What should I buy – a tiled or glass roof?
That will all depend on how you wish to utilise the space, the positioning of it and how much money you are willing to spend. When its natural light and a garden view that you value the most, the good news is that solar control glazing is very advanced nowadays and will keep your conservatory at a consistently comfortable temperature.
To get a true year-round extension, a solid tiled roof should be in the running, to which you can have glass panels and Velux windows incorporated into. This will create a roof that’s a hybrid of a solid and glass roof and provides the benefits of both.
A chat with a Planet advisor will help you identify the most appropriate roof for your needs and budget.
Should I have the existing frames upgraded too?
It wouldn’t be a bad idea at all to do it at the same time as having your new conservatory roof installed. The last thing you want is for the energy efficiency offered by the roof to be cancelled out by the poor insulating qualities of your old windows.
If you can noticeably feel draughts in your conservatory, your current window frames could be as much at fault as your current roof. Get a new roof and new windows together as a package at an amazing price.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
Don’t be shy to ask our advisors to answer any questions you have. Below are some of the most common questions they receive from customers.
What are your replacement tiled roofs made of?
We should first tell you that we pre-fabricate much of our roofing systems so that when we come to install the product at your home, it can be done quickly and with hardly any disruption. Any roof that you buy will be built bespoke for your conservatory for a seamless fit.
As for what the roof is made of, well, it has a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard, exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. You will be asked if you would prefer lightweight slates or tiles, both of which will look as realistic as traditional slates and tiles.
What is a Clad over roof?
Weight: Existing frames can rarely cope with a clad over solution as it uses heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. It is imperative that any new conservatory roof is lightweight. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31KG/M ².
Tip: Always ask your installer for the total unit weight of the new roof per Sq.M
Fire Safety: ‘Clad over’ systems also fail to comply with current fire regulations as they are not sufficiently fire tested as a complete roof structure, which they need to if they are to satisfy this part of building regulations. It may transpire that only certain components of the original structure have been correctly tested. Solid roofs must be classified as AC, AB, or AA in accordance with BS476-3.
Tip: Ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system before you commit to the project.
Building Regulations: Due to their low thermal value and low structural integrity, clad over systems rarely receive Building Regulations Approval. This is, however, not the same as planning permission, which usually isn’t needed. When modifying an existing structure, such as replacing a polycarbonate or glass roof with a solid roof, you need to notify Building Control before you do anything, who will decide is the replacement roof is structurally sound.
Tip: Don’t begin with a conversion until local Building Control has been informed first. Keep the Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate in a safe place.
Will my conservatory still get too hot and too cold?
It shouldn’t do as our roofing solutions are meant to keep your conservatory well-insulated throughout the year. You won’t experience the overheating that often occurs inside conservatories with old polycarbonate roofs. Solar control glazing can have an enormously positive impact, but if you want an extension for year-round use, we highly recommend buying a tiled roof.
What are ‘A’ rated windows?
The BFRC Rating scheme classes A-rated windows as the most energy efficient windows sold in the UK. All modern replacement windows are rated for their energy efficiency so that you can identify if they comply with Building Regulations and offer the level of insulation you desire.
Window Energy Ratings are very similar to the traffic-light style energy ratings that are given to white goods e.g. freezers, fridges and washing machines. They were brought in so that consumers can make more informed decisions when buying new replacement windows.
How much will it cost to have my existing roof replaced?
The average cost of a small conservatory roof can be around £5,000, while a larger conservatory roof will come in at about £12,000. Ask about our finance options if you would like to spread the cost of paying for a new roof via monthly instalments. There’s also a finance calculator on our website to help you figure out the best form of finance.
How long will it take for the new roof to be fitted?
We can have it installed in just a few days, so we’ll be in and out of your home in no time.
Will planning permission be required?
You don’t need to put in an application for planning permission to change the roof on an existing structure, but it is mandatory to obtain Building Regulations Approval, which you’ll need evidence of when selling the property.
Will Building Regulations Approval be required?
When Building Regulations Approval is granted, it confirms that a government approval building control inspector is satisfied that the roofing system is structurally safe, has been properly installed and offers the necessary standard of thermal efficiency. This will avoid the nightmare scenario of a future house sale being held up because of the absence of Building Regulations Approval when it’s needed.
Do you offer finance to help me pay for my replacement roof?
Yes. To make life easy for you, Planet 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 Planet 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 Planet. 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.
OUR FINANCE CALCULATOR
See how affordable your home improvement can be with our Finance Calculator. Explore the different ways to finance your home improvement with Planet with one of the three finance options shown below – simply click on the finance option that best suits you.
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