How Much Does a Tiled Conservatory Roof Cost?

You may have had your conservatory for a number of years – or even a couple of decades now. If that’s the case then chances are it’s time to replace the roof. This is because decades ago many conservatories were fitted with single-sheet polycarbonate or double-glazed glass roofs.

This meant the structures tended to be warm in summer and cold in winter. Conservatory roof replacements are fitted with modern, lightweight tiles which have excellent insulating abilities, making the rooms nicer to be in all year round. It also improves energy efficiency so it cuts back on the size of your energy bills. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types and costs of tiled conservatory roofs.

Average Prices for a Tiled Conservatory Roof

First though, how much does a tiled conservatory roof cost? A good way to work this out is to calculate the price per square metre (sqm). This can vary from £650 to £850. The following are typical conservatory roof sizes and their expected average costs (including fitting):

• 3m x 3m (9 sqm) – £7,700 (£855 per sqm)
• 4.5m x 2.5m (11 sqm) – £9,000 (£823 per sqm)
• 8m x 3m (24 sqm) – £19,000 (£750 per sqm)

Factors That Affect Costs

The size of your conservatory, along with the material you choose for your roof are the biggest factors when it comes to the cost of your new tiled conservatory roof. The design will also have an impact on average costs ie whether the roof is pitched or flat.

Other factors include labour, of course, but then there’s also the cost of removing the old roof together with any new lighting and wiring work that needs to be carried out.

Having a double-glazed Velux window added for light will affect the cost too. Some homeowners ask for this since a solid tiled roof will reduce the amount of natural light the room gets.

Also, it may be that putting on a new solid roof means you will have to replace other materials on the conservatory itself, such as new lead flashing, box guttering or having to replace a sealed unit.

Conservatory Size

Just as the design of a conservatory varies, so does its size. The standard size is 3m × 3m but these days many people with larger gardens are opting for the roomier 4m × 4m conservatory. Then, again, it’s not uncommon to find a 4m x 3m version.

Materials Used

Conservatory roofs are mainly solid these days and made from a series of lightweight roof tiles. These in turn can be produced from a composite of different materials, and vary in price, depending in which particular type of roof you eventually opt for.

Conservatory Type

There are many different conservatory types to choose from. The four basic designs are:

• Victorian
• Edwardian
• Lean-to
• Gable-end

The following are variations of the above:

• P-shape
• T-shape
• L-shape

Victorian conservatory

This type of conservatory resembles the first-ever such structures introduced to Britain towards the end of the 19^th century (hence the name). As such, they are considered the ‘classic’ conservatory design. With an Apex roof, they tend to be very ornamental and come with a rounded front. This type of conservatory is usually found on older houses, of more than one storey, due to its high roof size.

Edwardian conservatory

A cross between an Orangery and a Victorian conservatory, the Edwardian version is square or rectangular shaped. As a result, it tends to feel roomier than a Victorian conservatory of the same size. It’s also less ornate. This type of conservatory has four roof sections which form an apex. The hip-back version is good for bungalows.

Lean-to conservatory

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean sunroom, the Lean-to conservatory is simple, yet elegant. This is the least expensive style of conservatory as it tends to be smaller – although this depends on the size and height, of course. This type of roof slopes backwards from the house and is also ideal for bungalows.

Gable-end conservatory

The Gable-end conservatory roof is full height to the apex of the roofline towards the front of the structure (which is usually square). As a result, it maximises the feeling of space inside. The Gable-end style is popular in contemporary homes and those with tall roofs.

Types of Tiles

These days it’s common to have synthetic tiles on a solid conservatory roof. Known as a solid roof (there’s no light unless a Velux is added), the tiles are commonly produced by combining a number of different materials, such as polymers, fibreglass, rubber, cement and limestone. They end up being lightweight but also extremely durable.

