Tag Archives: Conservatory Conversion

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, 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.

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.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Turning a Conservatory into an Extension

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If you’re thinking of turning a conservatory into an extension, don’t rush into it. It may seem a simple job of just getting rid of the glazing and maybe extending dwarf walls but you are asking for trouble – both structural and legal – if you don’t speak to your local authority and if you fail to do your homework first. For example, are you 100 per cent sure that your foundations will take a heavy extension (usually they won’t) and that the thermal properties of your extension will conform to the stringent new environmental considerations (ditto)?

Image copyright: daveh123 / 123RF Stock Photo

The reasons why homeowners like turning a conservatory into an extension

One of the main problems with most conservatories is that they are only fully functional when the weather is within narrow limits. Whether you have a glazed or polycarbonate roof, there is little to stop the transfer of heat out of the room which means that once the sun goes down, any heat that has built up over the day will quickly dissipate. On the other hand, when the summer mid-day sun is shining down through your roof, it quickly heats up the surrounding air, largely due to the greenhouse effect which stops the sun’s rays escaping. After a while the conservatory becomes too hot to bear.

So one reason why homeowners prefer turning a conservatory into an extension is so they can use it all year round.

Some people accept the fact that one of their rooms is basically out of action for over half of the year until they make plans to sell it. Everybody knows that adding usable space to a house is the surest way to increase its value and it makes perfect sense for the outgoing owners to begin converting their part-time conservatory into a full-time reception room – or even a bedroom.

Electrical items are also a problem when you have a conservatory. Almost all electrical items will warn you against exposing them to extreme fluctuations in temperature which makes most conservatories an absolute no-no. That’s even before you get to the issue of excessive glare and UV damage.

Ultra-violet rays from the sun are also behind the fading and bleaching damage that you see on fabrics and other sensitive materials used in a conservatory – there is a reason why you only tend to find plants and rattan furniture in a conservatory!

If at this stage you’re getting depressed about your prospects of turning a conservatory into an extension then the good news is…there is another way!

Alternatives to turning a conservatory into an extension

If turning a conservatory into an extension seems a bit of a headache then there are alternatives. Conservatory roof conversions for example give you many of the temperature conserving benefits with minimal structural changes and no red tape to wade through with Building Regulations.

There are now several kinds of specialist lightweight roofing systems, complete with insulation, designed to be used with conservatories (for example see our Supalite roof review). These roofing systems are solid and opaque, preventing both glare and the direct transference of sunlight.  They also have a much lower u-value than glass or polycarbonate which means they transfer heat only slowly, stabilising the temperature within the room, even when the sun has gone down.

Conservatory roof conversions are a compromise between the convenience and cost of a conservatory and the comfort and economy of an extension.

However, if you do decide you would prefer to go the whole hog and can afford the time and expense it takes when turning a conservatory into an extension then this video gives some idea of the process…good luck and enjoy.

Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects, Uncategorized

How Much for a Roof Conversion?

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Image Copyright: racorn / 123RF Stock Photo

If you want to quickly and relatively cheaply increase the value of your home, a roof conversion – in other words, converting your ‘loft’ into some kind of usable space – is one of the common recommendations by the experts. As well as being relatively unobtrusive,  roof conversion almost always costs considerably less than the increase in value it provides, but what prices can you expect to pay?

SWRCN did a bit of research and dug out a few guideline prices. Since all of the averages mentioned below included London-based conversions, homeowners in the South West can probably look more towards the middle of the ranges given.

Roof Conversion Type One: The Basic Conversion

This is the least expensive type of roof conversion whereby you are only looking for a bit of extra space with usable flooring and maybe a new ladder and hatch system. It won’t add much in terms of value but extra space usually helps to sell a house and a basic conversion  can cost as little as £700 through a specialist loft conversion company. There are some such companies, mainly London-based, who claim to be able to convert a loft in as little as a day!

Roof Conversion Type Two: The Velux® Conversion

Velux® conversions like Hoover® vacuum cleaners are an example whereby one brand has become so successful at marketing itself that their name has been entwined with their products in common language. Velux® are a huge windows and blinds brand but they are most commonly associated with the skylight windows that help turn a dusty old loft into a bedroom, bathroom or spare room.

The cost of a Velux® conversion will depend on what you intend the final room to be. For example, a bathroom will require extra plumbing. As a guide, you are looking at £15 000 to £20 000 for this type of conversion and planning permission is not normally needed unless you are adding over 40 cubic metres of extra space.

Roof Conversion Type Three: The Dormer Conversion

A dormer conversion (pictured) maximises space by extending the normal height of a room outside of the roof. It is possible for a dormer to be constructed under permitted development but planning permission may be required in some cases.

A dormer conversion is likely to cost between £25 000 and £35 000 (or £1 150 to £1 350 per square metre)¹.

Roof Conversion Type Four: The Hip to Gable Conversion

For even more space, some homeowners opt for a hip to gable roof conversion. These involve replacing one of the sloping portions of a traditional hipped roof with an extended wall at the gable end. You can expect to pay between £30 000 and £35 000 for this type of work.

Whatever type of roof conversion you opt for, and however you use the resultant space (bedrooms are popular due to their effect on house value), the most important factor is that the job is completed to the highest standard possible. A shoddy job will not realise the maximum added value and can even, in the worst cases, reduce the value of your home.

