Thinking About Replacing Your Conservatory Roof? Read This First
- 10 November 2022
- News
Replacing A Conservatory Roof: Expert Guide
A poorly insulated conservatory roof can let a significant amount of heat escape, wasting energy and money. Many older conservatories across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas are too hot in summer, too cold in winter and end up as storage space rather than a true living area.
At Crown Windows, we’ve installed hundreds of Guardian tiled roofs across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, helping homeowners turn uncomfortable conservatories into year-round living spaces.
If your conservatory is too hot in summer, too cold in winter or unbearably noisy in heavy rain, a conservatory roof replacement can completely transform the space and add real value to your home. Instead of replacing the entire structure, you can often solve the problem by fitting a modern tiled roof – a practical, cost-effective way to dramatically improve comfort, energy efficiency and appearance.
Replacing a Conservatory Roof: What to Expect
If your conservatory was built in the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are it follows a classic style – like a Victorian, Edwardian or Gable design – with a fully glazed or polycarbonate roof. While these designs can look great, older roofs often lack insulation and deteriorate over time.
Modern glazing and installation standards have improved significantly. But many older conservatories still use single glazing or dated polycarbonate sheets that cause extreme temperature swings – trapping heat in summer and letting warmth escape in winter. Replacing the roof with a lightweight tiled alternative solves these issues without needing a full rebuild.
In this guide, we cover:
- Signs you may need a conservatory roof replacement
- What a tiled roof conservatory is
- How the replacement process works
- Benefits of tiled conservatory roofing
- Typical costs of conservatory roof replacement
What Are the Signs You Need a Conservatory Roof Replacement?
Before replacing your conservatory roof, it’s important to understand what’s wrong with the current one. This helps you choose a solution that fixes the underlying issues, not just the appearance. These are some of the most common signs that it’s time to consider a new roof:
1. Poor Temperature Control
Older glass or polycarbonate roofs often cause extreme temperature swings. If your conservatory feels like a greenhouse in summer and is unusably cold in winter, the roof is likely the main issue. Rooms with poor insulation quickly become uncomfortable and are often left unused or used purely as storage rather than as a living area.
2. Excess Noise
Polycarbonate roofs can amplify rain and outside noise, making it difficult to relax, work or watch TV. While some people find the sound of rain atmospheric, for many it becomes disruptive – particularly if you’re using the space as a home office or TV room. A tiled conservatory roof significantly reduces external noise, turning the room into a calmer, quieter space.
If you’re dealing with excess noise in other parts of your home too, this guide on soundproofing by Fantastic Handyman may also be useful.
3. Visible Wear and Deterioration
Roofs over 15–20 years old can suffer from leaks, cracks, draughts and persistent condensation. These issues suggest the roof is no longer performing as it should. Because the roof takes the brunt of the weather, it is often the first part of the conservatory to show its age. If problems are left unresolved, they can lead to more serious damage and, in some cases, the need for a complete replacement.
4. Outdated Appearance
A discoloured or dirty roof can make an otherwise good conservatory look tired. A modern Guardian tiled roof helps your conservatory blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, making it feel more like a proper extension. Tiled roofs can also incorporate contemporary features such as skylights to keep the space bright.
For more inspiration on how to upgrade your property while boosting value, take a look at Homebuilding & Renovating.
What Is a Tiled Roof Conservatory?
A tiled conservatory roof replaces old glass or polycarbonate with a solid, insulated structure using lightweight composite tiles. Guardian Warm Roof systems are specifically designed for conservatory roof replacement.
Lightweight construction – Guardian tiles weigh around 0.7kg each (much lighter than traditional slate), so most existing conservatory frames can support them without major reinforcement.
Excellent thermal performance – Guardian roofs are engineered to achieve low U-values (often around 0.15–0.18 W/m²K), meeting or exceeding UK Building Regulations for habitable rooms.
Effective insulation – High-performance insulation (typically 100–150mm) is built into the roof, helping keep your conservatory warm in winter and cooler in summer.
You can customise the roof to match your home, with a wide range of tile colours available — from slate grey to deep red and black. You can also choose the internal ceiling style, such as a sloped or vaulted ceiling to increase the feeling of space. If you still want plenty of natural light, skylights can be added to the design. These are a popular feature in modern Guardian tiled roof systems, offering the benefits of solid roofing while letting daylight into the room below.
How Can You Replace a Conservatory Roof with Tiles?
Replacing a conservatory roof with a Guardian Warm Roof is a specialist process. We’ve installed Guardian tiled roofs across Milton Keynes for many years, and the installation method has been refined to guarantee long-term performance and structural reliability. A typical installation takes around 2–3 working days once work starts on site.
One of the most common questions we’re asked is whether the new tiled roof is added on top of the old structure. The answer is no — the existing roof is fully removed and a new system is built from the base up.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the tiled roof replacement process usually works:
- 1. Free Site Survey – We assess your conservatory size, shape and structure to confirm suitability for a tiled roof replacement and identify any reinforcement needed.
- 2. Building Regulations Application – We handle the Building Control application for you, ensuring the project complies with current Building Regulations and that you receive a completion certificate.
- 3. Removal of Old Roof – The existing roof structure is removed. We inspect and, where necessary, reinforce the frames and supporting ring beam.
