What are conservatory roof replacement costs in 2025?

Has your conservatory roof seen better days due to wear and tear, insulation problems, or weather damage? You’re most likely looking at a roof replacement. But at what price?

Here, we explore in detail conservatory roof replacement costs to help you budget.

Time not on your side? Then scroll down to our interactive conservatory roof cost calculator to get started.

Conservatory roof replacement costs

Average cost of replacing a conservatory roof

How much it costs to replace your conservatory roof will vary dramatically depending on your roof type and size.

Costs (including installation) for a three-metre by three-and-a-half metre roof start at approximately £6,300 but can go up to £9,450 or more if you choose glass.

That’s why it’s sensible to earmark at least £10,000 for the project.

While this is a hefty upfront investment, it’s much more cost-effective than replacing the entire conservatory.

What’s more, modern conservatory roofs using more substantial materials have been proven to save homeowners an average of £200 per year on utility bills as they are energy-efficient.

Factors affecting conservatory roof replacement costs in the UK

The costs above are a good place to start. However, the quote for your conservatory roof replacement will vary depending on various factors. They include:

Size of the conservatory

The size of the conservatory will determine the costs of a conservatory roof replacement. And you’ll be surprised at the price difference the larger the conservatory gets.

For instance, the average cost to replace a glass roof for a three-metre by three-and-a-half metre conservatory is approximately £9,450. But this jumps up to £22,500 for a five-metre by five-metre conservatory.

Type of roof material

What material you choose for the roof replacement also greatly affects the price. The most common materials are polycarbonate, tile and glass. Each has its benefits, drawbacks and typical costs, which we’ll explore in greater detail later.

Polycarbonate is the cheapest, working out at £600 per m². Meanwhile, if you decide to upgrade to tiling, you’ll be looking at £750 per m². This doesn’t sound like a big difference in cost, but those square metres soon start to add up!

Labour costs and regional price differences

Don’t forget you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation labour on top of the cost of materials.

Replacing a new roof on a conservatory will require at least two people and typically takes one to three days to complete the job. Labour costs are roughly £400 per person per day, which works out at approximately £50 per hour.

Conservatory roof replacement cost calculator

Do you have a rough idea of your conservatory measurements and know what material you want? Then why not use our handy conservatory roof cost calculator to give you an approximate idea of what you might pay?

Types of conservatory roofs and their costs

Unsure what material is right for your conservatory roof and budget? Wondering what the benefits of tiled vs. polycarbonate roofs are? Let’s run through the costs, pros and cons of the most commonly used conservatory roof materials:

Replacement polycarbonate conservatory roof cost

Polycarbonate roof pros:

• Cost-effective – The cheapest option, making it a popular choice for homeowners on a budget
• Security – It’s also ideal for those looking to enhance their security, as polycarbonate is harder to break than glass
• Anti-glare – If used correctly, polycarbonate will reflect light back into your living space with less glare
• Light-weight – Making it quick and easy to install and works well on lean-to conservatories

Polycarbonate roof cons:

• Reduced lifespan – A polycarbonate roof will last between ten to 20 years, depending on maintenance
• Lower insulation properties – They lack the natural insulation that glass roofs offer, although solar inserts and heat reduction film can be added (for an additional cost) to keep out the sun’s heat and glare
• Aesthetics – May not be as desirable to homebuyers as glass or tiled roofs would be
• Noise – Rain noise can be more noticeable on polycarbonate roofs, though you can install noise-reducing sheets (for an additional cost)

Glass conservatory roof costs

Glass roof pros:

• Longer lifespan – Provided you avoid accidental breakages, a glass roof is less prone to weather damage and can last for thirty years plus
• Appealing aesthetic – Widely regarded as the best choice for a conservatory roof, glass will increase the saleability of your home compared to a polycarbonate roof
• Excellent Insulation properties – Glass outperforms plastic in keeping your conservatory warm in winter, saving you money on your energy bills
• UV-resistant – Less prone to discolouration due to UV rays

Glass roof cons:

• Costly – The cost of upgrading to a glass replacement roof can stretch a smaller budget by around ten per cent. Small polycarbonate roofs cost from around £6,300 while a similar-sized glass roofs start from £9,450
• Maintenance – Won’t build up moss, lichen and mould like polycarbonate and tiles can, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of window cleaning to maintain the clarity and shine
• Longer installation – It will take longer for a roofer to install a glass roof, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget
• Heavier – Glass roofs are considerably heavier than polycarbonate alternatives. So, you’ll need to make sure the existing conservatory frame and foundations can support the additional weight. This is especially important for older wooden frame conservatories

How much does a tiled conservatory roof cost?

