Category: Blog

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.

Your home will likely have one of the most long-lasting roof coverings available: a tile roof. With appropriate maintenance, your roof should last over fifty years. However, just because your roof is durable doesn’t mean it is maintenance-free. Homeowners who take the time to inspect their roofs on an annual basis avoid the unpleasant surprises of costly emergency repairs, leaks, and damp lofts. If you have a traditional clay tile, or modern concrete roof, a few simple habits can extend its useful life.

Keep an Eye on Slipped or Cracked Tiles

Over the years, your roof tiles will shift, particularly after a harsh winter with frost and rainfall. An individual slip tile may look like a minor issue, but it actually exposes the roof’s underlay to weather the elements, which was never designed to cope. It’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection of your roof in the spring and the fall after the leaves have fallen to locate and identify potential problems. Call your roofer before the next big storm if you see a gap or crack, or if there is uneven moss build up on the roof.

Clear Gutters and Valleys Regularly

Most homeowners are unaware of how blocked guttering causes damage to their roofs. When leaves and debris builds up in the guttering or in valleys of the roof where two slopes meet, rain water has no option but to back up under the roofing tiles. The trapped moisture can sit for months and cause timber battens to rot and promote mould growth in the loft. It is a worth small effort to clear gutters during autumn and after any windy weather as it can save major headaches.

Check Your Loft From the Inside

When a roof starts to fail, somewhat surprisingly, the first signs show up in the loft rather than outdoors. Signs such as daylight shining through where it shouldn’t, signs of damp on timber, or a smell of damp. These issues are all worthy of investigation. A torch and perhaps 10 minutes on a dry day is all it takes to detect a problem while it is still inexpensive to fix. If your loft is used as storage or even converted, it is even more important to stay on top of this because the insulation and boarding can conceal small leaks until they cause serious damage.

Think About Flashing and Chimneys

Flashing around chimneys, dormer windows, and roof edges take a real beating from the weather, and it’s a common weak point long before the tiles themselves show any signs of aging. Lead flashing can crack or lift with age, allowing water to track down the wall beneath it. If you have a chimney that’s no longer in use, it’s still worth having it checked. An unused stack can quietly deteriorate for years without anyone noticing, until there is a problem with the pointing or the flashing at the base.

Bring in a Professional Every Few Years

While you may take care of your checks, nothing substitutes for someone who works on roofs daily. A professional survey can identify early signs of wear every three to five years that may not be obvious from the ground or the loft, like underlay that is becoming brittle or fixings that are beginning to corrode. It is a small price to pay when compared to a full re-roof, and it gives you the peace of mind knowing that your home will be properly protected for the next few winters.

Maintaining your tiled roof is not that difficult. Some regular maintenance, quick repair when something looks wrong, and periodic inspections from a roofer will keep your home dry and comfortable for decades. If you would like an inspection and have seen any of the signs above, contact our team and we will help.

A conservatory should be designed for enjoyment, whether that means spending a quiet morning with a tea as the sun comes up or coming home after a long day to relax. However, older polycarbonate roofs are not always enjoyable. It can feel like a greenhouse during the summer and an icebox during the winter. In addition, polycarbonate roofs let in noise when it rains. \n
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Luckily homeowners never have to do a full replacement. Many find that transforming how they feel about the room can be an easy fix. One option is looking for the change conservatory roof St albans specialists recommend. The process involves changing the old polycarbonate or single glazed glass roof to one that is modern and has good insulation. \n
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An example of this process is changing to a tiled roof. With better insulation, the room will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, sounds from outside will be muffled which is a huge improvement for those who want to enjoy their conservatory all year long instead of just during good weather. \n
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You can get custom solutions like upgraded glazing using modern low emissivity glass which can help you let in a ton of light but also help insulate the room. No matter what you decide there are plenty of options out there and it is worth it to have a specialized do all of the hard work.

