Many conservatories are not used as much as they could be, partly because they can become too cold in winter and too hot in summer. A solid conservatory roof can resolve this problem and allow you to use your conservatory all year round as an extra room in your home.
Solid roofs are heavier than glass or glazed tiled roofs so when you replace an existing lightweight conservatory roof with one of these solid options you’re going to have to do some work on the supporting structure. This is something you should get done by a professional company. They will be able to carry out a survey on the existing frame and then advise you on what can be done to make sure it’s strong enough to support a solid roof and that the finished installation is compliement with building regulations (see below).
In addition to ensuring the structure can take the weight of the new roof your installer should also carry out a structural survey on the walls of the conservatory. This is because they will need to reinforce the walling to be able to take the extra load of a solid roof and this may mean that a section or even the entire perimeter of the conservatory needs to be rebuilt.
Once the survey has been completed and you’re happy to proceed with a replacement conservatory roof then it will be time to choose the style of tiles or slate that you want. There are a wide range of colours and styles to choose from so that you can find the perfect match for your home. If you’re looking for a really stylish finish you might want to consider getting a slate shingle roof – these are quite expensive but look fantastic and can help accentuate the visual presentation of your conservatory.
Lastly, you will need to get your solid conservatory roof signed off by the local authority building control department before it can be completed. This is because you’re changing the classification of your conservatory from a temporary structure to a permanent building and therefore it has to comply with certain safety standards. The building control inspector will visit your property and assess the work before issuing a completion certificate.
When you’re choosing a company to install your replacement conservatory roof it’s important that they have an excellent reputation for quality and customer service. It would be a shame to spend money on an outstanding new conservatory and then have it collapse in a storm or become too hot to use. It’s always best to get a second opinion from an independent expert before you agree to have any work done. Be wary of companies who offer a free survey and then tell you that your existing conservatory is not suitable for a solid roof – it’s often possible to strengthen the structure so that it can accommodate a new roof. You should only use a company who can prove this to you with evidence and a certificate of compliance. solid conservatory roof