A well-designed conservatory can add value to your home. However, the space may no longer function as a place to relax if its roof has seen better days.

The good news is that replacing your conservatory roof can bring it back to life. But how do you know if it’s time to invest?
Signs of Wear and Tear

The conservatory is one of the most frequently used parts of a home and, as such, it is often the first to show signs of wear and tear. If you are starting to see moss, algae or dark spots on the frame, roof or walls it may be time for a replacement.

If you are seeing damp patches in your conservatory it may be due to leaks. These can be caused by general wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, tiles slipping or guttering problems. Leaks and damp patches can cause serious health issues if left untreated and are a clear sign that it is time to replace your conservatory roof.

Before carrying out any work to a conservatory, the existing structure must be assessed to ensure that it can take the weight of the new roof. This should be carried out by a building control surveyor provided by your roofing company. If the existing structure cannot, it is essential to have steel supports installed in order to distribute the roof load evenly.
Leaks

Conservatory roof leaks are a common problem and they’re not only annoying, but they can damage your soft furnishings and lead to mould. Mold can also pose health risks as it produces spores that pollute the air and may affect your family’s breathing.

Leaks are often caused by damaged or worn conservatory roof panels, especially polycarbonate ones. These can slip, causing a gap at the roof ridge which allows water in and creates draughts. The issue can be corrected by resealing the panels or replacing them.

This can be a fairly simple job, especially with polycarbonate panels which are relatively easy to remove. However, with glass panels you’ll need a professional to ensure the replacement is like-for-like in order to avoid the risk of damaging your existing conservatory frame or roof structure. It’s also important to check the condition of your roof vents as these can become faulty over time. These are essential for ventilation and preventing condensation, but if they’re leaking it could cause a damp interior.
Unusual Noises

Polycarbonate sheets are super strong in themselves but a few winter hailstorms can leave them scattered across your garden. This not only looks unattractive, it can also shorten the lifespan of your conservatory and leave you (or a builder) climbing up a ladder again and again to deal with leaks and drafts.

Another common problem that is often reported by homeowners is excessive noise pollution from outside. This is often caused by polycarbonate which reflects sound and can be especially disruptive on rainy or windy days. Many homeowners use their conservatory as a home office and this type of noise can make working a challenge.

Choosing a tiled conservatory roof is an option that will reduce this problem and provide you with improved sound insulation. You will still need to get a survey carried out prior to installation to ensure the existing structure can support the weight of the solid roof though. Thankfully, most companies have strong links with building control bodies and can even manage the inspections on your behalf.
Poor Insulation

If you find that despite cranking up the heat in your conservatory, you’re still not feeling cosy, it might be time to replace your existing roof. Older conservatories tend to be poorly insulated, which means that heat escapes easily and can cause your energy bills to rise.

Insulating walls is one way of addressing this, but we recommend installing a new conservatory roof as the best solution for maximum efficiency. It will help you to feel warm and cosy and save money on your energy bills in the long run too.

For many people who use their conservatory as a relaxation space or home office, this lack of insulation can make the sound of rain or wind incredibly irritating. A replacement conservatory roof with a solid structure will absorb this noise, making it a much more pleasant room to spend time in.conservatory roof replacement