Tiled conservatory roof: A guide

• Conservatories add valuable extra space, boost natural lighting, and can enhance your home’s resale value.
• To truly enjoy these benefits year-round, it’s crucial to have a secure, efficient roof.
• Upgrading to a tiled conservatory roof improves durability, insulation, and aesthetics, transforming your conservatory into a comfortable living space.

Conservatories offer many fantastic benefits to your home, including much-needed extra space, extra natural lighting and potentially added value. But a conservatory’s many benefits will depend on having a secure, efficient roof.

Installing a tiled roof is one of the most effective ways to do this. These kinds of roofs provide excellent energy efficiency and help keep your conservatory warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Compared to other types of roofs, tiled roofs can also stand the test of time, typically lasting longer than traditional glass or polycarbonate alternatives.

A tiled roof is also a great way to add a touch of class to your existing property and can be tailored to match the existing roof of your home. By doing this, you’ll make your conservatory look like a natural extension of your home rather than a separate addition.

However, due to their complexity and weight, tiled roofs must comply with building regulations to ensure structural safety and legal compliance.

In this short guide, we’ll give you all the essential information to help you understand the requirements and ensure a smooth transition to a durable, energy-efficient tiled conservatory roof.

Benefits of a tiled conservatory roof

As we’ve already mentioned, there are plenty of benefits to installing a tiled conservatory. Compared to other alternatives (like glass or polycarbonate roofs), solid-tiled roofs excel in terms of insulation, durability, and year-round usability.

These qualities make tiled roofs increasingly attractive to homeowners who want to get the most from their conservatories. If heated, tiled roof conservatories offer much better energy efficiency than other kinds of roofs. In fact, they tend to be up to 15 times better at reducing heat loss than, say, clear roofs.

This means a tiled roof traps more warmth during colder months while preventing overheating in the summer. Due to their construction, tiled roofs are also far more durable than other kinds of roofs, meaning they can withstand harsh weather far better than glass or polycarbonate.

Because they are solid, often opaque structures, solid tiled roofs also improve privacy, reduce noise from rain, and improve your home’s overall look, potentially increasing its resale value.

Other benefits of tiled roofs include the following:

• A more valuable home – As they are generally more aesthetically pleasing than other roofs, tiled roofs could improve your home’s saleability to potential buyers.
• Improved U-value – A tiled roof can have thermal efficiencies as low as 0.15 W/m²K (the closer to zero, the better the value). For reference, clear conservatory roofs tend to be much higher- typically 1.0 to 2.4 W/m²K.
• Year-round usability – Tiled roofs create a consistently comfortable living space
• Less noise and glare – Tiled roofs provide less disturbance from weather and direct sunlight

Can I replace my existing conservatory roof with a solid roof?

In short, you most certainly can. Although the initial costs are higher (more on that later), these roofs provide year-round comfort, privacy, and aesthetics resembling a natural extension of your home.

But be warned. Upgrading to a solid roof requires careful structural assessment, as additional support may be needed for the added weight, including possibly reinforcing walls, frames, and foundations.

Installation must comply with building regulations, although planning permission is usually unnecessary due to legislative changes made in 2010. Material choices include concrete tiles, natural slate, synthetic tiles, or insulated panels, each varying in price, durability, and appearance.

Concrete tiles are affordable yet heavy, natural slate is attractive but costly, and synthetic tiles offer a balanced, lightweight alternative. Given the nature of the works, it is highly recommended that you source a qualified installer to ensure quality workmanship, structural safety, and regulatory compliance, where applicable.

For these reasons, you should get your hands on multiple quotes (at least three), check certifications like CERTASS and BBA accreditation, and consider alternatives such as energy-efficient glass or tinted glazing if a solid roof is unsuitable.

Is a tiled conservatory roof better than a clear conservatory roof?

The benefits of a solid conservatory roof include, but are not limited to:

• Better insulation: Keeps conservatory comfortable year-round, warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Less noise: Superior soundproofing, especially during rainfall or storms.
• Less sun glare: Ideal for reading, watching TV, or using digital devices without distraction.
• Increased resale value: Solid roofs can boost your home’s appeal, making the conservatory feel like a bona fide extension of the living space.
• Enhanced security and privacy: Harder to break into and offers greater privacy from neighbours or overlooking properties.
• Durability: Long-lasting materials like tiles or insulated panels offer better resistance to weather damage and wear.

By comparison, the benefits of a clear conservatory roof include, but are not limited to:

• More natural light: Creates a bright, airy space filled with sunlight, ideal for plants or sun-loving areas.
• Cheaper than solid roofs: Typically lower initial cost, easier and quicker installation.
• Low maintenance: Easy to clean, and many modern glazing options are self-cleaning or treated to resist dirt buildup.
• Simpler structural needs: Lighter materials mean fewer structural modifications, reducing complexity and potential extra costs.
• Traditional conservatory feel: Retains the classic look and open atmosphere traditionally associated with conservatories.

How much do tiled conservatory roofs cost?

On average, a tiled conservatory roof costs between £600 and £900 per square metre. To put that into perspective, a polycarbonate roof can cost between £400 and £800 per m², and a glass roof anywhere between £600 and £1,200 per m².

