Is a Single Storey Extension Permitted Development in the UK?
Thinking about adding extra space to your home with a single-storey extension? You might not need planning permission at all. In the UK, many homeowners can extend their homes without…
A conservatory roof can make or break the cosiest room in your house. Select the wrong conservatory roof option, and it can turn a sun trap into a sauna in July and an icebox in January, wasting energy and a room you could love. Fortunately for you, the fix is simpler than it seems. Match your must-haves – light, warmth, and budget – to four proven roof styles, then check planning rules and installation speed. From highly insulated roofs to striking lanterns, each system influences how bright, cosy, and valuable your space can be.
In the guide below, we break down insulation, style, lifespan, and cost so that you can weigh the pros and cons in minutes, not hours.
Step 1. Pinpoint What Matters Most
Conservatory roof options are only effective when they align with your lifestyle. Decide first whether daylight, thermal performance, or up-front spending leads the list.
- Maximum daylight? A lantern or skylight-ready flat roof floods the room with sun.
- Lower bills? Pitched tiled roofs achieve U-values around 0.15 W/m²K, which is well inside Part L 2023 standards and the like.
- Fast turnaround? Our modular systems can be installed in under a week, sparing you months of upheaval.
During a free design call, we’ll walk you through these trade-offs in plain English and help you rank what really counts.
Step 2. The Four Roof Options that Count
Pitched Tiled Roofs
For year-round comfort, nothing beats layers of insulation and colour-matched tiles. Clients typically save up to £200 a year on heating (Energy Saving Trust, 2024), and optional roof lights keep things bright.
Flat Roofs with Skylights
Think clean lines inside and out. High-performance EPDM, combined with multifoil insulation, delivers warmth, while bespoke skylights sit exactly where you need light most.
Lantern Roof Extensions
A raised glass lantern on a flat base adds height and a wow factor, which is ideal for a statement kitchen diner. Insulated up-stands maintain solid-roof efficiency around the glass.
Conservatory Conversions (Warm Roof Systems)
Swap old glass or poly panels for a fully insulated warm roof – pitched, flat, or lantern – built in factory-made pods and installed in as little as five days.
Step 3. Compare the Numbers that Really Matter
Not all roofs are made equal. Here’s how our systems stack up when it comes to energy efficiency, costs, and fitting time.
Thermal Performance (U-values)
- Tiled Pitched Roofs: ~0.15 W/m²K
- Flat Roofs with Multifoil Insulation: ~0.18–0.20 W/m²K
- Lantern Roofs (with insulated upstands): ~0.18 W/m²K
These values all meet or exceed Part L 2023 energy standards, which helps cut heat loss and support net-zero targets.
Cost Range (Supply & Fit)
- According to Checkatrade, it’s approx. £8,000 to £12,000, depending on size, roof type, and the level of structural preparation required.
Installation Time
- Modular Systems: typically 5–7 days
- Traditional Builds: can take 3–6 weeks
Off-site fabrication keeps on-site mess minimal. This is a key bonus our clients highlight in their testimonials.
Step 4. Think About How You’ll use the Space
Your choice of conservatory roof shouldn’t just be about materials or cost. It should reflect how you want to live, so ask yourself:
- Daily-use family room? A solid tiled or flat roof will regulate temperature throughout the year.
- Privacy issues? Tiled designs offer a cosier, enclosed feel, which is ideal if neighbours overlook your garden.
- Want it to match the rest of your home? Our tiled pitched roofs are colour-matched and styled to blend in seamlessly.
And if you need it fast? Modular pods mean no complete rebuild, just a snug new roof fitted in a week.
Step 5. Don’t Forget Building Regulations
Here’s where many homeowners hit a wall. Replacing your conservatory roof isn’t always as simple as swapping materials. It often changes how the room is classified according to UK building regulations.
That means staying compliant with the following:
Most projects won’t require planning permission, but building control approval is usually needed. We’ll handle the paperwork, structural checks, and applications for you so you can relax knowing everything is in order.
Upgrade to A Smarter, Warmer Roof
With the right conservatory roof, you won’t just stay warm; you’ll fall back in love with the space. Whether it’s a quiet reading nook or a bustling kitchen diner, your new roof should match your lifestyle as well as your home.
From the first sketch to the final sign-off, we make that upgrade stress-free and straightforward. Our modular, low-maintenance roofs are installed in days, meet current building regs, and keep energy bills in check for decades to come.
Call 0331 6302551 or book your free roof review today, and let’s create a conservatory you’ll love year-round.
