What does a warm roof actually do? Conservatories explained

Do you use your conservatory less than you'd like? You may want to consider investing in a warm roof.

The phrase "warm roof" might seem a little vague. After all, aren't all roofs meant to be warm? If they weren't, you may as well have a roof made out of paper.

In fact, warm roofs are a specific kind of roof system – a solid, insulated and tiled construction built to perform better than polycarbonate and glass.

Here at Calder Windows, we install Equinox and SupaLite warm roofs for conservatories across Yorkshire. So, we know a thing or two about the benefits they can bring.

In this article, we look at the benefits and cost considerations. We hope it helps you turn your conservatory into a place you want to be all year round.

What is a warm roof?

A warm roof is a solid, insulated and tiled roof that resembles a house roof. The tiles are selected to match the rest of your home, and the ceiling has insulation above it and a lightweight frame.

With their substantial insulation and ceilings, warm roofs are a worthy replacement for traditional glass and polycarbonate roofs. They keep the conservatory cool in summer, warm in winter and quiet for all 12 months of the year.

They also provide excellent thermal performance, measured in the UK with "U-values". These range from 0.10 to 0.18 W/m²K. That meets – and surpasses – UK building regulations and contributes to the comfort of the conservatory.

How can a warm roof benefit your conservatory?

A warm roof replaces your glass or polycarbonate roof with a solid, tiled and insulated structure. This prevents unpleasant temperature changes and makes the conservatory a comfy and cosy place to be all year round.

It does this by keeping the room warm in winter and cool in the summer. At the same time, it reduces glare by blocking direct sunlight – and it dampens nuisance noises like rain, wind and hail.

This has the additional benefit of improving energy efficiency. With a warm roof, you can expect lower bills because less heat escapes through the conservatory. You can also make savings by reducing the likelihood of damp patches, mould and other nasty consequences of moisture buildup.

A warm roof has another financial benefit. By making the conservatory resemble a house extension, it can add to the value of your home when it's time to sell.

How does a warm roof differ from polycarbonate and glass?

A warm roof has thick layers of rigid insulation boards. Glass and polycarbonate roofs, by contrast, are single layers installed on top of the conservatory.

This affects the roof's thermal efficiency. Whereas a warm roof offers excellent thermal efficiency, older glass roofs without solar coatings let the heat escape. Polycarbonate, too, offers only minimal thermal resistance, sometimes leading to roasting hot summers and freezing cold winters.

Warm roofs are solid and opaque, although you can add roof windows or skylights to let sunlight in. This makes the roof look like an extension of the house and has the added benefit of reducing the pounding sounds of rain and hail.

Compare this to polycarbonate – a translucent or tinted material that can discolour within 10 years and acts as a natural amplifier for rain and hail.

Glass roofs, meanwhile, maximise natural sunlight, helping the room feel bright and airy. They can, however, be noisy when it rains – and they require regular washing if you want to maintain their box-fresh appearance.

Finally, there's the question of cost. Warm roofs cost more upfront than glass and polycarbonate roofs. They reap rewards in the long run, however, lasting up to 50 years and adding resale value to the home.

Polycarbonate is the opposite. It's affordable and easy to install. Its lifespan, however, can be up to 40 years shorter, meaning costly replacements down the line. Combined with its other shortcomings, it's easy to see why warm roofs are an increasingly popular choice for conservatories.

Can any conservatory have a warm roof retrofitted?

Not all conservatories can be retrofitted with a warm roof. Some older conservatories don't have the reinforced framing or posts needed to bear the load of the new roof. The concrete foundations, too, must be able to handle the weight of the rafters, insulation and tiles.

Finally, the existing frames – whether they're made from uPVC or timber – must be in good condition. If they're not rigid, they could shift or even buckle under the new roof.

There's also the question of building regulations. Solid roof conversions turn temporary structures into permanent "habitable" spaces. This means you'll likely need local authority approval before the installers come round and get to work.

These caveats in place, however, a warm roof is a fantastic addition to most conservatories. And at Calder Windows, our Equinox and SupaLite warm roofs fit lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, P-shape, L-shape and T-shape conservatories.

The question for many is whether to get the roof replaced or the whole conservatory.

Warm roof cost vs full conservatory replacement

Installing a warm roof on an existing conservatory typically costs between £6,000 and £20,000, depending on the provider. A full conservatory replacement, by comparison, will cost between £15,000 and £45,000.

If your current conservatory is structurally sound, a warm roof upgrade is a cost-effective solution. If, however, the overall structure has seen better days, you may save money in the long run by investing in a full conservatory replacement.

What is the typical U-value of a warm roof conservatory?

High-quality warm roofs achieve U-values between 0.12 and 0.18, vastly outperforming old polycarbonate (1.7–2.5) or single glass (5.5).

How we can help

At Calder Windows, we've helped homeowners in Yorkshire create beautiful, functional living spaces for more than 30 years.

We supply a range of thermally efficient conservatory roofs from the brands Equinox and SupaLite. Both are available in a range of finishes and profiles and are among the UK's most trusted warm roof systems.

Our team would love to help you get more from your conservatory. To book a free appointment and discuss your options, drop us a message online.

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