FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This list of FAQs has been compiled based on what our Premium Retailers are most often asked.
Should I buy a glass or tiled roof?

It will come down to various factors, including how the space will be utilised , the direction it will face, and the money you can spend on the product. Solar control glazing is so clever now, which is welcome news if you want to have a great view of your garden and lots of natural light flooding in. There are other glazing options to consider too.

A year-round feel can be achieved with a solid tiled roof and it can be adapted so that it incorporates full length glass panels or Velux windows. In this instance, it becomes a cross between a glass and solid roof, giving you the shared benefits of both.

Speak to your local Premium Retailer to get their expert take on what the best type of roof might be for your conservatory.

Replacement Tiled Roof Conservatory
What about the frames, are they worth upgrading too?

If you want to significantly increase the standard of energy efficiency that your conservatory currently provides, it would seem logical to have the framework upgraded just before the new roof is put into place.

Keeping your old frames could counteract the impact that a new replacement roof should have on your conservatory. Whereas, if everything is replaced at the same time, you know that it will deliver the comfort that you so desperately seek.

Replacement Tiled Roof Conservatory

MORE COMMON QUESTIONS

The advisors at each Premium Retailer really know our roofing products and what they can do. So, don’t be shy to ask them any questions, like these.

What is used to make a replacement tiled roof?

The first thing to say is that it won’t take long at all for the Premium Retailer to install the roofing system as much of it is prefabricated. Within no time of arriving, the fitting team will be gone so that you can be left alone to enjoy your revived space. All measuring will be done prior to the final installation.

The system itself consists of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, an insulated fire-grade plasterboard, exterior grade plywood and impenetrable membrane. It comes with tiles that can be finished in one of several colours and solid panels are also available if you’re keen for the conservatory to look like a natural extension of the building.

What is a Clad over roof?

Weight: It’s often not a good idea to have a clad over roof added to a conservatory with an ageing frame as it uses heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. It’s got to be a lightweight roof. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31KG/M ².

Tip: Always ask the installer for the total unit weight of the new roof per Sq.M

 

Fire Safety: Another problem with a ‘clad-over’ system is it is unlikely to comply with fire safety regulations due to not being fire tested as a complete roof structure, which it needs to be to meet the relevant part of the building regulations. You may find tat only certain components have been adequately tested. Solid roofs must be classified as AC, AB or AA in accordance with BS476-3.

Tip: Wait until you have been provided with a look at the fire safety certificate for the entire roof before you give the project the green light. 

Building Regulations: We don’t know of many clad over systems to be granted Building Regulations Approval and it’s because of their low thermal value and poor structural integrity. Planning Permission is something entirely separate and generally won’t be necessary. Your local Building Control will need to be informed if you are looking to modify your conservatory, including replacing a polycarbonate or glass conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof. 

Tip: The conversion should not commence before Building Control has been notified. You will also need a Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate, which should be filed in a safe place. 

Will a new roof put an end to my conservatory getting too hot and too cold?

To your likely relief, the answer is, yes! This will make it a room for every occasion, whether it’s the weekly Sunday roast or Christmas dinner. Old polycarbonate roofs are thankfully being phased out as they’re the roofing system that would most commonly cause a conservatory to heat up like a greenhouse in summer. Great advances have been made with solar control glazing, but if it’s daily use that you want, a tiled roofing system will be an excellent choice.

I know about energy rated windows, but can you explain A-rated windows?

If you want the most energy efficient windows on the market, you should buy ‘A’ rated windows, rated as such in accordance with the BFRC Rating Scheme. All replacement windows sold in the UK are energy efficiency rated so that you know what their energy performance is like and can identify if they comply with Building Regulations.

White goods are also energy rated so that you know what you can expect from them in terms of thermal efficiency e.g. washing machines, fridges and freezers. It helps you to make a more informed decision when buying new windows.

How much will a new roof cost me?

A small conservatory roof can cost from around £5,000 and you will be looking at about £12,000+ for a large replacement roof. Most of our Premium Retailers have finance packages if you wish to pay off the roof with affordable monthly installments. Work out a finance deal that suits. 

How long will the installation take?

Quicker than you probably expect. It could be installed in a matter of days, so there won’t be much disruption at your home.

Will planning permission be required?

A roof upgrade on an existing structure will not be subject to planning permission. However, it will need Building Regulations Approval as confirmation that the roof meets the relevant guidelines.

What about Building Regulations Approval, will that be needed?

The granting of Building Regulations Approval from local authority acts as proof that the new replacement roof has been inspected and authorised by a government approved building control inspector because they are satisfied it is structurally safe and thermally efficient. This will avoid any issues when you come to sell the property.

Do you offer finance to help me pay for my replacement roof?

Yes. To make life easy for you, one of our Premium Retailers 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 Premium Retailer 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 my local Premium Retailer. 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.

FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

To make life easy for you, a selection of Premium Retailers can arrange a variety of convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & affordability). Making an application is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or in a retail showroom and you should get an answer to your application within 24 hours, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.

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