Your conservatory is one of the most relaxing and tranquil spaces in your property, bringing the outside in and making you feel truly immersed in your back garden! Whether you have a luxury conservatory design or something more modest, there really isn’t anything better than unwinding on a spring day watching your surroundings come into bloom.
However, as most suffering conservatory owners know, for these enjoyable days there can also be a number of headaches and problems which can arise from your conservatory – particularly as this gets older with time.
The most common conservatory maintenance problem is a leaking roof based on a survey of UK conservatory owners from consumer group ‘Which?’. This is also along with wider issues mainly caused by a leaking roof, such as temperature issues and drafts within your conservatory.
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Should I fix it or do I need a Conservatory Roof Replacement?
Although a short-term fix or repair usually has a lower initial cost there is no guarantee of how long your tiled conservatory roof will remain leak free, not to mention the other factors which still need addressing such as varying temperatures in the summer and winter. However, if you are experiencing just a small minor leak then this could be a valid option to get your roof issues fixed quickly and cheaply.
Longer term a more substantial and the perfect solution is to replace your existing roof with a solid conservatory roof made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Fibreglass – a strong and resilient material with up to a 50 year lifespan.
There are some tell-tale signs to look out for which might suggest a new roof is the most cost-effective solution. These include:
Fluctuating temperatures – If your conservatory is like a freezer in the winter months and then too hot to even enter in summer, then this is a strong indicator it may be time for a new conservatory roof. Over time as your old roof loses seals, it becomes much harder to moderate temperatures.
Condensation – Again this is a strong indicator that the elements are getting into your conservatory. Although this is not always due to the roof, in nearly all cases where a new roof is needed condensation is always present. It can also be worth checking if this is directly in your conservatory or alternatively if this between the panes of glass.
Jamming doors – This may sound strange, but moisture in your conservatory structure can cause door frames to change shape ever so slightly over time. As this happens it can become harder and harder to open your conservatory external doors, proving to be a real hassle! It can also become dangerous if you need to use too much force to open the door.
Fading light – Over time algae and other hard to shift dirt can build up on your existing conservatory roof. This means that it becomes harder and harder for light to penetrate through into your conservatory. Although a solid roof is of course less transparent than glass, they can include skylights & roof lanterns with high performance self-cleaning glass.
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How much does a Conservatory Roof Replacement Cost?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to outline a fully accurate cost in advance for customers, based off variables like access and whether you need to walk on the roof for example.
At the lower end of the market, you can purchase panels or slates to replace your own roof starting in the hundreds of pounds. However, if this is not fitted correctly it can lead to more problems and costs down the line. You can also damage your roof with incorrect access from ground level.
For a professional conservatory roof replacement it is possible to start in the low thousands for domestic properties, with this extending to larger quotes for large scale work or multiple outbuildings. As a really rough guide though this can be anything from £70 – £200+ per square metre depending on specification. Although material costs are higher than options like felt roofing, the lifespan is much better making them more cost effective in the long run.
At the other end of the market metal roofs have a higher initial cost for materials and most of our GRP Fibreglass products can be colour matched to replicate the look of these options too.
We would encourage you to get in touch for a free quotation if you’d like more of an idea around the cost of the work to replace your conservatory roof.
How long does a New Conservatory Roof last?
When professionally fitted using the latest high performance GRP Fibreglass, your new conservatory roof can last up to 50 years with the correct maintenance and after care. This includes washing your roof with soapy water on occasions (making sure you’re at ground level for safety). Weather conditions can also have an impact on lifespan, so if you say live in an extremely exposed coastal area you can expect to spend a bit more time looking after your new roof.
As part of our projects we offer a 20 year guarantee on all work, meaning you can rest easy in the knowledge that your roof has a good lifespan and we’re on hand if you have any questions or concerns.
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How do I choose the right Conservatory Roof Fitter for my project?
If you need a minor repair the best option may be to return to your original company or a specific repairs company. For a full conservatory roof replacement, it’s important to work with a product specialist with direct experience of the types of conservatory roofing work you require.
So if you want a conservatory roof with multiple skylights then ask the providers you’re considering to demonstrate their past work through before & after pictures. Even better ask if it’s possible to speak to one of their past customers too.
We hope this information is useful in deciding the best option to address the issues with your conservatory roof. You can see a wide range of our relevant projects in our recently completed work.
