posted their official videos and some extra information below. We’ve presented them in alphabetical order to avoid suggesting one over another.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #1: Greenspace

Hampshire-based Greenspace claim they can transform your conservatory into an enjoyable living space in only a day. They publish a u-value for their roofing system of 0.29W/m2k. The u-value is a measure of how quickly energy (i.e. heat) is conducted through a material and the lower the number the better.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #2: Guardian

Guardian is one of the most nationally-recognised providers of solid roof replacement systems. They offer an extensive range of window styles and sizes along with many different tile finishes and colours.

Their system can boast a thermal u-value of 0.18W/m2k which is impressively low. They are LABC and LABSS approved and systems are installed over a few days via Team Guardian members.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #3: Metrotile

Metrotile are the preferred system for some South West companies specialising in conservatory roof conversions. Metrotile are a big worldwide operation and claim that their steel-based frames (which are in contrast to the aluminium ones used in the Supalite roof system) are one seventh the weight of conventional roof replacement systems.

Metrotile advertise a low u-value but it was difficult to find out a value. Their roofs are guaranteed weatherproof for 40 years. Metrolife products carry the CE mark proving that they have passed quality testing within the EU. They also carry the LABC mark and have updated BBA certification.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #4: Ultraframe

Ultraframe are also BBA accredited and have set up an Ultraframe Ultra Installer scheme for customer peace of mind. One nice touch is the online Product Selector which runs through a range of questions (importance of thermal efficiency, type of room you want your conservatory to be, roof material choice, etc.) before spitting out a suggestion of relevant Ultraframe products.

*Disclaimer: All information was taken from the online content live in May 2017. SWRCN make no guarantees to its accuracy or relevancy.

Conservatory Image: Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

How to Make a Conservatory into a Room

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How to Make a Conservatory into a Room

How to make a conservatory into a room – it’s a common dilemma in the south west due to the poor condition of many existing conservatories and the many different options available today.

If you have a house with a basic lean-to or conservatory you will almost certainly have noticed that the room becomes unbearably hot during the summer months and then the temperature crashes in the winter. As a result, you have the irritating situation of wasted space that is a liability rather than the asset it could be.

Fortunately, thanks to new Permitted Development regulations, there is much less red tape when it comes to converting a conservatory. Just make sure you are in a PD area and give your local planning office a quick call to ensure all is in order (which it probably will be unless you are encroaching on more land).

Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations

Although planners are more flexible these days, building regulations are as strict as ever and most conversion projects will require inspection. The most common areas of interest are structural integrity and energy efficiency. The council do not want your new room to crumble on thin conservatory foundations nor to suck the heat out of the rest of the house. Therefore, make sure your contractor is reputable and can handle all of the nitty gritty for you.

Conservatory Replacement or Conversion?

Before looking at how to make a conservatory into a room, consider the savings you might make by simply replacing the conservatory with a new one. Modern materials are much more energy efficient (they have to be) and you will be able to get away with less red tape. However, the price difference between a new conservatory and an extension is often less than people imagine and if you want to really make full use of the space (e.g. extending the central heating into it) then it’s probably a conversion into an extension that you need.

Budget Options Including Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you decide that going for a full conversion is too expensive, there are other options. If it’s just the temperature and the glare you have issues with, some simple re-glazing or even fitting some blinds may be enough (although the price of this can even be more than people imagine). Another popular alternative is a conservatory roof conversion which entails replacing the current glass or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight tiled roof. These look authentic and come with integrated insulation, instantly solving extreme temperature fluctuations and direct light. Although the project will still need to be inspected, it is unlikely that any underpinning or similar disruptive work will be necessary.

Image for ‘How to make a Conservatory into a Room’ article – Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?

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Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?

If you are in the market for a conservatory it is no surprise if you are confused about which style to opt for. Conservatories differ wildly from the humble lean-to to the most elaborate of Victorian gothic designs.

Before you shop for your conservatory, it is worth knowing what you are looking at.

Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian Styles

Period style conservatories refer to a wide time span that started with the arrival of the first wave of conservatories and orangeries in the mid- to late 17th Century right up to the pre-war period.