How your Architect Can Help

Your architect is more than just the guy (or girl) who draws nice room plans. He or she has a wealth of connections within the trade and should be able to recommend a number of builders or roofing companies who can handle the type of roof conversion you want. Once you have your shortlist (no less than three if possible), it’s just a case of getting in the quotes. Your chosen builder should be willing and able to fulfil all their duties under the Party Wall Act (where applicable) and other Building Regulations requirements; to only ask for payment once the completion certificate has been issued and to be liable to a penalty clause should deadlines be missed.

An Important Note on VAT

Builders are notorious for producing ex-VAT quotations and then flooring homeowners when the final bill comes in. VAT is now 20% – one-fifth of the net cost so don’t forget to check your quotations very carefully and ask for clarification if you don’t understand anything.

Conservatory Roof Conversions

One type of roof conversion you may not have thought about, but that can definitely add value to your home (as well as transforming your living conditions) is a conservatory roof conversion. This entails  replacing your current roof, whatever it is constructed from, with a lightweight, insulated roof that changes your conservatory into a comfortable space all year round. People who have had conservatory roof conversions find that winters are warmer and summers are cooler. Rather than avoiding the conservatory in the winter, they can continue to use it all year round.

In effect, a conservatory roof conversion provides most of the benefits of a sunroom without the need for planning permission and is only possible due to the development of lightweight roofing technologies which mean that there is no  increase in pressure and so no need to deepen existing foundations.

¹ Simply Loft

Conservatory Roofing

Supalite Roof Review

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Image copyright: alhovik / 123RF Stock Photo

Many people are frustrated by the wild variation in temperatures they experience in their conservatories. Quite a few have been tempted by a fairly new type of lightweight tiled roof featuring integrated insulation and artificial tiles or slates. The concept is epitomised by the Preston firm SupaLite (that’s Preston Lancashire, not Preston Devon by the way!).

So what are the pros and cons of SupaLite and similar systems (e.g. Guardian)? SWRCN had a look to see what all the fuss is about and create a SupaLite Roof Review.

SUPALITE ROOF REVIEW: THE PROS

One of the key properties of SupaLite’s system is its ultra-low heat transfer co-efficient (its so-called ‘U-Value’ or ‘U-Factor’). This is a value to quantify the amount of energy that transfer through a metre square area of material (or materials) divided by the temperature change across the surface. In simple terms, a high U-Value equals weak insulating properties and the lower the number gets, the more insulating the material or surface. To calibrate these figures, consider that a single pane of 4mm glass will give you a U-Value of 6 while triple-glazing is likely to reduce that to around 2). SupaLite claim that the U-Value of their conservatory roofs is a staggering 0.15 as standard, with an optional upgrade of 0.12!*

SupaLite is an example of a ‘warm roof’ system which actually integrates the insulation within the rafters of the roof (as seen on the video below). This stops warm air escaping the roof in the winter and avoids the direct conduction of heat in the summer, leading to a much more stable year-round temperature which is well within building control regulations.

Another advantage of SupaLite is its light weight (hence the name). Comprised of an aluminium framework on to which the tiles are clipped, the SupaLite roof can usually be installed on existing conservatory frames without the need for extra foundations (although you should always check with a building control body [BCB] first!)

Then there is the construction impact and duration. The light materials combined with an easy to assemble design means that the conversion process generally takes just a matter of weeks rather than months with very little mess and disruption.

Added to the above, there is the 60 year life expectancy of the tiles and the range of colours and styles available. SupaLite systems and similar lightweight tile/slate effect roofs can be easily adapted to fit the most basic lean-to or the more elaborate Victorian and Edwardian conservatories.

SUPALITE ROOF REVIEW: THE CONS

Of course, no roofing solution is perfect and there are a number of precautions to take before deciding whether SupaLite is for you.

Since the system is available to trade buyers as well as via approved installers, prices can vary significantly and are often higher than expected. Clearly, there are many factors that will determine costs but most homeowners will need to think in terms of £5,000 as a minimum outlay with some contractors likely to quote up to the £10,000 mark. Although the efficiency savings of a SupaLite roof can add up to a significant amount over time, this initial outlay may be a deterrent to some who may prefer to opt for a cheaper alternative.

Another aspect to think carefully about, especially if your conservatory was formally covered with a clear material such as glass or perspex, is that the installation of a covered roof – even a lightweight one – does seem to mean that your conservatory will technically become an extension (sun room) for building regulations purposes. However, a quick call to your local BCB should clarify the situation in your specific case.

Finally, some purists simply don’t like to use anything but traditional materials in the construction of their conservatories regardless of any energy savings they might make. Although a competently fitted SupaLite roof does look impressively authentic, it won’t be to everyone’s taste.

SUPALITE INSTALLATION IN THE SOUTH WEST

After reading our SupaLite roof review, are you ready to take the plunge and replace your current roof for a lightweight, well insulated tiled alternative?

Roofworx, conservatory roof conversions specialists in Torquay, Devon, can install SupaLite for your home. Alternatively, they can just fit the Metrotile lightweight roofing tiles that SupaLite use.

Contact them to find out more about the options available.

For a step-by step DIY guide, see our Supalite Roof Installation post.

*Source: https://www.supaliteroof.co.uk/products/supalite-roof Updated from 0.18 when updating this article on 20th Dec 2023