The costs in this guide are accurate as of 2024*
Replacing the roof of your conservatory is a worthwhile project, and not only if your roof has become damaged over time or was recently impacted by bad weather.
Replacing the roof on your conservatory can turn it into a room you can use all year round, keeping it warm in the winter, and cool in the summer by improving its thermal efficiency. This can also help you reduce your carbon footprint and lower your annual energy bills.
Not to mention that you could completely change the look of your conservatory by getting rid of its old roof, replacing it with a beautiful new design. You could increase the natural light coming into your home by adding more velux windows, or other personalised features such as coloured tiles or a new roof style, all of which grant you a lot of creative license.
A new conservatory roof can also increase the value of your home, turning your conservatory into a year-round habitable space which is very attractive to prospective buyers. You’re also more likely to enjoy your conservatory if it looks visually appealing and stays the right temperature regardless of the season.
How much you end up spending on your conservatory roof replacement will depend largely on the type of roof you want, the materials you choose, and where you live in the UK, with cost of labour rising in London and the South East, by as much as 20% more on average.
This guide will always clarify where prices include cost of labour and materials, and where they refer to them separately. The average cost of a conservatory roof replacement is of between £6,000 and £20,000, depending on what type of conservatory you have, and what materials you want your new roof built from.
The most popular kinds of conservatories found in the UK are lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, and gable-end conservatories.
Conservatory roof materials
You may have done your research and realised that you’re interested in changing the material that the roof of your conservatory is made from. A change of this kind can completely revolutionise how you use your space, potentially increasing your conservatory’s energy control and how much sunlight enters your room.
It’s important that you think about what you plan to use your conservatory for before you replace the roof. Tiled roofs let in less light but can enable you to use your conservatory as more of a functional space, such as for a dining room.
On the other hand, glass roofs look nicer and offer a lot more natural light, though you will need to think about temperature control and rising energy bills.
The three most common conservatory roof options are:
Glass
Glass roofs are a popular option for many homeowners. This is because they offer more natural light and are long lasting and durable. They’re also considered the most aesthetic.
However, they are more expensive to replace than polycarbonate conservatory roofs. Non-glazed glass panelled conservatory roofs are not good at regulating temperature.
Modern advances in glass technology mean that we now have specially coated glass that retains heat well whilst avoiding the ‘greenhouse effect’ that makes standard glass conservatories too hot in the summer and cold in the winter. This means that new glass conservatories can now be used all year round.
Glass conservatories are built with a sturdy aluminium frame that is resistant to harsh weather.
You could also opt for:
- Self-cleaning glass, which reduces maintenance (glass conservatories are hard to keep clean) with a material that cleans itself using the sun (which breaks down dirt through a chemical reaction caused by ultraviolet rays) and rain (which then washes the dirt away)
- Solar controlling glass, which protects your conservatory by reflecting the sun, protecting against ultra-violet damage, and reducing glare through a glazed tint that helps keep your space cool in the summer
Polycarbonate
You could choose to get a polycarbonate roof replacement. They are made of layered plastic sheeting that traps warm air through gaps in the material.
Polycarbonate is a light and stable material that is both strong and durable. It is also a good option if you’re on a budget, as it’s affordable and cheaper than glass.
However, it’s also less popular now, not only because it’s not very visually appealing, but also because it has poor sound insulation when it rains and can be prone to overheating. It also offers less security than glass and is generally less long-lasting.
Solid tiled roof
Alternatively, you could opt for a solid, tiled roof. This would remove the ‘conservatory look’ and turn your conservatory into more of an extension.
The perks of a tiled roof include better temperature regulation for year-round, comfortable use. You can use the same tiles you have on your home’s roof to integrate your conservatory into your home, helping it to further resemble an extension. Lastly, a solid roof will turn your conservatory into a functional room and is likely to add the most value to your property.
However, a tiled roof conservatory will let in less natural light, a big consequence of better temperature regulation. Tiled roofs sometimes require additional rafters and batons to support the weight of the roof, which can increase costs. However, this isn’t needed very often, as you can purchase lightweight models that are designed to sit on standard timber or uPVC conservatory frames.
Solid roofs sometimes require building regulation approval, so make sure to check beforehand.
Close section ↑What is the average cost of a replacement conservatory roof?
If you leave your roof to deteriorate, it will only make your conservatory more inefficient and unpleasant to use. Though you will have to spend money to replace it, in the long run it will save you money in energy bills, lowering your carbon footprint as well.
How much you end up spending on a replacement will depend largely on the type of conservatory roof you are having replaced, the size of the structure, and your choice of materials.
The average cost of a 4m x 4m polycarbonate roof replacement is of between £6,000 and £13,000.
