How to put a tiled roof on a conservatory

A conservatory can be a great addition to any home. Not only does a conservatory add extra living and entertaining space, but it can also increase the connection with your outdoor area and bring in more natural light. To keep it looking its best for longer, you may need to replace a tired-looking roof with a smarter and more energy-efficient solution.

Updating a tired plastic or glass roof with a solid tiled roof can not only transform the appearance of your conservatory, but it can also dramatically improve the insulation of the space. A tiled roof will ensure it’s an area of your home with a comfortable room temperature that can be used all year round.

If you’re considering replacing your polycarbonate conservatory roof with a tiled update, this practical guide will give you the ins and outs of what’s involved. However, due to the complicated nature of the work and the implications of small mistakes, adding a tiled roof is a job best left to a professional.

Can you put a tiled roof on an existing conservatory?

It’s entirely possible to add a tiled roof to an existing conservatory, you will just need to check with a professional about what is best for the structure. One of the big bonuses of a tiled roof on a conservatory is that the room will be a more controlled temperature all year round, saving you money on your energy bills.

Also, if you’re looking to extend your home, it’s worth considering a conservatory with a tiled roof as a cost-effective alternative to a traditional extension.

Beware: Traditional tiles, such as slate or clay, may not be suitable for your type of conservatory as the increased weight could place a strain on its supporting structure and foundations. Check  It’s worth checking with an experienced conservatory installer about what type of tiles are suitable.

Although it’s not possible to put traditional tiles onto a conservatory roof because of their weight, there are now modern lightweight roof tiles that can make an excellent solid roof choice.

How to put a tiled roof on a conservatory

DIY tiled conservatory roof – is it possible to do it yourself?

Installing a new tiled roof onto a conservatory is a very technical job. You will need to replace the existing frame with one that is suitable for tiles to be attached to it, and as this new system is going to add weight to the structure, it’s likely your conservatory will need some work done on its walls and foundations to be able to support the new tiled roof.

To reduce any risk of structural damage, we strongly recommend getting professional help.

A conservatory specialist will send out a surveyor to check if your conservatory’s existing roof frame is suitable. If it isn’t, it can easily be replaced with a new frame ready for your new tiled roof. Whilst this incurs a cost, the peace of mind will be priceless.

Tiled roof conservatory building regulations

Do I need building regulations for a conservatory with a tiled roof?

All conservatories must meet the following criteria to achieve Building Regulations approval:

• The conservatory must be separated from the house with external walls and its windows and doors must meet Building Regulations requirements.
• The conservatory must have an independent heating system to the main house’s system, and it must include separate on/off and temperature controls.

As long as your conservatory still meets the above requirements after the tiled roof has been installed, you shouldn’t need extra Building Regulations approval. However, it’s always a good idea to check with a professional.

Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?

Adding a solid or tiled roof to a conservatory may change the classification of your conservatory from a temporary to a permanent extension, and therefore you may need planning permission. Speak to the planning officer at your local council who will be able to confirm this for you.

Even if you find out you don’t need planning permission, ensure you have these assurances in place before starting any work:

• Your conservatory framework has been structurally checked and it can take the weight of the new solid roof
• Your installer can offer building regulations advice and sign off for the work at the end
• You will receive a guarantee for the work completed

How much does it cost to change a conservatory roof to a tiled roof?

On average, the price you can expect to pay for adding a tiled roof to a smaller conservatory (below 4,000mm by 4,000mm) is £4,000. For a larger conservatory roof, replacing glass or plastic with tiles will cost around £6,000.

It’s worth keeping in mind that these costs are an average estimate, and prices will vary depending on your location, the size of your conservatory roof, the tiles used, and any extra structural work that will need to be done.

Don’t forget to add the cost of planning permission to your budget if you need it, which could set you back up to around £460.

Want to find out more about replacing your conservatory roof? Our guide to conservatory roof replacement costs has it all covered.

Conservatory tiled roof replacement key takeaways

• Conservatory tiled roof replacement is a cost-effective way of improving the functionality and thermal efficiency of your home.
• Lightweight tiles can be either fitted to an existing roof frame or attached to a brand new roof frame if necessary.
• Velux windows can be added to tiled conservatory roofs to increase the natural light and ensure airflow.
• On average, the price for a new tiled roof on a small conservatory could cost around £4,000, while a large conservatory could cost around £6,000.
• You may need planning permission if your conservatory’s classification has been changed from a temporary to a permanent extension, but double-check with your local planning officer for confirmation.