The Trouble With Traditional Glass and Polycarbonate Roofs
You have to feel sorry for people who built conservatories. Come the sweltering summer and the frosty winter, it will soon become apparent that glass is an awful choice of material. The design lets in sun and traps heat with nowhere to go in the winter. That explains why the “conservatory room” becomes their junk room and storage unit.
What Is a Solid Roof Conservatory?
A solid roof conservatory swaps glazed panels for a lightweight tiled roof that is fully insulated and designed to fit most conservatory frames. It really does look like a natural extension of your home rather than a box extension that has just been bolted on. The interior can be completely transformed through the addition of a plastered, vaulted ceiling with spotlights to better resemble other rooms in the home. When the conservatory roof is fully insulated and solid, it offers a comfortable room that can be used how you choose.
Insulation and Year-Round Comfort
Through modern installation techniques combined with an effective insulation system, solid roofs can reduce the impact of both warmth loss in the winter and unwanted solar gain in the summer. Installing a solid roof will transform your conservatory into a year-round room, providing added value to the ability to use your home for a variety of different family needs, including an extra reception room, home office or playroom.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
In most cases replacing a conservatory roof falls under permitted development rights which means you won’t need to apply for formal planning permission, as long as the new roof does not significantly increase the height or footprint of the structure. Rules can differ if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or if you have had previous extensions that affect your permitted development rights. It is always a good idea to check with your local planning authority or a specialist installer before you start any work to avoid any surprises.
Choosing the Right Installer
Considering the structural, thermal, and weatherproofing issues related to solid roof conversions, people should work with specialists who can take care of everything, including the compliance sign-off for building regulations. Working with Smart Conservatory Solutions means that every stage, from the initial survey to the completed plastered roof, is done by people who specialise in this daily as opposed to being a one-off job. A good installer should be able to provide advice on guttering, roof lights, and matching the new roof to your existing brickwork and tiles.
Is It Worth the Investment?
People who switch to roof conservatories almost always say the same thing: “I wish I got this sooner.” Homeowners realise that the useable square footage brings more value to the property, and because roof conservatories serve an important function as an extension of the living space, it often elevates the appraisal value as well. For the price, upgrading your roof conservatory is one of the best ways to reclaim the square footage that you’re probably spending half the year not using.