Swapping Our Glass Conservatory Roof for Tiles: What Is Involved?

Too hot in July, too cold in January. Here is how a solid tiled roof conversion actually works, from checking the frame to signing off with building control.

Why people make the change

Most conservatories built in the 1990s and 2000s have polycarbonate or glass roofs that let heat pour out in winter and build up badly in summer. A solid roof turns the space into a room you can use all year, and it cuts the rain noise that makes a polycarbonate roof so hard to live under.

The conversion replaces the roof only. The walls, windows and base stay, which is why it costs a fraction of rebuilding as a full extension.

First question: can the frame carry it?

A tiled roof is far heavier than the sheets it replaces. Lightweight tile systems exist precisely for this, but even they need a frame and base that are sound, level and properly fixed. We check for movement cracks, a sagging ring beam, rotten timber cills and uPVC frames that have bowed.

Where the frames are weak, the answer is sometimes a new timber or aluminium ring beam, and occasionally it is honest to say the structure needs more than a roof.

Building regulations and planning

A conservatory is usually exempt from building regulations only while it keeps a mostly translucent roof and stays thermally separated from the house. Fitting a solid roof normally brings it into building regulations, covering structure, insulation and ventilation. Our planning and building regulations guide explains the wider rules.

Planning permission is not usually needed where the footprint and height stay the same, but listed buildings and conservation areas are different, so check before anything is ordered.

The old glazing bars and sheets come off, a new ring beam and rafters or a proprietary frame go on, then insulation, boarding, breathable membrane, battens and tiles. Inside, plasterboard and a skim give you a finished ceiling, often with downlights or a rooflight to keep some daylight.

Most conversions take around a week on site once materials are in, weather permitting, and the conservatory is out of use for that time.

Tile choice matters more than people expect. A slate effect or plain tile that picks up the main roof makes the conservatory look like it was always part of the house. Guttering and fascias are normally renewed at the same time so the eaves line up.

Will a tiled conservatory roof make the room dark?

It will be darker than glass, which is partly the point. Most owners add one or two rooflights or glazed panels to keep useful daylight where they want it.

Can I keep my existing uPVC frames?

Often yes, provided they are square, sound and the base has not moved. We check them before quoting rather than assuming either way.

Does converting the roof need building control sign off?

In most cases yes, because a solid insulated roof takes the conservatory out of the usual exemption. We explain what that involves when we survey.

Is there any mess inside the house?

The work is almost all external. The conservatory itself needs clearing, and there is some dust when the ceiling is boarded and plastered.

Thinking about a solid roof?

We will look at the frames and base first and tell you straight whether a tiled roof is a sensible move for your conservatory.

Book a Conservatory Survey

Evans Roofing & Maintenance Ltd, Witney, Oxfordshire. Call 07960 482233 for a free written quote.