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Has the Edwardian conservatory you were so excited about when you first had it built become a forgotten room in your home? Many conservatories across the UK sit empty for months at a time, too chilly in winter and like a greenhouse in summer.
But there’s a simple solution that can transform this underused space into one of the most comfortable rooms in your house, and it involves a solid conservatory roof.
What is a Solid Conservatory Roof?
A solid conservatory roof is a fully insulated roofing system that often replaces a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof. It typically uses lightweight tiles or solid panels with proper insulation to create a thermally efficient roof, which can help reduce heating bills, making your conservatory usable throughout the year.
The Retrofit Solution
Many homeowners don’t realise that, if you have issues with your conservatory, you often don’t need to tear down the entire thing. A solid roof replacement (often called a retrofit) allows you to keep your existing conservatory structure while transforming it with a new roof.
This approach is much more cost-effective than building a completely new solid roof conservatory or extension. The process typically takes just a few days, causes minimal disruption to your home, and doesn’t require planning permission in most cases (though building control approval is usually needed).
The transformation can be remarkable, what was once an uncomfortable space becomes a proper extension of your home that you can use all year round.
Our Solid Roof Options
At Lifestyle Windows, we offer a range of styles in three high-quality solid roof systems, each with its strengths. All can be installed as part of a new conservatory or as a replacement for an existing roof.
Icotherm Solid Roofs
Icotherm roofs use a sustainable timber construction that offers natural insulation properties. Unlike some systems that use metal frameworks, the timber core of an Icotherm roof provides excellent thermal performance with U-values as low as 0.15W/m²K.
The roofs are fully ventilated to prevent condensation, creating a chimney effect that helps manage moisture, effectively eliminating problems with damp or mould.
Icotherm roofs work with virtually any conservatory style, from Victorian to lean-to, and come with a range of finishing options. You can choose roof tiles that look like traditional slate or opt for modern shingles in a range of colours, including black, grey, brown, and red.
Icotherm offers four different roof styles, including a new conservatory roof, each designed to meet specific needs:
- Icoroof – This is the classic pitched design, bringing together traditional appearances with modern insulation.
- Icoview – This style uses strategically placed glass sections within the solid structure, giving you light where you want it while keeping the excellent insulation.
- Icospan – This option creates a more substantial, extension-like feel for those who prefer a flat roof look. Many people pair it with a roof lantern to bring light into the centre of the room.
- Ico 600 – Particularly useful where height is limited, such as bungalows or where upstairs windows might be affected. The very low pitch keeps the profile minimal.
Thanks to their pre-made sections, most installations only take a few days to complete.
Ultraroof Tiled Roofs
The Ultraroof system is one of the lightest tiled roof options available, making it perfect for smaller conservatory structures that might not support heavier solid roofs. Despite being lightweight, it achieves impressive U-values as low as 0.13, providing outstanding thermal efficiency.
With just three main structural components, it can be fitted faster than many other tiled roofs, minimising disruption to your home. Inside, you get a beautiful, vaulted ceiling with no need for tie bars, creating a spacious, airy feel, unlike traditional glass roofs.
You can specify tile colours, fascias, and even glass panels or roof lanterns for where you need extra natural light. The internal ceiling is plastered, allowing you to add downlights or spotlights. When considering replacing a conservatory roof with a solid one like an Ultraroof tiled roof, you can appreciate the key benefits of doing so. Costs typically range from £6,000 to £12,000, depending on the size, chosen materials, and any custom design features you incorporate.
LivinROOF Solid Panels
If you’re looking for a more contemporary option, the LivinROOF might be perfect. This innovative system uses insulated aluminium panels that can be combined with glass sections for added natural light.
Weighing just 31kg, the LivinROOF is incredibly lightweight while remaining exceptionally strong. It’s been wind-tested to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 130mph, so there’s no need to worry about durability. When it comes to maintenance, a solid conservatory roof like LivinROOF typically requires less upkeep than glass or polycarbonate options, as it is less prone to leaks, moss buildup, and frequent cleaning. Routine checks for debris and ensuring the roof remains free of damage or blockages are generally sufficient, especially when paired with features like stylish bifold doors.
The exterior has a modern, urban grey finish that works well with contemporary homes. Because the system is pre-fabricated off-site, installation is quick and clean with minimal waste and disruption. For homeowners wanting a tiled roof conservatory with a solid roof and a modern twist, the LivinROOF offers the perfect balance of insulation and light.
The Benefits of a Solid Conservatory Roof
Whatever type of roof you choose, you’ll enjoy numerous benefits.
Temperature Control
The most obvious benefit is improved thermal efficiency. Solid roofs dramatically reduce heat loss in winter, keeping your conservatory warm without excessive heating costs. Unlike glass roofs, they prevent the greenhouse effect that can make conservatories unbearably hot and unusable by blocking UV rays and reducing glare.
This temperature control means you can use your conservatory as a proper living space throughout the year.
Reduced Energy Bills
With better insulation comes lower energy costs, especially in temperature extremes. A properly insulated solid roof can significantly reduce the amount of heating needed in winter, potentially saving you money on energy bills. This also helps keep the rest of your house warmer, as you won’t have heat escaping through a poorly insulated conservatory.
Noise Reduction
If you’ve ever experienced heavy rain on a polycarbonate roof, you’ll know how noisy it can be. Solid roofs provide excellent sound insulation, allowing for a highly peaceful environment and potentially less reliance on central heating during colder months.
Improved Appearance
Solid roof designs can transform the interior and exterior appearance of your conservatory. From the outside, a solid tiled roof conservatory roof makes your conservatory look more like a permanent extension, blending better with your main house. Inside, the plastered ceiling creates a room-like feel that works with any interior design style.
Added Value
Converting your conservatory into a worthwhile investment year-round living space can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers will see a practical room rather than a compromised space with limited usability. A solid roof conservatory offers the space advantages of an extension but typically at a lower cost.
Improve Your Conservatory with Us
If you’re tired of having a conservatory that’s only comfortable for a few months each year, a solid roof replacement could be the ideal solution for improved energy efficiency. The transformation from a problematic space to a comfortable, year-round room can be achieved more quickly and affordably than you might think.
At Lifestyle Windows, our expert team can guide you through the options and help you choose the right solid roof system for your home. A great way to do this is to visit our showroom, where you can discuss your home improvement projects and take a look at our range of roofs.
To find out more about how we can transform your conservatory with a solid roof, contact us on 0800 783 6502, at contact@lifestylewindows.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for a solid conservatory roof?
In most cases, replacing a conservatory roof doesn’t require planning permission as it’s considered a permitted development.
How long does it take to replace a conservatory roof?
Most solid roof replacements take 2-6 days, depending on the size and complexity of your conservatory. Our installation teams work efficiently to minimise disruption.
Can I still have natural light with a solid roof?
Absolutely. All our conservatory roof systems can incorporate glass panels, roof windows, or roof lanterns to bring in natural light exactly where you want it. This gives you the best of both worlds, the insulation benefits of a solid roof with strategically placed glazing for brightness.