The Georgian period (1700-1840) is recognisable by the classic symmetry of its structures. Designers at this time followed the Classical Orders of Architecture with everything from floor plans and windows designed to strict proportions. The classic Georgian orangery can be distinguished from a conservatory by its prominent colonnades and is usually set back behind a perimeter wall.

The Victorian Period (circa 1850-1900) was marked by an increase in ornate conservatories which reached their most extreme in Victorian gothic architecture. With the introduction of steel into the mix, frames could be more lightweight and malleable. If the conservatory you are looking at has highly decorative eaves and/or columns with ornate finials and latticework it is almost certainly following a Victorian style.

Edwardian period conservatories (circa 1900-1910) saw a transition to a cleaner, more modern look while retaining classical elegance. The emphasis was on creating light and space and the hallmark of an Edwardian conservatory is its high, pitched roof.

Modern Conservatory Styles

When we think about a modern conservatory, we usually imagine a simple lean-to structure with clean lines and no fussy embellishments. State-of-the-art glass technology also means that there can be a lot of glazing incorporated into a contemporary conservatory design. However, no matter which conservatory style you prefer, you will find that it can be brought to life using modern materials – if you have the requisite budget of course. So just because you want a bespoke conservatory, don’t think that you have to go for something contemporary.

Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you are restricted in your budget and are just looking to refresh the look of an existing conservatory then a conservatory roof conversion can work wonders. This involves replacing your existing glazed or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight solid roof with inbuilt insulation. As well as updating the style of your conservatory it will regulate the temperature all year round.

No matter which conservatory style you eventually decide on, be sure to check it falls within permitted development guidelines and that your contractor can handle the Building Regulations requirements.

Main image for ‘Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?’ article shows Kensington orangery with its distinctive colonnades. Copyright: sirijinda / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Can I Convert my Conservatory into an Extension

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Can I Convert my Conservatory into an Extension ?

Have you ever asked yourself the question: ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’

It may seem just a case of extending some walls and replacing the roof but, as with many construction projects, things are a little bit more involved than that. On a positive note, there is a lot of flexibility in planning these days and you are unlikely to need planning permission providing you are generally keeping within the envelope of the existing structure.

Be Prepared for a Project

However, to oversee a conservatory to extension project you – or the person you appoint for the job – should have a good grasp of planning procedures, insurance, law, design and building regulations. Without that, there is scope for major expense.

The first step is to find out if you are actually allowed to convert.

Conservatory Conversions and Permitted Development

As long as your property definitely does exist within a Permitted Development (PD) area then your conservatory conversion is almost certainly covered. However, if you are planning to do anything extreme (e.g. converting to a multi-storey extension) or of encroaching on to more of your land – especially if the conservatory is already at its maximum allowable length under PD – then you are likely to require planning permission. If you think you are in a grey area or are converting to sell, obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development is wise to give future buyers piece of mind.

Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations

Unless you are planning to turn your conservatory into a basic

Another consideration to make is insurance. Make sure you give your insurance company a call and check whether the converted building will still be covered and whether you can claim for any damage that occurs during the work itself.

What About Conservatory Roof Conversions

Instead of asking, ‘can I convert my conservatory into an extension,’ you could instead consider replacing the glass or polycarbonate roof  with a lightweight, insulated roof designed just for that purpose.

Even though the Building Regulations have changed regarding conservatories, with the amount of glazing no longer as important, it is still a grey area. Building Control will still want to inspect the roof and the underlying structure but there is a lot less involved than with a full-scale extension.

Image for ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’ – Copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing

Can you Convert a Conservatory into an Extension?

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Can you Convert a Conservatory into an Extension?

This is a common question nowadays and it’s no real surprise given the quality of many of the conservatories out there. One of the biggest disappointments of moving into a house with a poor conservatory is the inability to use a potentially light and airy space all year round. If you resent giving up so much room to plants and excess storage and dream of a new kitchen diner or a humane playroom for the little ones then it’s probably time to put some serious thought into your next move.

If you’ve tried blinds and heaters and your conservatory still feels like a tropical jungle in the summer and a Siberian wasteland in winter then there are a number of options to consider before

So what are your options?

