Category Archives: Roofing Regulations

Can I replace my conservatory roof with a tiled roof?

‘Can I replace my conservatory roof with a tiled roof?’ is a question asked my many homeowners who are unhappy with the look or function of their existing – often polycarbonate conservatory roof.

The good news is that most conservatories are suitable for this type of roof replacement work and in most cases you won’t even need to be concerned about obtaining Planning Permission. That’s because conservatory roof replacements fall under the permitted development category.

Permitted development and conservatory roof replacements

Permitted development is a right that is granted to most homes. In some cases (e.g. if a house is in a National Park), permitted development will not apply and the rights can actually be removed in certain circumstances. However, this is the exception not the rule.

You will also need to make sure that your roof conversion ideas will not cause your conservatory to fall outside of the permitted development scope. This is unlikely but can happen (e.g. if you have a side conservatory which is exactly four metres high and the new roof will cause you to exceed that height).

For a list of all the requirements you need to follow to ensure your conservatory roof conversion counts as permitted development, visit the Planning Portal.

5 reasons to say ‘yes’ to a tiled conservatory roof replacement

if you are on the fence about replacing your old polycarbonate roof with a new tiled option, here are five big reasons why many people choose that route:

  • Reduced energy bills. Modern tiled conservatory roofs have much better thermal efficiency ratings. That means yoiu won’t have to crank the heat up in the winter (or the air con in the summer).
  • A room you can use all year round. Whatever you want to use your conservatory for, you will be able to. Under a dated polycarbonate roof, most conservatories are too hot and stuffy in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. With a tiled replacement roof you can look forward to more balanced temperatures and a more useful space.
  • Improved acoustics. The sound of rain belting down on a polycarbonate roof can also make conservatories uncomfortable to stay in for long periods. A tiled replacement will drastically reduce that sound.
  • Low maintenance. Modern tiled conservatory roofs are designed to be easy to look after and are less susceptible to damp and mould growth.
  • Kerb appeal. If you’re tired of being the ‘house with the scruffy conservatory,’ you can boost the aesthetics – and value – of your property with a replacement roof.

Make the change in 2020!

If you are one of the growing number of dissatisfied conservatory owners asking, ‘can I replace my conservatory roof with a tiled roof?’ the short answer is absolutely! in addition to the nationally advertised firms you see on TV, there are also plenty of local roofing specialists who would be delighted to quote you for a replacement.

Image credit for Can I replace my conservatory roof with a tiled roof?Chris Rose/123rf

Why Choose NFRC Accredited Roofing Firms?

When you go to your GP for a problem with your health they will sometimes refer you to a specialist. In the same way, when you have problems with your roofing it makes sense to employ specialist roofing firms rather than a general builder.

Of course there are plenty of roofing firms advertising their services but how do customers know that these are not general builders who know only the basics or have done some roofing work in the past and are now out of date and non-compliant with new standards? You need to look for the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) badge.

Who are the NFRC?

The National Federation of Roofing Firms have been in existence for nearly 120 years and represent over 70 per cent of roofing firms by value. They are rightly regarded as ‘the voice’ of the roofing industry.

3 benefits of choosing NFRC-accredited roofing firms

Whether you need domestic, commercial/ industrial or specialist roofing work, by always hiring NFRC-accredited roofing firms you can be assured of the following:

1. Higher Standards

Roofing firms who have been assessed by the NFRC will have shown themselves to be financially stable, HSE compliant and able to work to exacting British and European quality standards. For roofing firms working within the domestic roofing sector, NFRC member contractors will be compliant with the government-endorsed TrustMark scheme.

2. Clear Quotations in Plain English

Some contractors take advantage of the general public’s ignorance about VAT to provide VAT-free quotations before whacking on an extra 20 per cent at the end. While VAT is a necessary part of any roofing work, an NFRC member is committed to making sure all costs are completely clear throughout the process and that all contracts are in plain language.

3. Extra Protection

As well as ensuring all contractor members are adequately insured, the NFRC also offer a range of specialist warranties for additional peace of mind. These are dependent on contractors also being registered with QANW so ask your contractor about this prior to hiring them.

So next time you need some roof repair or replacement work, look out for the NFRC badge. For more information on why you should always choose NFRC accredited roofing firms, see this NFRC guide.