Is Building Regulations Approval Needed To Fit A Solid Roof?

Now would be a really good time to arrange the installation of a solid roof to your conservatory or orangery if it doesn’t currently provide the standard of insulation that you need as you will then be able to enjoy the tailend of the summer inside it in comfort and all of the winter. If you need the right kind of insulation, check out more here on their website.

Literally hundreds of conservatories sit empty during the summer and winter months because no-one wants to spend time in a building that’s either too hot or too cold. 

Solid roofs were created to solve that issue and can quite easily take the place of almost any glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof. But over time, it might be dysfunctional and you ought to look out for the Warning Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced

However, don’t make the mistake of getting a solid roof fitted without checking if you need building regulations approval first. There’s no consensus amongst local authorities over whether solid roofs need building regulations approval, but it’s always wise to get the situation clarified with your planning department prior to the product being installed. 

It will often depend on how structurally sound the extension is. The great thing with a solid tiled roof though is that it’s very lightweight and therefore won’t put too much pressure on any existing windows and doors, even when covered with thick snow. 

The window and door industry’s main regulator, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), states that installing a solid roof changes the status of a conservatory from a temporary structure into a permanent structure and you should refer to your local authority building control team for guidance. 

Planet can take responsibility for that on your behalf if you choose to have your solid roof supplied by our company. We have never fitted a solid roof without being certain that it complies with the rules – to do so would be misguided. 

We know of some solid roof suppliers who will immediately tell you that you don’t need building regulations approval, with no grounds to make such a claim. That doesn’t sit comfortably with us. 

The absence of a building regulations certificate for your solid roof, when you should have one, could land you in trouble when it comes to selling your home. The solicitor of any buyers will expect to see the document and if you don’t have it, you could have a hard time of getting someone to take the property off your hands. A retrospective application for building regulations approval can be made, but who’s to say that your local authority will grant it?

Do things by the book, which you will with Planet, and a solid roof will be worth every penny you pay for it, not least because it will give you your conservatory or orangery back.

Our solid roof section includes heaps more information about this indispensable product for any poorly insulated extension.