Having a solid roof fitted on your conservatory can help to save energy and bills, but it’s important to choose your system carefully to get the best results, Tim Douglas from Guardian Building Systems explains

A roof replacement is a great opportunity to revive and maximise the use of any conservatory, and a well-designed and properly installed roof provides a whole host of practical and aesthetic benefits. Warm roof systems can help keep the space cooler in summer and warmer in summer, save on heating costs and make the space look much more modern and welcoming.

However, not all conservatory roof replacements are equal, and for anyone committed to investing time and money in a new roof, it is important to understand the different options. Over the past few years, a growing number of contractors have started to offer so called ‘wrap over’ systems. Unlike warm roof systems, which are specially designed and engineered for each conservatory, wrap over systems are typically fitted directly over your existing roof and are built by the contractor. As a result, while having a wrap over system installed can be cheaper at first, they can lead to some worrying, costly and stressful consequences.

UNDERSTANDING THE OPTIONS

As mentioned above, there are two commonly specified options for solid conservatory roofs: 

• Wrap over systems – made up of timber battens, a breather membrane and tiles, are fixed over the existing conservatory roof, followed by a final waterproofing system.
• Warm roofs – these are new roofing systems which completely replace your existing conservatory roof. They are often formed from lightweight aluminium and pre-insulated to ensure good thermal performance. Warm roofs are designed specifically for conservatories, and are usually preassembled in dedicated facilities bespoke to a conservatory’s specifications.

Once fitted, both of these systems can initially appear very similar, however, wrap-over systems often conceal a number of potential problems.

WRAP OVER RISKS

Wrap over systems typically feature very little insulation and the quality of the installation will be down to the individual contractor. This can lead to sizeable gaps between the insulation. The result is a space which isn’t much warmer, or cheaper to heat, in winter and can badly overheat in summer.

The potential gaps in the insulation layer, or around the edge of the roof where it joins to the conservatory, can also create cold spots on the surface. When the warm air in your conservatory reaches these, it will cool and form condensation either on the surface of the layer, or within the construction. This can lead to mould growth which is not only unsightly, but can be unhealthy to inhale. It can also cause the timber structure to rot over time. 

Perhaps most significantly, many of the wrap over systems we come across are fitted without proper Building Control approval and certification. This may not only present issues if you choose to sell the house, but it can also pose serious safety risks as it often means no structural calculations are carried out.

For these reasons, it’s important to think carefully before having a wrap-over system fitted. In most cases, warm roof systems provide a safer, healthier and better long-term investment. 

WARM ROOF BENEFITS

As mentioned, warm roof systems are designed specifically for your conservatory’s dimensions and design. The manufacturer will typically work with dedicated installation partners who will discuss the design options with you and arrange for proper structural calculations to be carried out.

The structure of the warm roof will commonly be formed from aluminium which is strong, lightweight and will not shrink over time, meaning it is often possible to avoid the need for extra structural supports. 

Warm roof systems typically come with lots of design flexibility, allowing you to choose the style of roof tiles and incorporate features such as rooflights or internal downlighters. Once your design is agreed, the components will be manufactured at dedicated facilities with precision engineering. This ensures that once it arrives onsite, all the components should fit together quickly and accurately with no gaps, ensuring it looks the part and performs as you expect.

The actual installation is extremely fast, typically only taking around three days and typically doesn’t involve any wet trades – so there’s less risk of delays due to the weather. 

Once the warm roof is installed, homeowners tend to reap the benefits for years to come. A warm roof regulates temperature because of the effective insulated structure, reducing energy usage while still retaining the natural light that many find appealing about conservatories. 

This kind of roof replacement makes any conservatory a fully functional living space that can be used all year round, without the frequent maintenance that glazed roofs require. And in terms of resale, the sleek design can pay for itself.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOF FOR YOUR CONSERVATORY

Replacing your conservatory roof can be a great way to add some extra space to your home, whether it be for a playroom, home gym, office or something completely different. It can also ensure that the space is much more comfortable to be in whatever the weather outside, without adding lots of cost to your heating bills. To get the best results, however, you need to think carefully about what option provides the best long-term value. Warm roofs offer a proven replacement which can deliver a whole host of benefits without the potential downsides of a wrap over.

Tim Douglas is technical manager at Guardian Roofing Systems