However, the final price will vary depending on factors like the size, style, etc., of the conservatory in question. This table gives the following prices for standard sizes of conservatories:

*Prices from DoubleGlazingontheweb

Also note that to get an accurate price for your conservatory, you’ll likely need an installer to survey your property. As previously noted, ensure you get at least three quotes from prospective (ideally recommended) companies before proceeding.

The above table should only be used as a guide as the final price will be influenced by factors such as:

• Conservatory size
• Roof type
• Roof materials
• Including a skylight
• Labour costs
• Complexity of installation
• Type of construction

It should also go without saying that you shouldn’t automatically go with the cheapest quote, which could indicate poor-quality materials or workmanship. Likewise, don’t assume the most expensive quote will guarantee exemplary quality; they may be trying to rip you off!

Why should I maintain my tiled conservatory roof

Just like the main roof of your home, proper maintenance is vital to help ensure it remains structurally sound for many years to come. Solving potential minor problems early protects your investment in installing it and prevents unnecessary costly repairs or complete replacement.

Regular cleaning or visual checks can help prevent leaks, mould, and damp from developing, safeguarding your furniture, flooring, and walls from water damage. Cleaning out gutters can also help water accumulation, which could weaken them over time if not addressed.

Keeping your roof in good condition is also a great way to maintain its properties, like its insulation, to help reduce energy bills and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. Ensuring and maintaining proper ventilation can also help prevent heat loss in winter and overheating in summer and prevent issues like condensation.

A good maintenance regime also has safety aspects. Things like loose tiles (especially during extreme weather events or general wear and tear) could cause you, your family, or your guests very real harm if they fall and hit you.

Do I need planning permission to put tiles on my conservatory roof? 

It is unlikely you’ll need planning permission to put tiles on your conservatory roof, thanks to changes made to UK planning regulations in 2010. Before these regulations changed, at least 75% of a conservatory roof had to be translucent to qualify as a permitted development (not requiring planning permission).

Since the update, however, homeowners have enjoyed greater freedom to install solid roofs, including tiled roofs, without explicit planning consent, which has caused a surge in popularity.

Although planning permission is not usually required, you must ensure your new tiled roof complies with building regulations. Solid tiled roofs are significantly heavier than glass or polycarbonate roofs, so your conservatory’s existing structure might require reinforcement or modifications.

Approval from your local authority’s Building Control department is mandatory to ensure the structure can safely bear this additional weight. Before starting work, a structural assessment by a qualified installer or building control officer is essential.

They will verify whether the current framework, walls, and foundations can handle a heavier roof or advise if structural changes are necessary—such as strengthening the conservatory’s frame or installing additional supports. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in costly repairs, safety risks, or issues when selling your home later on.

Therefore, always seek professional advice and approval from Building Control before proceeding. Qualified installers should manage these regulatory aspects, giving you peace of mind and guaranteeing your new tiled conservatory roof’s safety, longevity, and performance.

Can I put tiles on my conservatory myself?

Yes, you can, but it is not advisable unless you are a trained and experienced roofer. For this reason, hiring a professional to do it for you is usually a better idea.

Solid tiled roofs are much heavier than alternatives like polycarbonate ones, meaning the conservatory’s roof structure usually needs reinforcement or complete replacement. This task is not simple and should only be attempted if you know what you are doing.

A roof is a very important part of any building, and it must withstand the elements to protect the underlying structure over the long term. Poor quality work will likely lead to leaks, mould, condensation, and significant water damage that could threaten the entire conservatory’s lifespan (not to mention any items inside).

Getting a professional to do the work also comes with other benefits, like proper insurance and warranties for their work. Doing it yourself can also be a false economy, as you may need to fork out more money in the future to fix issues you may have overlooked if you are not an expert.

As we’ve already covered, such work can also have compliance and regulatory requirements that require a working knowledge of the dos and don’ts of such an undertaking. Once complete, such work may also need a building control sign-off.

Summary

• Conservatories enhance your home with extra space, natural lighting, and potential value.
• To fully benefit, your conservatory must have a secure, efficient roof.
• Tiled conservatory roofs significantly improve insulation, reducing heat loss by up to 15 times compared to clear roofs.
• A solid tiled roof also provides year-round comfort, enhanced durability, and an attractive appearance that matches your home.
• While typically not requiring planning permission, tiled roofs must comply with building regulations due to their weight and structural needs.
• Always use qualified installers to ensure safety, compliance, and a lasting, high-quality conservatory roof installation.

Written by

Christopher McFadden Contributor

Christopher is an Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) specialist with extensive experience advising consumer and trade clients on energy efficiency and sustainability.

With a Master’s in Earth Sciences from Cardiff University, Christopher has attained professional energy and sustainability auditing qualifications and various postgraduate certificates and diplomas. He is a qualified and accredited Level 3 and Level 4 non-domestic and domestic energy assessor, a Green Deal assessor, and a Practitioner member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). He also recently qualified as a level 5 Retrofit coordinator.

In addition to his day job, Christopher has also honed his skills as a STEM writer for several well-known online publishers, sharing his knowledge and passion for science, engineering, and dinosaurs with millions of readers around the world.

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