How much you spend will be impacted by the type of roof you get. For example:
- A 4m x 4m lean-to polycarbonate conservatory roof replacement will cost around £8,000
- A 4m x 4m Edwardian polycarbonate conservatory roof replacement will cost around £9,500
- A 4m x 4m Victorian polycarbonate conservatory roof replacement will cost around £9,500
The average cost of a 4m x 4m glass roof replacement is of roughly £14,500, or anywhere from £9,500 to £20,000.
The average cost of a 4m x 4m tiled roof replacement is of around £16,000.
These price brackets are impacted by a range of factors, including:
- The type of roof you want to replace your conservatory with, including lean-to, Edwardian, Victorian, or a gable-end styles
- The size of your roof
- The number of hips, valleys, ridges, and rafters, and your choice of materials for these
- Your choice of roof covering, for instance, what kind of tiling
- Whether you want roof insulation, and how thick you want it to be
You will also need to consider the cost of removing and disposing of your existing roof. This includes hiring skips and scaffolding. One 6-yard skip will cost around £265 to hire, though you may need more than one, depending on the size of your project. Four-metre-long scaffolding with one lift would cost you around £240.
The average roofer will charge between £300 and £500 a day in (labour only) costs, depending on where you live and how much time the job will take. How easy your roof is to access, and how old your conservatory is, can also have an impact on costs.
Are you looking to replace the roof of your conservatory? Let us know what you have in mind and get some free quotes today.
Conservatory insulation prices
You may find that you want to add to or improve your conservatory roof’s insulation.
Internal conservatory roof insulation (insulation that is fitted between your conservatory roofs internal rafters and then covered with plaster or uPVC) will on average cost you between £1,000 and £2,000.
Roof insulation panels, which are fitted on top of your existing roof, start at around £2,500 and can reach upwards of £6,000 depending on the size of your roof and your choice of materials.
For instance, a 4m x 4m aluminium panel roof insulation will cost around £2,750, whilst the same size uPVC would cost £3,250, and plastered roof insulation would cost around £3,750.
Replacing your conservatory roof is the most effective way to insulate your conservatory, as most heat escapes through the roof.
Some other ways to keep your conservatory well insulated include:
- Install blinds, curtains, roof drapings, or retractable awnings
- Solar control film, a thin sheet that is applied to windows and which absorbs heat, retaining heat inside your conservatory whilst reducing glare from UV rays.
- Place a rug onto the floor of your conservatory (the thicker the better)
- Consider getting underfloor heating
If you’re looking to get your conservatory properly insulated, speak to a skilled roof insulator, and get some free quotes today.
Do you need planning permission to replace your conservatory roof?
Conservatories are considered permitted development, and don’t require planning permission, subject to a few criteria, which can be found here. This means that if you are only replacing the roof on an existing conservatory, you will already have obtained the right planning permission.
However, if you are changing a polycarbonate or glass conservatory roof into a solid, tiled one, this changes the classification of your conservatory from a temporary to a permanent structure.
Building works that are classified as “change of use” sometimes require planning permission. You will need to check with your local authority before you hire tradespeople to replace your roof, to ensure that building works comply with the relevant regulations and permissions.
Close section ↑How to save money on a replacement conservatory roof
We recommend that you don’t attempt to cut corners when it comes to buying good quality durable materials that will last you a long time. However, there are definitely some ways you can save money on your roof replacement.
- Make the most of what you already have. If you aren’t planning on making radical changes to your conservatory roof, reusing the parts of your roof that are still in working order is a great way to save money on materials, and avoid creating waste.
- Weigh up all your options. Make sure you research what all your potential options are, and how different choices could impact the way in which you will end up using your conservatory. This will help you make the most of your money, and ensure you are pleased with the end result.
- Request several quotes. The best way to get your money’s worth for a new conservatory roof is by shopping around for multiple quotes before you settle on your builders and materials. Knowing the lower and upper cost brackets for your specific project is a good idea when it comes to planning for your new conservatory.
- Choose the most energy efficient options. Though these might cost you more up front, you are more likely to save money in the long run with lower energy bills if you opt to make your conservatory roof as energy efficient as possible.
Always hire skilled labour. Getting your roof replaced properly the first time round will save you money down the line in repair costs and other complications. If you’re ready to speak to some skilled roof fitters, let us know what you have in mind, and get some free quotes today.
Conclusions
If you’re looking to save money on your conservatory renovation, replacing the roof rather than the whole structure will cost less, and can often achieve very effective energy saving features, since most heat escapes from the roof.
How much you spend will depend on a large range of factors, from materials and conservatory roof design to the size of the conservatory, and how many additional features you want installed, both for practical and aesthetic purposes.
We recommend you opt for energy efficient materials and insulation, as this will save you money in the long run when it comes to heating your conservatory during the winter.
To get a more accurate quote for how much your project could cost you, speak to a skilled roof fitter today.
*The Rated People cost guides are produced in collaboration with the quote-building platform PriceBuilder, and a range of tradespeople across the 30+ trades on our platform were consulted. Please note that the prices included are for guidance only – how much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
