When you’re looking to improve your conservatory and make it a year round room, a solid conservatory roof is an excellent option. They’re incredibly well insulated and can be combined with Velux-style windows to let in lots of natural light. They’re also extremely sturdy and independent – which means that maintenance costs are much lower. If you’re aiming for that ‘room-like’ feel, you can even ask your installer to install slate tiles – which really accentuate the visual presentation of your new room.
It’s worth mentioning that a solid roof will add significant weight to your existing structure. This may mean that your conservatory needs to be structurally reworked, which could be costly. This is why it’s important that you have a good idea of how you plan to use your conservatory and what your budget is before making the decision to replace your roof.Some national installers have worked closely with local building control departments to develop designs that are LABC approved – look out for the LABC Registered Detail certification when comparing quotes. This will remove the need for you to submit a separate planning application and save you both time and money. Rodda and Hocking are one of the few companies that offer this service as part of their quote process.Solid Conservatory RoofsThe most obvious advantage of a solid conservatory roof is that it’s significantly more energy efficient than glass or polycarbonate conservatories. Solid roofs can achieve U-values as low as 0.13, which dramatically reduces heat loss and makes your conservatory more usable all year round – no more sweltering in summer and freezing in winter.However, it’s worth noting that a solid conservatory roof will not allow you to enjoy the full benefits of a glass or polycarbonate conservatory as it limits the amount of light that can enter your room. This can be a disadvantage for those who wish to use their conservatory as a dining or living space, but it is not necessarily a deal breaker. There are other ways to introduce more light into your conservatory, such as through roof lanterns or integrated spotlights.Another thing to consider is that solid roofs are more expensive than glass or polycarbonate. This is because the materials used are higher quality and the construction requires additional support structures. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be wise to opt for a lightweight option such as a uPVC or tiled conservatory roof instead.