What To Know When Adding A Solid Roof To An Old Conservatory

Hundreds of conservatories across the region will have been left deserted over the winter months because they fail to provide sufficient warmth.

This is a frustrating scenario for householders and one that they will inevitably want to resolve somehow, perhaps with the installation of a solid roof.

However, in order to be able to fit a solid roof you must obtain the authority to do this first, something that’s often overlooked.

Adding a solid roof to an existing conservatory is considered to be a “change of use” and when this isn’t covered by Permitted Development Rights, Building Regulation Approval, and most likely, planning permission will also need to be obtained.

Permitted Development Rights

It is a condition of Permitted Development Rights according to Clause A3 that “the materials used in any exterior work (other than materials used in the construction of a conservatory) shall be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the dwelling house”. It goes onto say “a pitched roof on an extension should be clad in tiles that give a similar visual appearance to those used on the existing house roof.”

Most contemporary solid roofs come supplied in either a coated aluminium tile or thicker UPVC tile that replicates the look of roof slates. They can accommodate various types of lighting, the most popular usually being recessed LED down lighters due to their attractiveness and the fact that they take up no space. 

Further clarity on replacing existing conservatory roofs in conservatories that were built under planning permission is provided by the Glass and Glazing Federation who state “the roof finish will have been specified in the granting of planning permission and therefore a change from glass to another finish will require the change to be approved by the local planning authority.”

We therefore reiterate that before commissioning a solid roof installation onto your current conservatory that you attain all necessary planning and Building Regulatory Approvals from your local authority.

Local Authority Building Control

Representing local authority building controls teams in England and Wales, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) approves very few solid roof systems and registers them as compliant. Only opting for an LABC approved and registered roof gives you the assurance that it is suitably insulated and well-designed enough to earn Building Regulatory Approval.

You get total honesty from Hazlemere

Some installers will not be quite as open about solid roofs as they just want your business. We refuse to do that as we would prefer to be honest and lose business rather than:

1. Break the law building regulations wise
2. Take your cash surreptitiously

We’re more than happy to provide any more guidance you need on solid roof installations over the telephone or at one of our showrooms.