Conservatory roof options

Some conservatory roofs turn what should be a tranquil haven bridging home and garden into a miserable, uncomfortable place. They can result in mouldy spaces that leave you shivering in winter, sweltering in summer, and deafened by the noise of heavy rain striking the roof. 
Even if you reluctantly put up with these issues, your conservatory roof may need replacing eventually anyway, due to general wear and tear and harsh weather. So, what are your options when to comes to replacing your conservatory roof? You can find out here and learn the pros and cons of different types of conservatory roofs.
 
Choosing your conservatory roof material 
Conservatory roofs these days come in a range of different materials. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Types of conservatory roof replacements include:
•    Polycarbonate.
•    Glass.
•    Aluminium panels. 
•    Tiled.
•    Hybrid.
 
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs
The cheapest conservatory roof material, polycarbonate isn’t as popular as it once was, due to the increased availability of other options and changes in building regulations.
Transparency of a polycarbonate roof can be engineered to provide different temperature and light regulation. Nevertheless, you’ll still get sauna-like conditions in hot weather, making the conservatory uncomfortable to use.
With a polycarbonate roof, what you gain in the price, you lose in quality. While the clear plastic of a polycarbonate roof may have a glass-like feel, it still tends to look cheap. And rain striking the roof can create a lot of noise.
 
Glass conservatory roofs
Glass conservatory roofing allows light to flood in and, like polycarbonate roofs, can be adapted to different styles and shapes, from lean-to to a large atrium-style roof. Quality glass is durable, provides better insulation than a polycarbonate roof and tends to be more visually appealing.
One downside of glass is the greenhouse effect, which can make the space too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Some glass conservatory roofs make use of advanced glass technology to counter this effect.
Another drawback of glass conservatory roofs is cost. Glass can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of insulation. And a glass conservatory roof is unlikely to add value to your property.
 
Aluminium Insulation Panels
Conservatory roofs made with aluminium panels are stronger than other conservatory roofing materials, can be customised to suit your specific requirements and can fit into your existing conservatory roof structure.
Following relaxation of building regulations in 2010, aluminium roofs can now be fitted to a conservatory without planning permission in most cases.
A further advantage of lightweight, robust aluminium roofing panels is that they provide the insulation needed a keep a conservatory cool in summer, warm in winter, and quieter in bad weather, including heavy rain. 
Thanks to flexible design and weatherproof technology, aluminium conservatory roofs last much longer than timber or plastic structures – performing at peak level for many years, even without regular cleaning. An aluminium roof also secures and strengthens your conservatory.
The disadvantage of aluminium Insulation Panels is that they’re dearer than polycarbonate panels.
 
Tiled conservatory roofs
Tiled roofs are an option if you don’t want a conventional conservatory look, and they can increase the market worth of your home.
Compared with polycarbonate roofs and glass roofs, tiled roofs make conservatories look a more natural extension of a house. You still get daylight coming in through the glass walls, while the solid roof provides better temperature regulation.
However, you can’t escape the fact that solid, tiled conservatory roofs won’t let in as much light, and they cost more than glazed roofing.
 
Hybrid conservatory roofs
The middle ground between glass roofs and tiled roofs, a hybrid conservatory roof combines glass with solid sections. It retains the feel of a conservatory by allowing light in through glazed panels, while insulation from the tiles or panels improves heat retention. 
A hybrid roof can be architecturally impressive, making a property look classy and contemporary, and it adds value to property. On the other hand, a hybrid conservatory roof is usually the most expensive option.
 
Conservatory roof styles and shapes
There are four main styles of conservatory roofs:
•    Victorian – a classic style and the most popular, characterised by a steeply-angled roof and a bay front. 
•    Gable – two sloping panels down the sides create a triangular shape over the entrance. 
•    Lean-to – a basic, simple conservatory roof shape, with a single sloped roof. 
•    Double-hip – two sets of double panels that slope in four directions.
These roof styles provide variations such as L-shaped, P-shaped, and T-shaped conservatory roofs.
It’s worth noting that conservatory aluminium roof panels provide the flexibility to fit all shapes and sizes of conservatory roofs.