Replacing a conservatory roof vs starting again

Is your conservatory tropical in summer and arctic in winter? Are there drips, draughts, wear and tear, condensation or sagging? Does the sound of rain make you feel like you're sitting under a thousand pinball machines? Then it's high time for a new roof.

Yes, your conservatory roof is key to the overall comfort and performance of the structure. But once you've made up your mind to swap roofs, another question arises: should you replace the roof or the whole conservatory?

Let's start with a rule of thumb. If the foundations, walls and frames of your conservatory are sound, a roof replacement can be enough to breathe new life into an old conservatory.

If, however, there are structural issues below the roof, a new roof can be a false economy. In this case, your money might be better spent on a new conservatory.

When is a roof replacement enough?

Ask yourself these five questions. If you can answer 'Yes' to each one, then a roof replacement likely makes sense for your conservatory.

Are the frames structurally sound, with no rot, warping, corrosion, sagging or other movement? This applies to uPVC, wood and aluminium frames.
Are the walls structurally sound, with no signs of cracking or settlement (downward movement)?
Am I happy with the layout, size and overall feel of the conservatory? If it ain't broke, as they say, don't fix it!
Is the roof structure suitable for the replacement roof? In other words, can it handle the weight?
Is comfort my priority? Do you want the conservatory to be habitable all year round without committing to a total rebuild?

When does the conservatory need replacing?

There are two main reasons for replacing a conservatory in its entirety rather than simply replacing the roof. The first is a question of structural soundness. The second is a question of taste.

Let's consider taste first. If you've fallen out of love with your conservatory and have the budget, you may as well replace the whole shebang.

As for structural soundness, there are several considerations. These include:

Doors and windows. Are there gaps around the frames? Are they jammed, sticky or warped? If so, it might be time to start again.
Walls. Large masonry cracks are a telltale sign you need to replace your conservatory – and not just the roof.
Rotten timber. If the conservatory's cosmetic trim is rotten, you can get away with a roof replacement. But if the rot is structural, you should consider a full-blown replacement.
Leaks from the walls or frames. This indicates the structural issues aren't just about the roof.
Foundations. Are they subsiding? Is the conservatory visibly sinking, dropping or losing its shape?
Frames. Are they corroded, distorted or weakened in such a way that they can't support a replacement roof?

Cost comparison: roof replacement vs full rebuild

Let's say you have a typical medium-sized conservatory – one about four metres long by three metres wide.

Installing a new roof will cost you between £4,000 and £12,000, depending on the material and whether you choose an insulated, tiled roof. A whole new conservatory, meanwhile, will cost north of £12,000.

This means that if your current conservatory is structurally sound, upgrading your roof makes better sense than replacing the structure for the sake of it.

If, however, you need a new roof and new windows, doors, frames and walls, a full-blown replacement often makes more sense.

How disruptive is a conservatory roof replacement?

Getting your conservatory roof replaced generally involves removing the old glazing or polycarbonate, assessing the roof structure and installing the new roof.

If you've gone for a solid, insulated roof, there will also need to be some plastering and electrical work done.

You can expect some noise and dust as the installers do their work – but the rest of your house can continue with business as normal.

How disruptive is a full conservatory replacement?

A conservatory replacement is a bigger operation than a conservatory roof replacement.

It's easy to see why. Rather than just swapping out the roof, the whole structure gets knocked down and rebuilt.

Demolition involves removing the roof and glazing, dismantling the frames, taking down walls and rebuilding the base.

New frames, windows and doors will be installed, the new roof fitted, the floor put down and the conservatory plastered and decorated. There is considerably more disruption and considerably more rubble and waste.

However, as with any construction project, a good installer will aim to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.

What are the planning implications of a roof replacement?

In most cases, a conservatory roof can be replaced without planning permission. The main exception is when the new roof significantly alters the overall structure and appearance of the conservatory.

You should also check with your local planning authority if your property is:

Listed
In a conservation area
Subject to an Article 4 Direction
Subject to restrictions of permitted development rights

Planning permission is one thing, and Building Regulations are another. Any conservatory roof replacement must be built in line with Building Regulations. This primarily means that the new structure is structurally sound and properly insulated and ventilated.

You will also need Building Regulations approval if the new roof increases the weight by 15% or more – or if structural alterations are required.

Six questions to ask a surveyor

When getting your conservatory or conservatory roof replaced, communication is key to ensure a happy outcome. Here are six questions to ask your surveyor to boost your chances of success.

Is the existing conservatory structurally suitable?
What will the roof look and sound like?
Are any approvals needed?
What will happen to the existing frames?
What kind of insulation will there be?
What will the interior be like?

How we can help

At Calder Windows, we've installed high-quality windows, doors and conservatories in West Yorkshire for more than 30 years.

We offer a wide range of conservatory roof solutions, all designed to increase the comfort, energy efficiency and visual appeal of your conservatory.

And for those who want to start from scratch, we also supply and install bespoke conservatories. That includes traditional conservatories, contemporary glass orangeries and single-storey extensions.

All our services come with generous warranties, FENSA certificates (where applicable) and excellent aftercare from our local team.

Why not book an appointment today for a no-obligation chat? We can help you weigh up your options and choose the best route forward for your new living space.

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