Conservatory roof replacement has become one of the most popular home improvement projects in Farnham — driven largely by the desire to turn an unusable hot-in-summer, cold-in-winter space into a genuine living area. The options have expanded significantly, and the right choice depends on your budget, planning constraints, and what you want from the space.
Why Replace a Conservatory Roof?
The original polycarbonate roofs fitted to most 1990s and 2000s conservatories in Farnham were designed to a price point that compromised thermal performance significantly. They create greenhouses in summer and lose heat rapidly in winter — limiting the room's usefulness to perhaps 4–5 months of the year. Most owners experience condensation, noise in rain, and temperatures 15–20°C different from the rest of the house.
Option 1 — Solid Tiled Roof
Replacing the polycarbonate or glass roof with a lightweight solid tiled roof (typically using a specialist conservatory roof tile system) transforms the space into a genuine room. The ceiling inside becomes plastered and insulated, matching the rest of the house.
Cost
£7,000–£15,000 depending on size, specification and internal finishing. This is the highest-cost option but creates the most significant improvement in usability.
Planning
A solid roof typically requires building regulations approval (for structural and thermal calculations) even if planning permission isn't needed. Some properties in Farnham's conservation areas may require planning consent — check with Waverley Borough Council before committing.
Option 2 — Insulated Roof System
Specialist insulated conservatory roof systems (such as LivinRoof or SupaLite) combine glass or polycarbonate sections with solid insulated panels, creating a hybrid that retains light while significantly improving thermal performance.
Cost
£5,000–£10,000 depending on size and the ratio of glass to solid panel.
Performance
Better than original polycarbonate but not as good as a full solid roof for thermal performance. Best suited where retaining significant natural light is a priority.
Option 3 — Glass Replacement
Replacing old polycarbonate with modern self-cleaning, thermally broken conservatory glass improves the experience meaningfully without the structural changes involved in a solid roof.
Cost
£2,000–£5,000 depending on size. The most cost-effective upgrade option.
Performance
Modern sealed units with low-E glass coatings significantly reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter compared to original polycarbonate. Still not as thermally efficient as a solid roof but a meaningful improvement at lower cost.
What to Consider First
Before committing to a conservatory roof replacement, check whether the existing structure can support the intended replacement — solid roofs are heavier than polycarbonate and may require structural reinforcement of the wall plate and frames. A survey of the existing structure should always precede any quotation for a solid roof installation.
Last reviewed: 19 July 2026
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