Concrete and Clay roof tiles

Both concrete and clay are too heavy to use as tiles for a conservatory roof. Instead, there are plenty of composite tiles around. These are light enough for the roof and their resemblance to concrete and clay can prove exceptional so that they appear to be the ‘real thing.’

Slate roof tiles

Due to its weight, like concrete and clay, it’s not practical to use natural slate tiles on a roof either. But you can get the look of this grey and black stone by using composite tiles made from materials such as uPVC or wood. These resemble slate and are also lightweight enough for the structure to support the roof.

Polycarbonate roof tiles

Polycarbonate sheets are still used for conservatories these days – although to a much lesser extent. On the plus side, they are inexpensive, lightweight and strong. They’re also available in tints, such as bronze and opal. The thicker the layers of sheets, the stronger the energy efficiency gain the polycarbonate conservative roof will provide. That’s because gaps between the layers in polycarbonate roofs manage to trap warm air.

Metal roof tiles

Metal roof tiles are typically produced using either aluminium or steel. Although lightweight, they’re strong and extremely durable – so a great material for a conservatory roof. The tiles are coasted in water-resistant paint to better withstand the UK weather.

These can be made to look like other materials, such as slate or even concrete, complete with a broken bond for added realism. They’re available in a range of colour choices too.

Solar roof tiles

It’s possible to have solar tiles (panels) added to a glass conservatory roof, just as you would your home (ie with the panels added onto your solid conservatory roof). Alternatively, as a way to reduce your energy bills, it’s possible to install solar panels as part of the roofing structure itself. This looks better than putting the panels on top of the solid roof.

There are a couple of restrictions when it comes to installing solar panels. The first is structural ie if you have a polycarbonate conservatory roof or if the walls aren’t strong enough to hold up the solar panel glass conservatory roof. The second restriction could lie with your local authority Building Services since you might need planning permission.

DIY Vs Hiring a Professional

Whether or not you want to take the risk of fitting a conservatory roof DIY-style is up to you, of course. But we’re not just talking about the height and ladder issue here. There’s also the thought of how much it will cost if it all goes horribly wrong.

Having said that, it’s much easier to fit a tiled conservatory roof yourself these days than in the past. This is due to the lightweight nature of the metal and composite roof tiles, many of which are designed to click neatly into place jigsaw-style. And neither do you have to worry about mixing cement or mortar and then having to apply it.

Finding a Roofer

When trying to find the right roofer for your project, it’s advisable to speak with at least three different individuals or companies. That way you’ll get a better idea of labour costs and anything else that’s involved, such as removing the existing roof.

Check that they are a member of a reputable trade association too. That way you’ll get backing should anything go wrong with the installation.

Ask each of the tradespeople which roofing material they advise for your conservatory and why (they may want to use different types of roofing).

Get quotes from each in writing and ask if the total conservatory roof cost you have been given includes VAT. It’s also a good idea at this point to agree payment terms. You may want to pay one-third of the total cost upfront, for instance. Another third could be paid halfway through the project and the final instalment handed over once the work is finished and you’re happy with it.

The Page

When you send us an enquiry here at The Page, we will match you up with a curated list of expert tradesmen. All of them will be specifically suited to work on your project.

We take the time to personally meet each and every one of our tradesmen. This gives us the opportunity to carry out checks on their work and identity. It also allows us to look at their previous work and to ask any questions there and then.

Online Search

It’s possible to find a roofer online by looking at directory listings. The trouble with this method though is that you can’t be sure all reviews are genuine. Or that the tradesperson has the qualifications they have listed.

Ask Around

Often friends and family, as well as neighbours and work colleagues can be a good source of referrals. Chances are at least someone you know has had a new tiled conservatory roof fitted in the past few years.

What You Will Get

When you choose a professional roofer who is experienced, and an expert you’ll get peace of mind you chose well. When you use The Page you will get exactly what you asked for – someone who is qualified to carry out the work you need on your conservatory roof replacement and who will do so in an extremely professional manner.