Is your conservatory currently used as a place to relax, or has it become an expensive storage room? Finding the best replacement conservatory roof is the key to turning that wasted space back into a functional part of your home.
Ideally, a conservatory or extension should be a bright, extra living space to enjoy; however, for many homeowners with outdated conservatories, the reality is very different. One common issue we see is people struggling with a conservatory that is either too hot or too cold for most of the year.
The good news is that you don’t need to knock it down and start again to get enjoyment out of the space again. There are modern conservatory roof replacement options designed to upgrade outdated roofs, transforming the space into a room you can use every day.
Is it worth replacing your conservatory roof?
If you’ve been asking yourself this question while struggling with an uncomfortable conservatory, the answer is a definite yes!
Most older conservatories were built with polycarbonate or single-glazed roofs. While these were popular in the past, they provide poor insulation, allowing heat to escape easily in winter and build up uncomfortably in summer.
Upgrading to a modern insulated roof system isn’t just about updating the appearance; it can completely change how you use this extra space in your home.
Instead of a seasonal room, you’ll gain a comfortable living area that you can use 365 days a year. Plus, with superior insulation, you will significantly reduce outside noise (like heavy rain) and save money on your heating bills, adding real, functional value to your home.
After
Before
What are the options?
Quick Answer: Which replacement roof is best?
The best option depends on your goals. For maximum thermal efficiency and a “real room” feel, a lightweight tiled conservatory roof (like the Supalite system) is the top choice. If you want to maintain a bright, airy atmosphere with a touch of luxury, an Orangery roof featuring a glass roof lantern provides the perfect balance of light and insulation.
With so many products on the market, choosing the right roof can be difficult.
At Greenoak, we focus on two of the most effective systems: Solid Tiled Roofs and Orangery Roofs. Both are proven to improve thermal efficiency, but they create very different looks and feels for your home.
Option 1: Lightweight Solid Tiled Roof
If you want your conservatory to feel like a permanent extension of your house, this is often the best choice.
What is it?
The system completely removes your old glass or polycarbonate roof and replaces it with a lightweight, timber-framed tiled roof. We are approved installers of the market-leading Supalite system, which features multi-layered insulation and, on the inside, provides a fully plastered, vaulted ceiling.
Why homeowners choose it:
- Use the room 365 days a year: It regulates the temperature better than any other option, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Peace and quiet: The solid construction virtually eliminates the noise of rain that you get with older roofs.
- Extension style: With a plastered ceiling, it feels like a proper room, not just an “add-on.”
Option 2: Orangery / Glass Roof Lantern
If you love the natural light of a conservatory but want the solid feel of an extension, the Orangery style is the perfect middle ground.
What is it?
An orangery roof is a flat roof system with a glass lantern in the centre. Structurally, it features a solid flat roof around the perimeter (creating a ceiling border inside) with a raised glass pyramid at the centre.
Why homeowners choose it:
- Light without the greenhouse effect: You still get sunlight flooding in from above, but the solid perimeter stops the room from overheating.
- Modern lighting options: The flat roof section inside (the pelmet) allows you to install spotlights or speakers, giving the room a luxury finish.
- Architectural design: It creates a “grand” focal point that adds serious character and value to the property.
Comparison of Options at a Glance
When deciding between a tiled roof and an orangery roof, it helps to see the differences side by side.
Here is a quick breakdown of how the two replacement styles compare:
| Feature | Solid Tiled Roof | Orangery / Lantern Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Design | Fully tiled with a vaulted ceiling inside. | Flat perimeter roof with a central glass lantern. |
| Natural Light | Moderate. Creates a cosy, shaded room. | High. Light floods in from the central glass pyramid. |
| Insulation | Maximum. The most thermally efficient option on the market. | High. Significantly better than standard glass, but less than a solid tile. |
| Privacy | Total privacy. Blocks overlooking neighbours completely. | Moderate. Neighbours can’t see through the flat section, but the lantern is glass. |
| Cost | Typically, the most cost-effective option. | Premium option due to structural work required. |
| Best For | TV rooms, home offices and lounges. | Dining rooms, kitchens and social rooms. |
Tiled or Orangery: Which is the Best Conservatory Roof Type for You
So, which option is right for your home? It ultimately comes down to how you plan to use the room.
Choose the Solid Tiled Roof if: You want a private, easy-to-heat room. If your main priority is keeping the room warm in winter for watching TV or working, this is the practical winner. It turns the space into a seamless extension of your home.
Choose the Orangery Roof if: You want to retain that “outdoor” feeling. If you love the light of a conservatory but hate the temperature fluctuations, this is the perfect middle ground. It delivers the “wow factor” that a standard roof simply can’t match.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your Conservatory Roof?
One of the most frequent questions we receive is about conservatory roof replacement costs. While it is difficult to give a ‘one-size-fits-all’ price without seeing the property, it is important to view this as a long-term investment in your home’s value.
Typically, a lightweight tiled conservatory roof is the more budget-friendly option for those looking for a total transformation. You can find a detailed breakdown of these figures in our guide on how much a tiled conservatory roof costs.
In contrast, an orangery-style roof requires more complex structural work and the installation of a high-performance glass roof lantern, so it often sits at a premium price point.
To get a precise price for your project, request a free, no-obligation quote, and one of our experts will be happy to help you.
Ready to Transform your Conservatory?
Whether you choose a solid tiled roof for warmth or the orangery for light, the result is the same: you get a usable room, not a storage space.
At Greenoak Concept & Design, we specialise in high-quality conservatory roof replacement options across Essex and the surrounding areas. As approved installers of the Supalite system, we guarantee a professional finish that adds genuine value to your home.
Don’t let another season go by with a wasted room. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you bring your conservatory back to life.
FAQs
Can you put a new roof on an old conservatory?
Yes. In most cases, we can retrofit these roofs onto your existing window frames.
We always carry out a full structural check first to ensure the frames are strong enough to support the new lightweight system.
For more details on the process, read our full guide on putting a new roof on an old conservatory.
Do I need planning permission to replace my conservatory roof?
Usually, no. Replacing a roof typically falls under “Permitted Development”.
However, whether your current roof is polycarbonate or glass, changing to a solid tiled roof will change the room classification. This means you need Building Regulations approval to ensure the structure can support the load and meet insulation standards.
The good news is that we can handle the paperwork and certification for you.
How long does the installation take?
We know you don’t want a building site in your garden for weeks. Because our systems are pre-engineered, we can typically make your conservatory wind and watertight in just a few days, with the whole job often completed within a week.
