Frequently asked questions
Solid roof conservatory questions, answered
From cost and Building Regulations to light, noise and lifespan — everything you've been wondering, set out plainly.
Most Shire solid roof conservatory replacements fall between £6,500 and £15,000, depending on the size of your conservatory, the tile choice and any roof windows. We always provide a free, no-obligation written quote so you know exactly what you'll pay before any work begins. Pricing reflects a full system: structural survey, lightweight insulated build, internal plastering, downlights and building regulations sign-off where required.
Yes — in nearly all cases. Polycarbonate roofs are lightweight, so the existing frame and base are usually capable of supporting a modern lightweight tiled solid roof. We carry out a free structural survey first to confirm the dwarf walls and frame are sound and to specify any reinforcement so the upgrade is fully compliant and worry-free.
Absolutely. A Shire solid roof reaches a U-value as low as 0.15 W/m²K — far better than polycarbonate's 1.8–3.0. The insulation traps heat inside, removes cold spots and can cut your heating bills by up to half, turning a freezing conservatory into a room you'll happily use in January.
Yes. Polycarbonate lets the sun bake the room, often pushing temperatures above 40°C. Our insulated solid roof reflects solar gain and stops heat building up, keeping the room a comfortable, usable temperature even in midsummer.
Most installations take between four and seven days from start to finish. That includes removing the old roof, fitting the new insulated structure, weather-tight tiling, internal plastering and lighting. Our team works tidily and protects your home throughout, so disruption is kept to a minimum.
In the vast majority of cases, no. A like-for-like solid roof replacement on an existing conservatory normally falls under permitted development. We handle the paperwork and confirm your specific situation during your free survey, so there are no surprises.
Yes — and we take care of it. Replacing a translucent roof with a solid one is a notifiable change, so the work must meet current Building Regulations for thermal performance and structure. Shire arranges all certificates and sign-off as part of the installation.
Not if you don't want to. We can fit roof windows or skylights wherever you'd like, flooding the room with natural light. Combined with a bright plastered ceiling and downlights, most customers say the room actually feels lighter and more inviting than before.
Yes. Velux-style roof windows and skylights are a popular addition and can be specified anywhere on the roof during design. They bring in daylight, allow ventilation on warm days and keep the room feeling open and airy.
Dramatically. Polycarbonate can reach 70–85 dB during heavy rain — about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. A Shire insulated solid roof brings that down to a soft whisper, so you can hold a conversation, watch TV or take phone calls even in a downpour.
Almost always, yes. Modern lightweight composite tiles weigh a fraction of traditional clay or slate, and our insulated system is engineered specifically for conservatory frames. Our free survey confirms suitability and includes any reinforcement in your fixed quote.
Yes. A thermally efficient conservatory is treated as a true extension by buyers and surveyors — unlike a tired polycarbonate room which is often valued at zero. Many homeowners recover most of the upgrade cost in increased property value.
Choose from a wide palette of slate-effect and shingle-effect composite tiles in greys, browns, terracotta and black. We bring samples to your survey so you can see them against your existing roof before you decide.
Yes — that's our standard approach. We pick a tile finish that complements your home so the conservatory looks like a planned extension, not an obvious add-on.
Yes. Every quote is free, written and no-obligation. We visit, measure, survey the structure, listen to what you want and then give you a clear fixed price — no pressure, no hard sell.
Free survey · No pressure
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