Thinking About Replacing Your Conservatory Roof? Read This First
- 10 November 2022
- News
Replacing Your Conservatory Roof: A Practical Guide
Many older conservatories become uncomfortable and underused. They’re too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and often end up as storage space rather than a living area. The main cause? Poor roof insulation.
If your conservatory was built years ago, it likely has a glazed roof with outdated materials and single glazing. Instead of replacing the entire structure, you can now solve the problem by fitting a modern tiled roof. It’s a simpler, more cost-effective fix that dramatically improves comfort and energy efficiency.
At Crown Windows, we’ve installed hundreds of conservatory roofs across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. In this guide, we’ll explain the key things you need to know about replacing your conservatory roof – from identifying signs of wear to understanding tiled roof systems and associated costs.
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 roof. These designs look great, but 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 trap heat or let warmth escape. 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. Here are the most common signs that indicate it’s time to replace your conservatory roof:
Lack of Temperature Control
Older conservatories often struggle to maintain a stable temperature. If your conservatory feels like a greenhouse in summer and is unusably cold in winter, the roof is likely the problem. Rooms with poor insulation quickly become uncomfortable and are often left unused, or used as a storage space instead of a living area.
Many older conservatories were built with single-glazed glass or polycarbonate panels. These materials provide very little insulation, which leads to extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Excess Noise from Rain and Wind
Polycarbonate roofs, common in earlier conservatory builds, offer poor sound insulation. You might notice that wind and rain sound louder in the conservatory than anywhere else in the house. While some find this atmospheric, others report that it becomes disruptive — particularly for those using the space as a home office.
If you’re dealing with excess noise inside your home, this guide on soundproofing by Fantastic Handyman may also be useful.
Badly Installed Roofing
Many of us have fallen victim to a cowboy builder who promises the very best but most definitely does not deliver quality. If you had issues with your initial conservatory installer, then this is likely to be the reason why an upgrade is necessary. In this instance, you do not always need to abandon your old conservatory and start from scratch, as something as simple as a roof replacement could restore your space, saving you both time and money.
Age-Related Deterioration
Much like any other component of your home, conservatories can start to deteriorate with age. Due to the nature and responsibility of the roof, this is the one aspect, in particular, that is likely to show the first signs of wear and tear. Whether it may be down to adverse weather conditions or poor quality materials, roofing systems can start to no longer serve their purpose as much as you hoped. Failing to resolve this may lead to more significant problems, such as leaking, and in this instance, there may be no other choice but to replace the entire conservatory.
Unappealing Appearance
There doesn’t necessarily have to be a problem with your conservatory in order to replace the roof. The main reason that you would like to upgrade your conservatory roof may simply be down to the fact that the appearance no longer fits with your style. Your home should be the perfect representation of your personality and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, so there is no harm in renovating your space for this reason alone. A tiled roof replacement, in particular, is a fantastic way to modernise your conservatory, making it feel more like an extension of your home, able to be complete with contemporary skylights.
For more inspiration on ways that you can upgrade your property while boosting value, take a look at Homebuilding & Renovating.
What Is a Tiled Roof Conservatory?
A tiled roof conservatory replaces the traditional glass or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight tiled system. These roofs offer better insulation, reduce external noise, and create a more private, comfortable living space that can be used all year round.
Unlike older glazed roofs, a tiled roof looks and feels like a standard extension from the inside. It has a solid plastered ceiling, supports integrated lighting, and helps regulate temperature more effectively. This makes it ideal for converting your conservatory into a home office, playroom or second living room.
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 ceiling style internally, such as a sloped or vaulted ceiling to increase the feeling of space.
If you still want 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?
We’ve installed Guardian tiled roofs across Milton Keynes for many years, and the process has been refined to guarantee long-term performance and structural reliability. 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 works:
- 1. Full roof removal – The original conservatory roof is stripped back completely to leave a clean base for installation.
- 2. Timber add-on frame – A timber frame is installed around the top of the existing window frames.
- 3. Aluminium support structure – Beams and rafters are added to form the framework for the new roof.
- 4. Roof windows (optional) – If you want to include roof windows, they’re installed at this stage between the beams.
- 5. Insulation and internal frame – Timber battens are fixed internally, followed by high-grade insulation.
- 6. Plywood and waterproof membrane – The outer layer is covered with timber ply, sealed with a breathable waterproof membrane.
- 7. Tile installation and finishing – Roof tiles are fitted, followed by flashings, cappings and any final detailing.
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.
A Practical Alternative to a New Conservatory
Replacing the roof can completely transform the look, feel, and usability of your conservatory — without the cost or disruption of a full rebuild. A tiled roof upgrade is typically completed within a few days, and you won’t need to wait for additional works like plumbing or electricals to begin using the space again.
Comfort in All Seasons
A tiled roof improves insulation, keeping the conservatory cool in summer and warm in winter. You’ll be able to use the space all year round, without having to deal with extreme temperature swings. Whether you want to turn it into a home office, playroom or dining space, a tiled roof makes it far more versatile.
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.
Improved Sound Insulation
Older conservatory roofs, particularly those made from polycarbonate, offer little to no noise protection. A tiled roof significantly improves sound insulation, helping to reduce rain, wind and outside noise. Internally, the ceiling is fully plastered, making the space feel more like a standard room and less like an external structure. This is especially useful if you’re using the conservatory as a home office or quiet retreat.
Lower Energy Bills
Poorly insulated roofs allow heat to escape quickly, forcing you to rely more heavily on your central heating. A tiled conservatory roof helps retain warmth, making the room easier to heat and more consistent in temperature throughout the year. This leads to reduced energy consumption, helping to cut your bills and improve overall efficiency.
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.
Improve the Appearance of Your Home
If your conservatory is looking dated, replacing the roof with a tiled system can modernise its appearance and bring it in line with the rest of your home. Tiled roofs can be colour-matched to your existing roof, creating a more seamless and 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. This gives your conservatory a more polished, finished look and helps it feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Boost Property Value
According to On The Market, a well-built conservatory can add up to 12% to your property’s value. If your current conservatory structure is solid but outdated, replacing just the roof is a cost-effective upgrade that can still make a difference to how your home is viewed by potential buyers.
Tiled conservatory roofs are still relatively uncommon, so upgrading yours can help your property stand out. Buyers increasingly look for usable year-round spaces, and a modern, well-insulated conservatory adds a functional living area without needing a full extension.
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.
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.
