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Conservatory Roof Replacement Options: The 2025 Guide (Tiled, Glass & Hybrid)
Conservatory Roof Replacement Options: The 2025 Guide (Tiled, Glass & Hybrid)
Is your conservatory a room you can only use for a few months of the year? For millions of homeowners, the classic conservatory is a space of extremes—boiling hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. It might also be deafeningly noisy when it rains.
The great news is that you don’t need to replace the entire structure. The problem, in 99% of cases, is the old, inefficient roof.
By simply replacing your old polycarbonate or glass roof with a modern, energy-efficient system, you can reclaim your space. A replacement conservatory roof transforms your conservatory from a part-time “greenhouse” into a true, all-year-round extension of your home.
As Which? Trusted Traders with over 40 years of experience in the Hampshire area, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners solve this exact problem. Here’s our expert guide to the three main replacement roof options you should be considering.
Conservatory Roofs: At-a-Glance Guide
| Feature | Tiled / Solid Roof | Glass Roof | Hybrid Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Insulation | Excellent (Best for all-year use) | Good (Modern glass is very efficient) | Very Good (Combines solid panels with glass) |
| Natural Light | Low (Skylights can be added) | Excellent (Maximum light) | Flexible (You choose the glass placement) |
| Noise Insulation (from rain) | Excellent (Quietest option) | Good (Far quieter than polycarbonate) | Very Good (Solid panels absorb sound) |
| Relative Cost | £££ | ££ | £££ |
| Best For… | Maximum efficiency & creating a true “extension” | Maintaining that “open-sky” conservatory feel | A custom balance of natural light and thermal comfort |
Which Roof is Right for You?
- ✅ Tiled Roofs: Choose this for maximum insulation and all-year-round comfort. Best for creating a “real room” extension.
- ✅ Glass Roofs: Choose this for maximum light and views, but be aware of the trade-off in temperature stability compared to solid options.
- ✅ Hybrid Roofs: Choose this for the perfect balance. You get the insulation of a solid roof plus custom-shaped glass panels for light.
1. The Tiled ‘Warm’ Roof (e.g., Ultraroof)
This is the most popular option for homeowners who want maximum thermal performance and a “proper extension” feel. A lightweight tiled roof, like the industry-leading Ultraroof system, is a game-changer.
This is a fully insulated, structural system that is still light enough to be fitted onto most existing conservatory window frames. The exterior is finished with modern, durable, lightweight tiles that match your home’s main roof, and the interior is a beautiful, plastered ceiling.
Best For: Tiled / Solid Roof (The Permanent Extension)
Creating a true, all-year-round room that feels like a natural part of your home.
- Maximum Thermal Insulation: This is the warmest option, keeping your room comfortable and slashing your energy bills.
- “Real Room” Feel: A stunning vaulted, plastered ceiling instantly makes the space feel like a high-end extension.
- Superior Noise Reduction: The thick, insulated layers almost eliminate the sound of rain and wind.
- Customisable: You can easily add spotlights to the ceiling and integrated Velux-style windows to let in extra light and air.
Want to learn more about tiles? This is a fantastic solution. You can read more in our detailed guide to changing your conservatory roof to tiles.
2. The High-Performance Glass Roof
If you love the bright, airy feel of your glass roof conservatory and don’t want to lose the sunlight, a modern glass roof is the perfect choice.
It’s crucial to understand that modern glass technology is worlds apart from old glass or polycarbonate. We use high-performance, solar-control glass that is designed to solve the “greenhouse” problem. It has a specialist coating that reflects the sun’s heat in summer, while the argon-filled, A-rated double-glazed units keep the warmth in during winter.
⚠️ The Limitations of a Complete Glass Roof
While modern glass is a huge improvement, it’s important to be realistic about its performance. If your primary goal is to use the room comfortably for every single day of the year, glass may not be the optimal choice.
- Insulation Trade-Off: Even with high-performance glass, the insulation (measured by the U-value) is nowhere near as good as a lightweight tiled or solid roof.
- Temperature Extremes: Despite solar control, a glass roof remains highly conductive. During peak summer, the room will likely be significantly warmer than the rest of your house. Conversely, in the depths of winter, it will lose heat much faster, requiring more energy to keep warm.
- Sun Glare: While coatings reduce solar heat, intense sun can still create noticeable glare, which may be disruptive for watching TV or using a computer.
Best For: Modern Glass Roof
Maximum natural light is the priority, and a small compromise on temperature control is acceptable.
3. The Hybrid / Solid Roof (e.g., Livinroof)
Can’t decide between the solid, insulated feel of a tiled roof and the bright, open feel of a glass one? The hybrid roof is the “best of both worlds.”
A hybrid system, like the innovative Livinroof, uses insulated composite panels to create a solid roof structure. The magic is that you can then place custom-shaped glass panels anywhere you want.
Want to have a solid roof over your seating area but a glass panel over your dining table? No problem. This system gives you the perfect balance of shade, insulation, and light, all within a striking, modern design.
Best For: Hybrid Roof (Livinroof)
Homeowners who want a customisable balance of natural light and thermal efficiency.
- The Best of Both Worlds: Combines the insulation of a solid roof with the light of a glass roof.
- Modern Design: Creates a contemporary and unique internal and external look.
- Strategic Light: You control exactly where the natural light enters the room.
Why Trust KJM with Your Conservatory Transformation?
Choosing the right product is only half the battle; the quality of the installation is what guarantees performance for decades to come.
- A Team You Can Trust: We are a Which? Trusted Trader (named Trader of the Month in Feb 2024) and long-standing members of the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation). Our reputation is built on over 40 years of service in the Andover and Hampshire area.
- Our “No Pressure Promise“: Our expert team is salaried, not commission-based. We are here to give you honest advice and help you find the best solution for your home, not to push a quick sale.
- Full-Service Installation: We take care of everything, from the initial survey to the final installation, including any electrical work (for spotlights) and plastering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Typically, replacing a transparent roof (like glass or polycarbonate) with a solid, tiled, or hybrid roof does require planning permission. It also always requires Building Control Approval to ensure the new roof’s weight is safe for the existing structure and meets current thermal efficiency standards.
Modern solid and tiled conservatory roofs are built to be long-lasting. With robust materials and professional installation, you can expect a lifespan of 40 to 60 years, making them a significant long-term investment.
The Tiled/Solid Roof is the best option for noise reduction. Its multi-layered, dense insulation provides superior acoustic dampening, virtually eliminating the loud drumming noise associated with older, single-layer roofs.
No. While a solid roof provides shade, it can be easily customized with integrated skylights (Velux-style windows) or combined with glass panels (a Hybrid Roof). This allows you to strategically place light sources while retaining maximum thermal insulation.
Yes. Hybrid roofs (which combine highly insulated solid panels with performance glass) offer a very good balance between high thermal efficiency and maximizing natural light, making them a significant upgrade over old glass or polycarbonate.
What’s Next?
Ready to transform your conservatory into a room you can love all year round?
- Get a Free Quote: Use our online quoting engine for a fast, no-obligation estimate.
- Visit Our Showroom: Come and see our roofing options for yourself at our extensive showroom in Andover.
- Talk to an Expert: Call our friendly, non-commissioned team today on 01264 359355 to discuss your project.
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Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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