Tiled roof pros:

• Excellent Insulation properties – Lightweight tiles handle temperature extremes more efficiently than glass or polycarbonate, offering shade in summer and retaining warmth during winter
• Durability – Less prone to weather damage and, therefore, has a longer lifespan of thirty to fifty years plus
• Increase your home’s value – You can change the classification of your conservatory from a temporary to a permanent extension. For a standard solid conservatory roof replacement, the conversion costs start at £16,000. For a larger conservatory, prices start at around £30,000 to replace a glass or polycarbonate roof with a tiled structure

Tiled roof cons:

• Costly – Out of all the conservatory roof options explored, the cost of replacing a conservatory roof with tiling is the most expensive
• Maintenance – Prone to build up of moss, lichen and mould, regular cleaning needs to be factored into your budget
• Longer installation – It will take longer for a roofer to install a tiled roof, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget
• Weight – As with glass roofs, tiled roofs are considerably heavier than polycarbonate, so you must ensure the conservatory can take the weight. Sometimes, this means commissioning a survey, so this is an additional cost to factor in. A professional roofer can advise on lightweight tiled conservatory roof costs if the weight is a consideration
• Planning permission – You may need to apply for planning permission, which may hold up building work slightly. The cost of a planning application currently costs around £460
• Loss of light – You might want to consider a skylight to increase the ventilation and light in your conservatory, so this is an additional cost to consider

Choosing the right material for your conservatory roof replacement

The cost of a conservatory roof is a major deciding factor, but what else should you consider to ensure you choose the best option for your home? Other important considerations include:

Budget vs. long-term savings

While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, if you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, you might find a more robust glass or tile roof offers better long-term savings.

Polycarbonate has an average lifespan of ten to fifteen years before it shows its age due to weathering. However, with extremities of weather only set to increase in the years to come here in the UK, UV and heat damage might reduce the lifespan more quickly.

Insulation

With energy prices rising, the efficiency of conservatory roofs is equally important to consider. As we’ve explored, glass and tiled roofs outperform plastic in keeping your conservatory warm in winter, saving you money on your energy bills in the long run.

However, if your budget can’t stretch to a glass or tiled roof, you could pay to install heat reduction film to reduce the solar heat and glare during the hottest months. A conservatory installer can give you an exact quote, but solar inserts roughly cost £1,000. Or, for a more permanent solution, an air conditioning and heating specialist can advise on conservatory heating and cooling tips.

You’ll find plenty of other tips for making your home more energy efficient in our comprehensive how-to guide. 

Appearance

How your conservatory roof looks is incredibly important, too. It could also increase the saleability of your home.

While things have moved on a lot since the corrugated plastic conservatory roofs of the late 1980s, even the most premium plastic roofs can’t match the clarity and shine of glass. Polycarbonate is often described as translucent, meaning it’s not completely clear like glass.

Our how-to guide provides plenty more tips about adding value to your property.

Benefits of replacing your conservatory roof

Still on the fence deciding whether it’s time to invest in a new conservatory roof? Let’s run the benefits one last time:

• Improved energy efficiency – Keeping your energy bills low
• Enhanced property value – Will smarten up the appearance of a dated conservatory and is a big tick in the box of home improvement jobs that a future owner won’t need to worry about
• Comfort and usability – Can transform the space to use in all seasons, making the space more user-friendly as a playroom or office
• Cost-effective – It works out a lot cheaper than forking out on a completely new conservatory!
• Durability – Will make an existing conservatory more robust and extend it’s lifespan
• Noise reduction – You’ll be amazed at how much quieter premium polycarbonate or double-glazed glass can be!

Find a specialist in conservatory roof replacement

Ready to get going on a conservatory roof replacement? Great news! However, choosing a conservatory roof specialist can feel daunting if you don’t have a recommendation to go on.

That’s where Checkatrade can help. Just search for a specialist by following these three simple steps:

• Use a professional directory

Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

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• Read online reviews

A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson’s professionalism.

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

• Compare quotes

Request a quote from at least three specialists local to you. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to replace a conservatory roof?

It shouldn’t take more than three days for your tradespeople to get the job done unless you’re opting for a solid tiled roof which requires extra structural work.

Can I replace my conservatory roof myself?

Replacing a conservatory roof requires a lot of expertise and isn’t recommended as a DIY project. We think this is a job best left to the professionals.

Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?

You won’t need planning permission to replace the conservatory roof with polycarbonate or glass. However, if you plan to replace it with tiles, you must first obtain planning permission from your local council. Skip this step, and you could end up taking it down again if a neighbour objects.

What is the cheapest conservatory roof option?

A polycarbonate roof is the cheapest conservatory roof option available. But as we’ve explored above, the lifespan is considerably less. It might be worth stretching your budget to a more permanent option if you can.

How much can I save on energy bills with a new conservatory roof?

A new roof can transform the insulation of once drafty conservatory roofs. This will mean the space will be cooler in the summer and retain warmth in the winter. Better still, it will save you money on your energy bills.

Is a solid roof better than a glass or polycarbonate roof?

That all depends on your budget. While a solid roof will transform your conservatory into an all-season room and increase your home’s saleability, it’s the most costly to install.

Can I convert my conservatory into a full extension?

Absolutely. Just bear in mind you’ll need planning permission. Ask your local council whether you need to apply so you can add a possible planning fee to your budget.

Ready to give your conservatory roof a new lease of life with a replacement? Use our free search directory below to find conservatory roofing specialists near you.