Before work starts, a professional survey will identify any issues requiring attention to ensure the frame, guttering, and drainage all comply with the new roof. With the right groundwork, upgrading a conservatory roof will provide additional livable space, comfort, and long-term value to your home.

Homeowners replacing pitched roofs often end up considering natural slate versus clay or concrete tiles. Both are proven, durable materials, however, they fit different types of properties and budgets, so understanding the differences before choosing is worthwhile.

The Case for Natural Slate

Slate looks great on period properties and a good quality Welsh or Spanish slate roof can last well over a century with basic maintenance. The downside is the higher initial material and installation costs, along with the need for a roof structure that can support the additional weight.

The Case for Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay tiles have a warmer appearance while also having great durability. Though, concrete tiles are often a more budget-friendly option and are cheaper without sacrificing too much performance-wise. Modern concrete interlocking tiles also allow for faster installation which help to lower labour costs on full re-roofs.

Weight and Structural Considerations

It is crucial to assess the existing roof structure before deciding on any materials. Reinforcement work may be required, which will add to the overall project cost, as older homes were not always built with the heavier slate roofs in mind.

Matching the Streetscape

With conservation area and period properties, local planning guidance usually specifies prescribed roofing materials in order to protect the character of the street. This is worth checking before you finalise your decision.

Getting a Fair Comparison

We recommend that homeowners obtain a like-for-like quote for slate and tile options as the lifetime cost difference is likely to be less than the initial quote suggests.

Get in touch with our team for a free survey and quote, and we can help you determine whether slate or tile roofing is a better fit for your home.

When it comes to conservatories, most people love the idea of having one but actually using it is another story. Starting in April, it becomes too hot to use the conservatory for anything but summer activities. In the fall, it becomes too cold to use the room. If it rains, conversations are impossible. It is too loud in the room. Most of the time, it is the roof that causes all of these issues.

If you are at the point where a conservatory roof replacement is possible, it is useful to know the three main options. These include solar-controlled glass, a fully tiled insulated roof, or an insulated solid ceiling system. Each option has unique benefits. Your individual needs will determine the best option.

Glass Roofs

The most obvious benefit that comes from having a glass roof is the amount of light that will enter the room. If you have had polycarbonate roof panels that are now old, yellow, and dim, a solar-controlled glass roof will be a significant upgrade. New polycarbonate glass roofs have reflective coatings that still allow light to enter but will reflect and heat and UV light, leaving you with the ideal amount of light and eliminating the “greenhouse” effect.

They are also the fastest option. A glass roof can be installed in a day. The existing structure usually remains, and costs are in the middle range of a ceiling insulation job and a full tile replacement.

The main limitation is thermal performance. A glass roof will always lose more heat than a solid roof, although it is an improvement on polycarbonate. If temperature extremes are the main issue, meaning the room is unusable in July or January, glass will not solve the problem.

Tiled Roofs

The biggest and most effective change you can make to an existing conservatory roof replacement is the installation of a fully tiled insulated roof.

Modern tile systems are light enough to not overload the conservatory frames. The tiles rest on a specially designed insulated deck. This gives the outside the appearance of a house extension rather than a conservatory. The internals of the room have a plastered or vaulted ceiling treatment which makes the room feel integrated to the house rather than a separate seasonal room. Some homeowners like to have a skylight or two to bring back some natural light which works a treat!

Rain noise is simply not a problem. The constant patter of rain on a polycarbonate roof is not there.

Insulated Ceiling Panels

There is a third, slightly unusual, but perfectly valid, option. An insulated ceiling panel system fits below the existing roof structure, leaving the outside unchanged. This option certainly will not give the same performance as a fully tiled replacement, but it is a great option when the roof itself is in good condition and the main problems are heat retention and glare.

Ideal for the right conservatory and budget, it is a pragmatic solution and often quicker to install than either of the above.

Which One Is Actually Right for You?

