Most insulated panel roofs cost £3,000 to £7,500 fitted, take one to three days to fit and need building control approval, which we handle. The 75 mm panels have a U-value of about 0.43, cutting heat loss through the roof by about 80 percent against 16 mm polycarbonate. The answers below cover the rest.
These are the questions we hear most, grouped in the order people usually ask them: prices first, then fitting, then the rules and paperwork, then how the room will feel, and finally life with the new roof. Each answer is short, and most link to a page or guide that goes into more depth.
If your question is not here, contact us and a surveyor will answer it. You can also get a guide price in a minute with the cost calculator.
All questions
How much does it cost to replace a conservatory roof with insulated panels?
Most homes pay £3,000 to £7,500 fitted. Small roofs up to 12 m² start from £3,000, medium roofs from £4,000 and large or P-shaped roofs from £5,000. See the full conservatory roof panel prices by size and style.
What is included in the price?
Removing and recycling the old roof, made to measure panels in your colour, fitting, the building control application and fee, and a 10 year insurance backed guarantee. The survey is free and there is no charge for taking the waste away.
How much do roof lights and spotlights cost?
A glazed roof light costs £395 each, a set of LED spotlights £345, and new gutters and fascia £295. Most people add one or two roof lights to keep some daylight.
Why does a Victorian cost more than a lean-to of the same size?
Every extra facet means more cuts, more joins and more sealing. Against a lean-to, an Edwardian costs about 6% more, a Victorian about 10%, a gable end about 12% and a P-shape about 16%.
Are there any grants for replacing a conservatory roof?
Not as a rule. The main government insulation schemes do not normally cover conservatory roofs, and panels are not usually within the 0% VAT relief on energy saving materials. Our guide to conservatory roof grants explains the detail.
Can panels go on my existing conservatory frame?
Usually, yes. The panels are light enough for most existing uPVC and aluminium frames, and the surveyor checks the ridge, glazing bars and dwarf walls before anything is ordered. Read can my conservatory frame take a solid roof for the checks.
How long does fitting take?
A small lean-to or Edwardian is usually done in one day, a medium roof in one to two days and a large or P-shape in two to three. The how it works page shows a fitting day hour by hour.
How long will I wait for my roof?
Most roofs are fitted 3 to 5 weeks after the survey. The wait is because every set of panels is made to measure from the surveyor's figures.
Will you need scaffolding?
Not on most single storey conservatories. We work from ladders and roof staging, so there is no scaffold to put up or pay for.
What happens to my old roof?
We take it down, carry it away and recycle it. Polycarbonate sheets and glass units both go for recycling, and there is no skip on your drive.
Do I need planning permission for a solid conservatory roof?
Normally not, because the footprint and height of the conservatory do not change. Check with your council if you live in a listed building, a conservation area, a national park or a National Landscape. See our guide to planning permission to replace a conservatory roof.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Normally yes. A conservatory is only exempt while at least 75% of the roof is translucent, so a solid insulated roof removes the exemption. We agree the specification with building control and apply for you, as explained in the building regulations guide.
What is a completion certificate and why does it matter?
It is the document building control issues once they have signed the roof off. A buyer's solicitor will ask for it when you sell, so keep it with your house papers. Read more about selling a house with a replaced conservatory roof.
Does a panel roof meet the 0.15 U-value in the regulations?
No, and we will not pretend it does. Our 75 mm panel is about 0.43, while the target for a new roof under Approved Document L is 0.15, and building control officers vary in how they apply it to conservatory conversions. That is why we agree the specification with them before ordering.
How much warmer will my conservatory be?
The panels cut heat loss through the roof by about 80 percent against 16 mm polycarbonate and about 73 percent against 25 mm. On a 12 m² roof at 0°C outside, that is about 103 W lost instead of 552 W. See insulated roof panels vs polycarbonate.
Will it stop the room overheating in summer?
Yes. Conservatories under polycarbonate or glass regularly pass 35 to 40°C in summer, and an opaque insulated roof blocks the direct sun that causes it. Our guide on how to stop a conservatory overheating has more.
Will a solid roof make the room dark?
It will be darker than under clear polycarbonate, but the side windows still let in plenty of light. One or two glazed roof lights keep a patch of sky, and spotlights help in the evening. Read will a solid roof make my conservatory dark.
Does it stop condensation dripping from the roof?
Largely, yes. Old polycarbonate and glass roofs are cold on the inside, so warm moist air condenses and drips, while the inner skin of a panel stays close to room temperature. The condensation guide explains why.
Is the roof quieter in the rain?
Yes. The foam core damps the sound, so heavy rain becomes a soft patter instead of a drum roll. Our guide to a noisy conservatory roof in the rain covers it in detail.
What guarantee do I get?
A 10 year insurance backed guarantee covering leaks from the panels and seals, panel defects and workmanship. If we ever stopped trading, an insurer would still honour it. The guarantees page sets out what is and is not covered.
How do I look after the new roof?
Clear the gutters twice a year and wash the panels with warm soapy water when they look grubby. Do not pressure wash, walk on the roof or drill through the panels.
What colours can I choose?
Any RAL colour outside, with anthracite grey and white the most popular, and white inside. See the roof panel colours for examples.
Can I add roof lights later?
It is much simpler to fit them at the same time as the roof, because the panels are made to measure around each light. Decide at the survey if you can, and ask us if you change your mind before the order goes in.
