Conservatory Roof Options: Side-by-Side Comparison

🔹 Like-for-Like Polycarbonate
What it is: Replace existing sheets with new polycarbonate.
Comfort: ★☆☆ – Still hot in summer, cold in winter.
Thermal Performance: ★☆☆
Natural Light: ★★★★ – Very bright.
Noise Reduction: ★☆☆
Condensation Risk: ★★☆ – Can mist.
Weight / Structure: Very light.
Disruption: Low.
Building Control: Usually not required.
Best For: Tight budgets or short-term fix.

 
🔹 Like-for-Like Glass
What it is: Replace roof with double-glazed (self-cleaning or solar) glass.
Comfort: ★★☆
Thermal Performance: ★★☆
Natural Light: ★★★★★ – Maximum daylight.
Noise Reduction: ★★☆
Condensation Risk: ★★☆
Weight / Structure: Light–medium.
Disruption: Low–medium.
Building Control: Usually not required.
Best For: Homes prioritising natural light and visibility.

 
🔹 Internal Quilt + uPVC Cladding (Retrofit)
What it is: Quilted blanket fitted beneath existing roof, clad inside.
Comfort: ★★☆ (patchy).
Thermal Performance: ★★☆ (thermal bridging remains).
Natural Light: ★☆☆
Noise Reduction: ★★☆
Condensation Risk: ★★★ if well detailed.
Weight / Structure: Adds little.
Disruption: Low.
Building Control: Usually not required.
Best For: Quick cosmetic improvement.

 
🔹 Replacement Insulated Panels
What it is: Swap glazing for solid insulated panels (SIP-style).
Comfort: ★★★
Thermal Performance: ★★★
Natural Light: ★★☆
Noise Reduction: ★★★
Condensation Risk: ★★★
Weight / Structure: Medium.
Disruption: Medium.
Indicative Cost: ££–£££
Building Control: Likely required (thermal & structure).
Best For: Balanced comfort without full rebuild.

 
🔹 Metal-Framed “Warm Roof” System
What it is: Factory-made insulated metal frame with tiles/boards.
Comfort: ★★★★
Thermal Performance: ★★★★
Natural Light: ★★★ (optional rooflights).
Noise Reduction: ★★★★
Condensation Risk: ★★★★
Weight / Structure: Medium–heavy.
Disruption: Medium.
Building Control: Yes (Part L / Part A).
Best For: Fast, consistent installation with strong performance.

 
🔹 Timber-Framed Tiled Warm Roof 🏆 Recommended
What it is: New timber structure with layered insulation and tiles.
Comfort: ★★★★★ – Real living-room comfort year-round.
Thermal Performance: ★★★★★
Natural Light: ★★★ (rooflights optional).
Noise Reduction: ★★★★★
Condensation Risk: ★★★★★
Weight / Structure: Heavy, engineered & certified.
Disruption: Medium.
Building Control: Yes (Part L & Part A compliant).
Best For: Full comfort, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Indicative costs are relative and vary by size, shape, and specification.
Building Regulations approval is normally required when changing the roof’s structure or thermal performance.
Always confirm requirements during your technical survey.
 
💡 Why Choose a Timber Warm Roof?
Year-round comfort with multi-layer insulation and ventilation.
Best energy and noise performance.
House-like appearance inside and out.
Fully compliant with UK Building Regulations.
Delivers long-term value and daily usability.
 
💬 Need personal guidance?
We’ll Reccomend companies to assess your space, explain every option, and recommend the best roof for your goals — with clear, no-pressure advice.