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Replacement Conservatory Roofs: The 2026 Upgrade Guide
Replacement Conservatory Roofs: The 2026 Upgrade Guide
If your conservatory is too hot in summer, too cold in winter or no longer comfortable to use, replacing the roof may be worth considering before committing to a complete rebuild.
The right replacement depends on your existing conservatory, its structural condition, how much natural light you want to retain and how you intend to use the room.
KJM Group supplies and installs replacement conservatory roof systems for homeowners in Andover, Hampshire and surrounding areas. Options include modern glass roofs, insulated solid tiled roofs and hybrid systems, subject to the suitability of the existing structure.
In this guide, we’ll compare the main roof options, explain the checks needed before installation, cover Building Regulations considerations and help you decide what to ask an installer before requesting a quotation.
A solid tiled roof can provide an insulated construction with a more conventional internal ceiling. A modern glass roof retains more natural light, while a hybrid roof combines insulated sections with selected glazed areas. The right choice depends on your property, budget and priorities.
| Roof type | Main advantage | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Modern glass roof | Retains natural light and an open-sky appearance | Performance depends on the glazing specification and orientation |
| Solid tiled roof | Insulated construction and a more conventional internal ceiling | Reduces overhead daylight unless glazing is incorporated |
| Hybrid roof | Combines insulated sections with selected glazed areas | Design, glazing layout and cost vary by project |
Page Contents
1. Assessing Your Existing Conservatory
Older polycarbonate conservatory roofs can offer limited thermal insulation compared with modern roof systems. Depending on the glazing, orientation and ventilation, a conservatory may become uncomfortable in hot or cold weather, while rain noise can also be an issue.
A replacement roof must be suitable for the existing conservatory and the property as a whole. Before installation, the installer should assess the condition and load-bearing capacity of the existing frames, supports, walls and foundations, as applicable. The proposed roof system must be specified and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and the relevant building control process. If the existing structure is unsuitable, additional support or wider alterations may be needed.
2. Three Conservatory Roof Replacement Options
1. Modern Glass Roof
Modern high-performance glass can offer improved thermal insulation and solar control compared with some older conservatory glazing. The results depend on the glass specification, roof orientation and the design of the existing conservatory. Before replacing the glazing, check that the proposed units are compatible with the existing roof system and confirm whether the planned work requires any regulatory checks or approvals.
2. Hybrid Roof (e.g. Livinroof)
Combines insulated sections with selected glazed areas to balance insulation and natural light, allowing the balance between glazed and insulated sections to be tailored to the design. Design, glazing layout, and cost need to be assessed individually based on your requirements.
3. Solid Tiled Roof (e.g. Ultraroof)
Designed as a lightweight replacement roof system. It offers an insulated roof with a plasterboard-finished internal ceiling, subject to the chosen specification, but generally reduces overhead daylight unless glazing or roof windows are incorporated into the design.
3. Genuine KJM Installation Examples
To demonstrate the reality of a roof replacement project, here is a recent installation completed by KJM Group in Hampshire, which received the Ultraframe Installation of the Month award.
Before Installation
After Installation
- Location: Hampshire, UK.
- Original Structure: An older, inefficient conservatory roof that offered limited thermal insulation.
- Replacement System Installed: A modern, structurally compliant Ultraframe roof system.
- Structural Works: A full structural assessment was completed prior to installation to verify that the foundations and supporting framework were appropriate for the new roof.
- Details: Read more about this award-winning installation.
4. Warning: Consider the Risks of Over-Roofing
⚠️ Structural & Compliance Risks
Some companies offer systems that add insulation or a new internal finish beneath an existing conservatory roof. Before agreeing to this type of work, ask exactly how the system is constructed, whether the existing roof and supporting structure have been assessed, and how condensation, ventilation, fire performance and Building Regulations requirements will be addressed.
Simply adding battens, insulation and plasterboard beneath an existing roof without checking its suitability can create structural and moisture-related problems. Ask for the proposed system’s technical documentation and written confirmation of the applicable compliance arrangements before proceeding.
A properly specified solution should be assessed on its design, installation method and suitability for the existing conservatory—not just its price. Read our guide on over-cladding risks here.
5. Do I Need Building Regulations?
Replacing a glazed or polycarbonate roof with an insulated solid roof changes the construction and thermal performance of the conservatory. Building Regulations approval or an applicable approved compliance route will generally need to be considered for this type of project. The requirements depend on the property and proposed work, so the installer should confirm the appropriate route with the relevant building control body before work begins.
6. Interactive Roof Assessor
Unsure which replacement method might suit your goals? Use our general assessment tool below to explore the options.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Planning permission is usually not required for a standard roof replacement if you are doing a like-for-like repair or swap on a standard house. This generally falls under national Permitted Development rights. However, you will need to check the specific details of your project, as several restrictions may apply. You may need to apply for planning permission or special consent if:
- You change the roofing material to something significantly different.
- You alter the structure, height, or pitch of the roof.
- You live in a Conservation Area.
- Your property is a Listed Building (requiring Listed Building Consent).
- An Article 4 Direction is in place on your property.
We always advise checking with your Local Authority before proceeding.
Unlike a traditional timber and slate roof which can take weeks, premium prefabricated systems like the Ultraroof and Livinroof can typically be made watertight in just one day. However, it can take a day to take down the old roof, and the internal plastering, finishing, and first and second fix electrics will generally take a further 2-3 weeks, as time is needed between trades to allow materials like plaster to properly dry.
Replacing glass or polycarbonate with new glazing does not automatically remove all regulatory considerations. The precise work matters, and a thorough structural survey must be completed first to ensure your existing window frames and the original roof structure can safely bear the additional weight without risk of failing.
📚 Explore Our Performance Glazing Hub
Explore specific extension options and detailed guides relevant to your home:
Considering a Conservatory Roof Replacement?
KJM Group supplies and installs replacement conservatory roof systems in Andover, Hampshire and surrounding areas. We can assess your existing conservatory, discuss the available roof options and help you understand which solutions may be suitable for your property.
Explore our replacement conservatory roof service
or contact our team to arrange a survey and request a quotation.
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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