Full Conservatory Extension

There is, of course, nothing wrong with going for a full extension and there are many companies out there who will do a fine conversion job for you. However, opting for a full extension is not for the faint-hearted. Regardless of what you may have been told, converting a conservatory into an extension will need building regulations approval and possibly planning permission as well (though usually not). You will almost certainly need to have deeper foundations with all the upheaval that that entails and as time progresses expect your quotes to continue to rise.

If you have a healthy budget and you don’t mind a little disruption then a full extension may be for you.

Insulation Overhaul

If the main issue with your conservatory is the temperature fluctuation then for under £5,000 you will almost certainly be able to get hold of a decent local builder who can work wonders. For example, you can get any solid walls insulated and plastered, underfloor heating wired in and your roof resealed. If glare is a big problem for you, your plants and your furniture then there UV inserts or foil solar roof reflectors you can buy but people have mixed opinions about their effectiveness (and their effect on anything you might want to grow).

Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you are unhappy with your existing roof (e.g. if you’re losing too much heat or suffering with glare) then another alternative to turning a conservatory into an extension is to opt for a conservatory roof conversion. Rather than sticking with a glazed roof, you can have a lightweight solid roof with integrated insulation for a fraction of the cost of a full extension. If you don’t want to shut out the light completely, you can opt for an attractive skylight and vents can help you to circulate air during the summer. You will need Building Regulations approval as they will want to check the thermal performance of the roof, the structure of the windows and the adequacy of the foundations but the requirements are much less stringent than with a full extension.

So to summarise…

Can you convert a conservatory into an extension? You almost certainly can but if your aim is simply to make the existing space more comfortable and practical, you may find you don’t actually need to take that step.

Image for ‘Can you convert a conservatory into an extension?’ – Copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

Roofing Materials

4 Types of Structural Roof Deck

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Timber Roof Deck Image Copyright: krakatuk / 123RF Stock Photo

Just as the overall foundations of a building are crucial to its performance, so the design and choice of material for a structural roof deck has a huge influence on the overall strength and performance of your entire roof.

In many ways, the roof deck is the backbone of any roof and requires professional design and top grade material. Although the roof deck is obviously important in terms of load bearing capabilities, it also influences everything from the roof’s thermal properties, waterproofing and performance when subjected to high winds.

4 Common Structural Roof Deck Materials

Roof deck can be constructed from many different types of material but the four most common are metal, concrete, wood and PIR (together with combinations of the above such as cementitious wood and reinforced concrete).

Metal
Metal roof deck is made from either steel (galvanised or coated) or aluminium. The metal is profiled, usually in a trapezoidal pattern, with its thickness, spacing, acoustic perforation and finish chosen to fit the span and load capabilities of the roof it is supporting.

Aluminium deck has a minimum thickness of 0.9mm while steel can afford to be slightly thinner at 0.7mm. Neither metal generally exceeds 1.2mm in thickness.

The exact type of metal deck required will depend upon many factors such as the amount and distribution of load (which will effect midspan deflection and hence drainage performance), aesthetics and how the deck is to be integrated with the roof’s insulation and waterproofing systems. This will also affect the type of fasteners you need.

Concrete

Concrete roof deck can either be pre-cast offsite and lifted into place with cranes (the quickest option) or poured while on site. Reinforced concrete (cast in situ) combines the properties of concrete and steel by setting steel bars within the concrete matrix, supplementing the compression strength of the concrete with the tensile strength of the steel. Pre-stressing the steel before the concrete is poured helps to increase the composite’s strength after curing (which takes around a month).

Made from a mixture of cement, fine aggregates and an expansion agent, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) provides a lightweight, flexible and workable material with the strength and fire resistance of concrete but at around a quarter of the weight. It is also water, insect and mould-resistant and provides excellent soundproofing but though tough is not quite as durable as concrete. In addition, building codes can make some uses of AAC impractical. AAC panels are joined to one another with a thinset mortar.

Wood

The vast bulk of wooden roof deck is supplied as pre-formed sheets although timber boarding is used during re-roofing work.