- 4. New Aluminium Framework – A purpose-designed aluminium framework is installed to match your conservatory style (Victorian, Edwardian, Lean-to, Gable or bespoke), ensuring strength and stability.
- 5. Insulation & Membranes – High-performance insulation boards are fitted between and over the rafters. Breathable waterproof membranes are added to keep moisture out while allowing the roof to breathe.
- 6. Tile Installation & Internal Finishing – Lightweight Guardian tiles are fitted, followed by ridges, hips and flashing details for a fully weatherproof finish. Inside, the ceiling is boarded, plastered and prepared for final decoration and lighting.
Why professional installation matters: Using an experienced, accredited installer for your conservatory roof replacement in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas ensures structural safety, thermal performance and compliance with Building Regulations.
The video below shows the process in action and gives a closer look at how a Guardian tiled roof system is installed:
What Are the Benefits of a Tiled Conservatory Roof?
All conservatory types offer extra living space and can add value to your home. But if your existing conservatory feels outdated or uncomfortable, replacing the roof with a tiled system offers several key advantages.
Year-Round Comfort
A tiled, insulated roof helps keep your conservatory cooler in summer and warmer in winter, turning it into a space you can use all year – whether as a dining room, home office or extra living room. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to make the most of your upgraded conservatory, Ideal Home has put together a useful guide with layout and design ideas.
Better Energy Efficiency
By reducing heat loss through the roof, a Guardian tiled conservatory roof can help lower heating demand. Over the lifespan of the roof, this can contribute to noticeable savings on energy bills, especially if your old roof was very inefficient.
If your conservatory still has single-glazed panels, it’s worth considering an upgrade to double or triple glazing. Many older builds don’t meet today’s energy standards. We offer double glazing in Aylesbury and across the surrounding areas and can assess your setup to recommend the best approach.
For more practical ideas on making your home more efficient, Green Match offers a straightforward guide to eco-friendly upgrades.
Quieter, More Peaceful Space
Solid roofs offer much better sound insulation than polycarbonate. Heavy rain, traffic and other external noise are significantly reduced, making your conservatory feel like a natural extension of your home. Internally, the plastered ceiling helps the room feel more like a standard living space and less like an external structure – ideal if you’re using the conservatory as a home office or quiet retreat.
Improved Appearance & Property Appeal
A tiled roof often makes a conservatory look more like a proper extension, which many buyers prefer. It helps the whole rear elevation of your home look smarter and more modern. Tiled roofs can be colour-matched to your existing roof for a seamless, integrated finish.
Inside, the plastered ceiling gives you far more flexibility with interior design. You can add recessed downlights, spotlights or statement fixtures – just like any other room in your house.
Long-Term Durability & Property Value
Guardian roofs come with long-term product warranties when installed by approved installers. With minimal maintenance, they are designed to last for decades. According to On The Market, a well-built conservatory can add value to your property. If your current conservatory structure is solid but outdated, replacing just the roof is a cost-effective upgrade that can still make a big difference to how your home is viewed by potential buyers.
Cost of Conservatory Roof Replacement
The cost of replacing a conservatory roof with tiles varies depending on the size of your conservatory and the materials used. As a guide:
- Smaller conservatories: from around £4,000
- Larger conservatories: from around £6,000
- Plastered interior finish: additional cost depending on layout
While tiled roofs cost more upfront than glass or polycarbonate, they are significantly more efficient — up to 15 times more thermally effective. This helps reduce your energy use, lower bills, and improve year-round comfort.
A tiled conservatory roof typically lasts over 20 years, compared to 10 years for polycarbonate systems. That longevity, combined with better insulation and a more modern finish, makes it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Get the Most from Your Conservatory with a Tiled Roof
Replacing your conservatory roof with a tiled system is a practical way to improve comfort, energy efficiency and usability — without the cost of a full rebuild. No matter the style or age of your conservatory, a tiled roof can help make the space feel like a true part of your home.
If you’d like advice on your options or want to arrange a site survey, get in touch with our team. We have many years of experience in double glazing in Milton Keynes and across the surrounding areas, and we’ll recommend the most suitable solution based on your current setup, requirements and budget.
Got Questions About Tiled Conservatory Roofs?
If you’re considering upgrading your conservatory, you likely have a few questions about tiled roofs — how they work, what they cost, and whether they’re worth it. Here we’ve answered some of the most common queries we get from homeowners across Milton Keynes and beyond.
What is a tiled conservatory roof?
A tiled conservatory roof replaces old glass or polycarbonate roofing with a solid, insulated structure, finished with lightweight tiles. It improves temperature control and gives your conservatory a more permanent, room-like feel.
How much does it cost to replace a conservatory roof with tiles?
Prices typically range from £4,000 to £6,000 depending on size, design and finish. Adding internal plastering or roof windows may increase the cost slightly.
Will a tiled conservatory roof make the room warmer?
Yes. Tiled roofs offer much better insulation than glass or polycarbonate, helping to keep your conservatory warm in winter and cool in summer.
Do I need planning permission to install a tiled conservatory roof?
Usually not. Most replacements fall under permitted development, but it’s always best to check with your local planning authority or your installer.
How long does a tiled conservatory roof last?
A well-installed tiled conservatory roof can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance, making it a long-term upgrade.
