Should I choose a tiled roof or a glass roof?
This totally depends on how you plan to use your room, which direction it faces, and your budget. If its plenty of natural light and a lovely view of the garden, then fear not – solar control glazing has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and there are plenty of glazing options that can keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
For a truly year-round extension feel, a solid tiled roof is a strong contender – especially when you consider adding full length glass panels or Velux windows – a real hybrid between solid and glass roof with a combination of benefits from both options.
Speak to a Pennine advisor about the best option for you that meets your requirements and your budget.
Should I replace my frames too?
If you’re going to go to the trouble of replacing your old conservatory roof for something more modern and thermally efficient, it makes sense to replace your windows too – otherwise you may risk compromising the warmth and comfort your new roof could achieve.
Why invest in a new roof, and settle for outdated, drafty and inefficient frames – create a new lease of life for your old conservatory! Speak to a Pennine advisor and we’ll work out an excellent deal for incorporating more energy efficient frames in the same process.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
Our friendly advisors are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You will find answers to some of the most common questions they receive below.
What are replacement tiled roofs made of?
Replacement solid roof systems are typically prefabricated so that the installation process can be conducted quickly and efficiently, meaning minimum disruption is caused at your home. Each is bespoke to fit the style and measurements of your existing conservatory.
The roof system is comprised of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard and exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. The roof can be finished from tiles of your choice, or solid panels to give you a more natural looking extension that blends with the look of your home.
What is a Clad over roof?
Weight: Clad over solutions can be too heavy for the existing frames as they use heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. Any old conservatory needs to have a roof that is lightweight. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31KG/M ².
Tip: Always ask your installer for the total unit weight of the new roof per Sq.M
Fire Safety: By their very nature, ‘clad-over’ systems do not meet current fire safety regulations as they are never effectively fire tested as a complete roof structure, which is necessary to meet this part of building regulations. The original structure varies from job to job which means that only individual components could may have been tested. Solid roofs must be classified as AC, AB or AA in accordance with BS476-3.
Tip: Ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system before you commit to the project.
Building Regulations: Clad over systems do not generally get Building Regulation Approval due to their low thermal value or structural integrity. Do not confuse this with planning permission which is often not necessary. You are required to notify Building Control if you are making a change to any structure (including replacing a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid roof) their approval ensures your new roof is structurally sound.
Tip: Check that local Building Control has been informed before the conversion starts. Obtain a Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate and file it in a safe place.
Will my new roof still be too hot in summer and too cool in winter?
All of our roof products are designed with year-round comfort in mind. Gone are the days of the old polycarbonate roof which makes for a make-shift green house for the majority of the year! Solar control glazing gives you some great options that can make a real difference, but if you’re really concerned about achieving a year-round extension, then a tiled roof will probably be the best option for you.
I hear a lot about energy rated windows! What does 'A' rated windows mean?
A rated windows are the most energy efficient windows available in the UK as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows and is recognised within the Building Regulations as a method to show compliance for your replacement windows installation.
Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide similar to that used on ‘white’ goods (such as fridges, freezers, washing machines etc…).
This ratings label can be used by you to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows you are looking to purchase.
How much will it cost to replace my existing roof?
You should expect to spend anything from £5,000 for a small conservatory roof, to £12,000 for a larger one. Don’t forget, there are many ways to spread the cost of your new roof over monthly instalments to suit you. Pennine has a handy finance calculator which can help you work out an easy payment plan that matches your budget.
How long will it take to replace my existing conservatory roof?
A tiled solid roof replacement can be installed within a few days with minimum disruption to your home.
Do I need planning permission to replace an existing roof?
Planning permission is not needed to change your roof on an existing structure, but Buildings Regulation Control is a mandatory requirement, a property sale cannot be made without this.
Do I need Building Regulations Approval?
Gaining Building Regulations approval from your local authority means you can be sure that the system installed has been rigorously checked by a government approved building control inspector to ensure the roof is installed correctly and is structurally safe and thermally efficient. You will also have peace of mind that should you come to sell the property in future, there won’t be any issues with unauthorised works that may hold up the process.
Do you offer finance to help me pay for my replacement roof?
Yes. To make life easy for you, Pennine can arrange a variety of affordable and convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & status). Applying for finance is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or at your local Pennine Showroom, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.
What do we need to do when our finance is approved?
If you’re arranging your own finance, you’ll need to call us as soon as you get the go ahead. If you’re taking up one of our offers, the company will tell us both directly, so there’s no need to call as we will get in touch with you.
What happens if finance is refused?
Finance companies can turn down people for lots of reasons, for example if you’ve moved several times over the past few years. In these circumstances, we always do our best to help and sometimes it’s worth trying another provider, especially if they know you.
I’ve applied for finance with Pennine. How long will approval take?
Sometimes our finance company will say ‘yes’ almost immediately and on other occasions it may take them a few days. This short delay can be for any number of reasons and you should not be unduly concerned.
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