Tag Archives: SupaLite

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

SupaLite Roof Installation Guide

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SupaLite Roof Installation Guide

Supalite Roof Installation is usually carried out by approved installers but if you have decided to give it a go yourself or are just interested in how the system comes together, read on…

Disclaimer:

Although we’ve done our best to provide accurate information in this article we cannot guarantee its accuracy. We also have no relationship with Supalite so please do not take this Supalite roof installation guide as official instructions. Any DIY project involving the use of ladders is inherently dangerous. Use suitable footwear, ladders and other equipment and follow all relevant health and safety instructions. If in any doubt, consult a professional roofer or conservatory roof conversions expert.

Step 1: Insert Soffit Board: The 1000mm soffit board needs to be slotted in between the pvc fascia and aluminium ring beam before anything else. Slot in and cut to size.

Step 2: Attach Fascia to Baton: Using poly pins, fix the fascia board to the wooden baton. Clip the gutter brackets into place, sealing as necessary, drill the gutter box at about 600mm intervals (NOTE: Some people find adding the gutter at this stage is easier than waiting until the end.)

Step 3: Place Rear Ring Beam: With the soffit in place you are now ready to slide the rear ring beam section into place and screw it to the wall.

Step 4: Connect Sections: You will find cleats fitted on the corners of each section. Use these to join the sections together and then fix with the supplied screws. Align ring beam with the front face of the windows with no aluminium showing. Any overlap needs to be on the inside as this will then be covered with insulation later. Secure using 100mm Baypole screws; these are not supplied.

Step 5: Fit Rafters and Ridge: Attach the end plates to the ridge. Fit the rafters to the ring beam to the relevant design plan. Use the 30mm nuts and bolts supplied. Fit the rafter to the ridge using the same.

Step 6: Fit Last Rafters to End Plate: Fit the final  jack rafters into the ridge end plates and secure using the 30mm bolts.

Step 7: Attach Standard Rafters to Ridge End Plate: Attach the hip rafter brackets to the the jack rafter and attach the hip rafters.  Again, use the 30mm bolts.

Step 8: Fit Insulation: Once you have finished constructing the framework, slot in the numbered pre-cut 100mm insulation panels.

Step 9: Cover with Plywood: Using 35mm nails or screws to secure, cover the framework with the pre-cut 12mm plywood panels.

Step 10: Attach Plywood to Ring Beam: Insert the plywood into the slot on the ring beam using self-drilling screws to fix.

Step 11: Fit Breathing Felt: Cover with breathing felt, leaving at least 50mm to run into the gutter (this can be trimmed back later).

Step 12: Attach Batons, Tile Cleat and First Tiles to Ring Beam: Fix the batons and then attach the tile cleat flush to the bottom of the batons. Cut and fix the first tiles onto the ring beam, hooking them over the end.

Step 13: Complete Tiling: Tile the roof and secure with at least four 35mm nails or screws at the top of each tile. Mark out any holes for the roof light at this stage.

Step 14: Fit Batons for Ridge and Hip Covers: Add the timber batons ready for the ridge and hip covers.

Step 15: Add Ridge and Hip Covers: Cut the ridge and hip caps and fit to the ends of the batons. Use the appropriate jointers (four or five-way) and ridge and hip covers to complete the roof.

Step 16: Add Gutter and Trims: Clip the gutter brackets to the ring beam and fit the gutter. Add trims to the corners and middle of the fascia.

SupaLite Roof Installation Guide: Video

To see exactly how the magic happens, watch this YouTube SupaLite Roof Installation Guide

For more information on SupaLite, see our SupaLite Roof Review. Click this link for alternatives to the SupaLite Roof System.

Roofer Image Copyright: paultessier / 123RF Stock Photo

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

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

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