New timber roof deck is normally at least 25mm thick and connected using tongue-and-groove joints to protect from shrinkage. Alternatives to real wood include OSB – a material formed of bonded cross-directional timber strands – and plywood; these materials are normally no less than 18mm thick.

When using these options for a roofing project it is important to be aware of the relevant BS standards that are required (e.g. EN300 for OSB and EN636 for plywood).

Cementitious wood fibre deck combines the properties of timber and cement including workability, ease of installation and acoustic control.

Polyisocyanurate (composite)

PIR is a modern plastic foam which has superb insulating properties. In roof deck, it is often bonded with a steel liner to create a waterproof and thermally efficient layer.

This is just a brief introduction to the four most common types of roof deck you are likely to come across. Your roofing supply merchant will have more specific details about the best type of deck for your specific project.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing

Room Conversion Options: Conservatory Upgrades

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Conservatory room conversion image copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

When homeowners start looking at ways to increase living space or add value to their homes, they often think about room conversion as a more affordable alternative to extending their property. Loft conversion is one of the most popular projects while garage conversions are also high up on the list.

However, if you have a conservatory attached to your property it is possible that you can enjoy all the advantages of room conversion at a fraction of the cost of the previously mentioned options.

Why Conservatories Make an Ideal Room Conversion Project

As detailed further below, changes in planning laws combined with a revolution in materials and construction technology have taken away a lot of the hassle out of conservatory conversions. Homeowners no longer have to put up with the cost and disruption of a full conservatory-to-sunroom extension project and can simply replace their old polycarbonate or glass roof with an attractive lightweight solid alternative.

Solid tiled roofs are very popular today for a number of reasons:

  • They are relatively affordable.
  • They are quick and easy to install.
  • They contain their own insulation, making your conservatory habitable in the winter.
  • They reduce the noise of rain on the conservatory roof.
  • They vastly reduce the amount of glare from the sun – better for many tropical plants, furnishings and electrical equipment.
  • They reduce the ‘greenhouse effect,’ ensuring your conservatory doesn’t get too hot in the summer.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

If you do opt for a conservatory conversion with a solid roof, you need to consider whether your alteration comes under the definition of ‘change of use,’ under Building Regulations. This advice from the LABC should help to clarify your situation.
Recent changes mean that you may not need to apply for planning permission for this type of room conversion. Here is some planning permission advice from Metrotile (and if you are interested in a Metrotile roof, contact Roofworx SW conservatory roof conversions).

So, before you jump on the loft conversion bandwagon, consider how improving the utility of your conservatory might be a better room conversion project, saving you money that can be used to kit out your newly habitable room into a year-round family space.

Roof Styles, Roofing Projects

5 Roof Styles: Benefits and Disadvantages

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Roof Styles Image Copyright: cuchina / 123RF Stock Photo

When designing a new house or adapting the style of an existing one it is worth spending some time deciding which of the many different roof styles would be best to construct. As people’s needs and tastes change and roofing materials and technology evolve there is more flexibility than ever. However, the impact of the elements is still a factor that needs to be carefully considered.

Here are five of the most commonly seen roof styles together with an idea of their pros and cons.

1. The Gable Roof

Simple to build, relatively cheap, spacious, well-ventilated and rain-resistant, the plain gable roof (pictured) is (and probably will always be) one of the most popular roof styles in temperate countries (although there is more experimentation in newer homes today). With only the one seam, a properly tiled side gable is perfect for shedding rain and, providing it is pitched at 40 degrees or more, snowfall too. Homeowners with gable roofs can opt for high vaulted ceilings or extra rooms to maximise their living space.

More complex gables such as crossed gables and dutch gables (a gable on a hipped roof) require extra attention to the types of tiles used and how those tiles are laid to ensure the valleys are properly waterproofed but they are still more water-resistant than many other roof styles.

If there is an Achilles’ heel with gable roofs then it is when you come to very windy areas. Open gables are particularly vulnerable to wind getting up under the roof and this can, in extreme cases, cause the whole thing to lift off. Gable roofs which are poorly constructed can also suffer from the direct impact of gales so it is always worth having your roof checked regularly if you live up on the cliffs or out on the moors.