It honestly comes down to three things. First, how do you wish to use that particular room? Second, how bad is the temperature issue? Third, what is your budget? Homeowners that are truly suffering from a room that is boiling or freezing for long periods of time during the year usually find that a tiled conservatory roof replacement is the only option that fully fixes the issue. If you are moderate towards the temperature problems, light is the priority, and temperature issues are moderate, then glass is the better option. 

It makes a great deal of sense to get a proper survey done before you commit to anything. A professional may provide you with a review of the current construction, discuss with you the conservatory roof replacement and the realistic options available, and provide you with a proper estimate. Most people find their surveyors to be quite costly, but the simple fact is, that surveyors generally save you more time than the social surveys that they substitute.

There are two main factors which contribute to creating the cost of roof shingles, which are the cost of the materials, and the skill required to install them.

The cost of the materials isn’t always a clear cut matter, as if your property is near to the place where the materials are being produced, you’ll often get a lower price due to the reduced cost of transportation; so sourcing locally is ideal. Still, what is going to have the most impact on the cost of the materials is the type of materials being used, whether it is wood (what type of wood as well), slate, or man-made.

Some shingles need to be installed more carefully, and some may be heavier. Both of these problems can require more skill and labour to overcome, which can also contribute to changes in cost.

The other factor is how honest your builders are with the quote they’re giving you, which is why you should always look for a second opinion, and only choose from contractors whom have a good reputation.

Slate roof shingles can give a residential property a really nice traditional style, but they’re not installed easily, so you will need to acquire the services of a professional. Slate is heavy, but it’s strong and durable, so you get longstanding protection.

The only problem is that there are often many shingles that have to be expertly positioned, especially on awkward roofs while they age wonderfully over time. An aged slate shingle roof will can last for more than 100 years – if it has been installed correctly – while it’s usually fixed with nails or hooks.

It may be a traditional methods but it’s still one of the most effective and you do get a superb long-lasting style if you opt for this kind of roof.

Sometimes referred to as the world’s sixth sense, thermal imaging in today’s world is among the top technologies that enhance perception and awareness, but it’s also used in the construction sector.

Through thermographic imagery systems, locator systems, visible light imaging systems, advanced threat detection systems and measurement and diagnostic systems, there are many innovative and highly functional sensing solutions used in daily life scenarios.

Originally, the innovators behind this system came up with infra-red imaging systems which were installed on vehicles mainly for purposes of conducting energy audits. Today there are advanced systems and components that are used for a wide variety of purposes such as security applications, situational awareness, ground-based and airborne surveillance, navigation, research and development, condition monitoring, search and rescue, recreation, transportation safety and efficiency. (more…)

Self cleaning glass rooflights are now rather popular and while it’s not the cheapest rooflight systems, it will guarantee a nice clean look for years. You won’t have to continuously call out the window cleaner to get your roof looking sparkly clean, you can sit back and relax, and watch the window clean itself.

The system uses a coating which breaks down natural dirt, while rain simply washes the dirt away. It’s a clever system and it’s rather simple too, which is why many manufacturers have engaging incorporating it into their products.

They work for windows, skylight and complete glass roofs, and it’s something you must consider if you’re going to have a large expanse covered with glass – perhaps a large bespoke rooflight for your home. Of course, if you’re not worried about having to go up and clean your rooflight every few months, than this system is probably not worth the extra money.

All professional roofers will know of the risks involved in roofing, and that’s because every year people are seriously injured by falling through a fragile roof. This is why it’s important to step safely, especially on old roofs which require repairs, and roofs with skylights.

Polycarbonate skylights can resist torrid weather conditions but they’re not always strong enough to withstand the weight of human being, and all roofer should know not to step on a rooflight, unless of course it’s a walk-on glass rooflight.

Repairs should always be carried out working from underneath, while safety nets or harnesses should be used if you have to work on top of a building. Make sure you step safely, and look out for any hidden fragile areas.