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 cost between £6,500 and £15,000 inc. VAT, depending on size, tile 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.
Yes — a Shire solid roof reaches a U-value as low as 0.15 W/m²K versus 1.8–3.0 for polycarbonate, cutting heating bills by up to half. The insulation traps heat inside, removes cold spots and turns 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 Smart-Roof installations take four to 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.
Yes — 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.
A properly installed Smart-Roof lasts 30+ years. The lightweight aluminium structure, multi-layer insulation and composite tiles are all engineered for long-term outdoor use, and we warranty roof, structure and workmanship in writing so you have peace of mind from day one.
For almost every homeowner who actually uses (or wants to use) the conservatory as living space — yes. The room becomes warm in winter, cool in summer and quiet in the rain, heating bills drop by 30–50%, and a thermally efficient conservatory is treated as a true extension by surveyors. Most customers recover the cost in comfort and resale value within a few years.
In everyday use the terms mean the same thing. 'Solid' describes the opaque, fully insulated nature of the roof; 'tiled' describes the external slate-effect or shingle-effect composite tile finish. Both refer to a modern lightweight insulated system replacing a glass or polycarbonate roof.
Only the ceiling — it's freshly plastered as part of every Smart-Roof install. Walls, floor, furniture and decor remain untouched. We protect everything inside the conservatory throughout the work and leave it spotless.
Yes. The conservatory is sealed off from the rest of the house and kept weather-tight throughout. You can use the rest of your home as normal — kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, everything.
Yes — almost completely. Polycarbonate roofs cause condensation because their cold inner surface meets warm interior air. A fully insulated solid roof keeps the inner surface warm, eliminating the cold-spot effect that causes drips, damp patches and mould.
Yes. We install year-round. Strip-out is staged so the conservatory is never left open to the weather, and our installers work tidily in all conditions. Many homeowners actually prefer a winter install so they can enjoy the warm room from spring onwards.
Yes — every shape. Lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, P-shape, T-shape, gable and bespoke designs are all routine for our team. The lightweight tiled system is engineered around your conservatory's existing frame and dimensions.
Most customers see a 30–50% drop in conservatory-related heating costs. An uninsulated polycarbonate or glass conservatory acts like a giant radiator pumping heat into the garden — once it's properly insulated with a Smart-Roof, you stop paying to heat the outdoors.
For comfort and energy efficiency, yes. Glass is a step up from polycarbonate but still loses heat far faster than an insulated solid roof and offers little noise reduction. Glass only makes sense if maximum overhead light is essential — and even then, a hybrid (solid roof with Velux windows) usually outperforms it.
Yes — finance options are available on most installations subject to status. Ask during your free survey and we'll explain the options alongside your fixed-price quote.
Long written warranties on the roof structure, composite tiles, insulation and workmanship, plus your Local Authority Building Control completion certificate. Every guarantee is documented in writing — not verbal — so you have full peace of mind.
Typically within 2–4 weeks of accepting your quote, depending on the season. Materials are ordered straight after sign-off and we'll book a firm install date with you in advance — no last-minute surprises.
We remove and dispose of it responsibly as part of the install. Polycarbonate sheets, glass panels and old framework are all taken away — you don't lift a finger and you don't pay extra for waste removal.
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