“Get a conservatory warm roof, they said. They were right!”.
Welcome to the wonderful world of the conservatory warm roof. This unique roofing system will transform your conservatory into a space free from glare, excessive heat, and nuisance noise, making it liveable all year round.
A solid roof is ideal roofing for conservatories. It solves all the problems associated with glazed roofs, such as noise, poor thermal inefficiency, glare, and interior UV damage, and it is suitable for existing structures and new builds alike.
With a solid roof, your conservatory will be as warm in the winter as the rest of your home and cool in the summer due to low solar heat gain.
If you are considering a solid roof for your conservatory, this guide includes everything you need to know to empower your research.
What is a conservatory warm roof?
A warm conservatory roof is a solid, tiled roofing system.
It could be a prefabricated system built to order and delivered onsite for installation or a timber system built from scratch onsite.
For this article, we are focusing on prefabricated systems like the Leka Roof, which is made to order following a structural survey.
Prefabricated conservatory roofs are superior because they are built to precise tolerances using lightweight materials like GRP, aluminium, and insulation boards, rather than wood or other materials prone to degradation.
Installation/build times are also significantly reduced with prefabrication as the roof system is ready to assemble or install upon delivery.
Who manufactures solid conservatory roofs?
There are various manufacturers of tiled conservatory roofs in the UK, and some roofs are manufactured in the EU or China (manufacturers rarely mention the latter because it affects the product’s reputation for quality, so watch out!).
If a low carbon footprint and lead times are important to you, we recommend sticking to UK manufacturers, such as Leka Systems.
The Leka warm roof system, refined over a decade to surpass building regulations and quality standards, delivers best-in-class thermal and noise performance alongside limitless roof shape and tile customisation.
Only Network Leka installers can erect the Leka warm roof, ensuring every installation is fit for purpose with a 40-year warranty.
Why should you choose a solid roof?
The case for a solid roof is simple:
A conservatory warm roof is quieter and provides higher thermal insulation than a glazed roof, keeping heat and cold out during the summer and winter months. Simply put, it makes your conservatory feel like an extension!
Here are the five main reasons to choose a solid roof:
- Noise reduction
Solid conservatory roofs offer superior noise reduction compared to glazed roofs. The solid nature of the roof material creates a barrier that shields the inside space from outside noise, making them ideal for noisy environments.
- Thermal insulation
Solid conservatory roofs are much better at insulating than their glazed counterparts. They benefit from thicker materials that can create an air gap between the inside and outside, trapping the heat inside and reducing energy consumption.
- Glare reduction
Glazed conservatory roofs expose the inside to more natural light, which can lead to glare problems. Solid conservatory roofs, however, can stop the light from getting through, reducing the amount of glare in the space.
- Attractiveness
Conservatory warm roofs often create a more attractive aesthetic than glazed roofs due to the broader range of materials and colours they can be made from. This makes them a helpful addition when creating an attractive outdoor space.
- No cleaning or maintenance
Glazed roofs require regular cleaning, just like windows. Solid conservatory roofs, however, require much less maintenance due to the nature of the material. This makes them a much more attractive option for those who prefer a low-maintenance solution.
Can you retrofit a solid conservatory roof?
It is possible to retrofit a solid conservatory roof and replace your existing fibreglass, traditional build, glass, or polycarbonate roofing system.
The beauty of prefabricated solid roofs is that they are built to order, so you cannot only upgrade but also specify a new design and style to transform your conservatory.
A site survey is crucial to obtain measurements for a solid roof. Before this, a consultation is necessary to assess the existing support of the conservatory structure and determine if it can bear the additional weight of the roof.
Homeowners and builders can use the Leka Warm Roof System for superior thermal efficiency and convenience. The Leka conversion kit is lightweight – up to 40% lighter than most competitor products – and more thermally efficient.
The Leka warm conservatory roof contains no aluminium or timber parts – it is built from four simple ladder kits of GRP. The Leka System is also approved by MFA and compliant with building regulations.
Do you need planning permission for a tiled conservatory roof?
No, you do not need planning permission for a tiled conservatory roof, provided you meet the conditions of permitted development rights.
However, your solid roof installation must comply with building regulations.
While many prefabricated solid roofing systems are LABC (Local Authority Building Control) approved, this does not exempt them from building control – it simply means the design should pass building regulations.
The Leka Roof goes a step further with MFA approval. MFA Ltd is an Approved Inspector licenced by the government – via the Construction Industry Council (CIC). The Leka roof can often be fast-tracked through the system because of this.
Summing up – is a warm conservatory roof right for you?
A warm conservatory roof is an excellent option for anyone who wants to transform their conservatory into a comfortable, energy-efficient living space.
Tiled roofs offer noise reduction, improved thermal efficiency, glare reduction, enhanced aesthetics, and lower maintenance requirements than glazed roofs. The price is also typically within 10% of roofs with high-performance solar reflective glass.