2. The Hip Roof

The standard hip (or hipped) roof consists of four sides of equal height which slope up to meet at a ridge. The geometry of a hip roof makes it much more stable when it comes to resisting the wind while the pitched sides protect the house from rain and snow. Just like a gable roof, there is plenty of ventilation and scope for extensions further down the line.

The main disadvantages of a hip roof is an increased vulnerability to leakage due to the extra seams and the extra material and labour costs involved since you will be using more materials and the structure is more complicated. See our separate hip roof article for more details about the pros and cons of this type of roof.

3. Flat Roof

Until recently, flat roofs have been generally dismissed as a bad idea by homeowners unless they were planning to build a shed. Although flat roofs are generally pitched to a slight degree to allow water to run off, they are often unable to cope with serious wet weather and tend to spring leaks, requiring constant patching up.

But with new, more waterproof materials and designs coming on to the market, the flat roof has become more popular in modern homes, particularly in relatively dry and sunny parts of the country. Easy and inexpensive to build, a flat surface can be used to support everything from patios and penthouses to fully-fledged gardens.

4. The Lean-To

What could be easier and cheaper than a pitched gable roof? How about half a pitched roof? Also known as a skillion or mono-pitch roof, the lean-to is a flat roof with an exaggerated pitch to help with shedding water and snow. It is becoming more popular with modern homes but can mean putting up with low ceilings in some rooms. Just as with gable roofs, wind can also be a hazard.

5. The Mansard or French Roof

The Mansard roof is sometimes overlooked because of the initial build expense but this can be one of the most efficient roof styles of all. It is ideally suited to the homeowner who is expecting to extend the living space either for family or investment purposes. Few roof styles offer the flexibility and space of a Mansard roof with extra rooms (garrets) and dormers relatively easy and cheap to add when required.

The Mansard roof consists of a double slope with the bottom slope much steeper than the top slope. The exaggerated pitch of the lower part lends itself to creative shaping and materials can be selected for their appearance or price rather than their protective properties. However, with a Mansard roof it is important not to forget the shallow portion at the top which is more vulnerable to rain and snow.

Other Roof Styles

There are, of course, many other roof styles to choose, both variations and combinations of the above (boxed gables, cross-hipped roofs, overlaid hips, etc.) and completely different styles (e.g. gambrels, butterfly roofs and domes). We will feature more about these in future articles.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects

Roof Conversion Ideas for your Conservatory

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Roof conversion ideas for modern living

Are you currently happy with your existing conservatory and how you are using it? If your answer is no but you don’t want to go through all the hassle and expense of a full conversion then you might be interested in some roof conversion ideas that can maximise the usable space and turn your conservatory into a pleasant place for your plants and even family members.

Upgrading your polycarbonate roof

One of the most popular roof conversion ideas is increasing the insulating properties of your conservatory roof by replacing polycarbonate with glass. Some people opt for a clear glass roof to maximise the amount of light coming into the space although it is worth bearing in mind that some conservatory plants actually prefer to be out of the direct light as much as possible.

This highlights the importance of weighing up various roof conversion ideas in light of your personal circumstances. If you decide that you are not bothered by the glare, your plants, furnishings and occupants are OK with direct light and you only require modest improvements in insulation then a glass or high-performance glass replacement roof may be the cheapest and quickest option.

Replacement Solid Roof Systems

If you require a substantial improvement in your conservatory’s thermal properties, less direct light and a way of preventing excessive heat in summer as well as overly cold winter conditions (i.e. an even temperature) then a solid roof system may be more suitable. There are numerous systems on the market and you may have heard of the following:

  1. Guardian
  2. Metrotile
  3. Supalite – (see our Supalite Roof Review feature)
  4. Ultraframe

Speak to your local conservatory roof conversions company to see what options they have available.

A note on Building Regulations

There is a lot of confusion about whether solid roof systems are subject to Building Regulations. The short answer is that it largely depends on the proportion of glass in your conservatory which, of course, varies with each particular building. Speak to your chosen contractor about this and read the following LABC advice before making any decisions.