How to choose the right conservatory roof for your home

  • 20 May, 2026|
  • News

Our clients regularly report conservatories being their favourite part of home.

Some use them as a space to unwind, some as a home office, and we’ve even heard that one of our glass roof installations is used as a space to birdwatch and enjoy sunsets from the sofa!

Whatever your intended purpose for your conservatory, to enjoy it to its full potential requires leading thermal performance. This means that your extension retains heat when it’s required in the winter but also prevents it from entering in the summer and causing the space to overheat.

The majority of heat transfer in a conservatory occurs through the roof, so if you are struggling with condensation or temperature swings, a replacement roof is likely your best bet. The good news is that the market is not short of options, including tiled, hybrid and glass solutions, all of which we’ll explore in depth throughout this blog.

equinox conservatory roof

Choosing the right conservatory roof for your home

Whether you’re planning a new conservatory or updating an existing conservatory roof, the best option for you will depend on your budget, the style of your property and how you plan to use the room. We’ll explore the market’s leading solutions below.

Tiled conservatory roofs

A tiled conservatory roof is a solid roof option that blends in with your existing brickwork, making the conservatory feel more like a traditional extension of the home. We install the Equinox tiled roof system from Eurocell, made using limestone and polypropylene composite tiles and built from 75% recycled materials.

Tile colours include Charcoal, Antique Red, Burnt Amber, Moss Green, Pewter Grey, Slate Grey, Chestnut and Plum. Inside, you can choose between a plasterboard or tongue and groove finish.

Excellent insulation

The Equinox tiled roof can achieve U-values as low as 0.5 W/m²K. U-values measure how easily heat escapes, in essence the lower the number, the better the insulation. In simple terms, good U-Values mean your home is cheaper to run, and more comfortable/sustainable.

Built to handle harsh weather

Composite tiles are weather resistant and dampen the sound of heavy rain, which is a big plus if you’ve ever sat under a polycarbonate roof during a downpour.

tiled roof

Hybrid conservatory roofs

A hybrid conservatory roof is designed to give you the best of both worlds, the insulation of a solid roof with intentional natural light intake. With the Equinox system, you can incorporate a glass section into the solid roof. Glass sections can be fixed screens or openable windows.

Glass roof conservatories

A glass conservatory roof offers the maximum amount of natural light. Our glass roofs come with self-cleaning glass as standard, which is activated by sunlight and rain levels, so you won’t need to worry about a grubby exterior, or cleaning it yourself.

If you’re looking for the best thermal efficiency on offer, you can choose to upgrade to solar control glass. This option reduces solar gain (which is the heat build-up caused by sunlight), stopping the room from overheating in summer.

Our 24mm glazed roofs are available in super clear, super blue, super neutral, super aqua and super bronze tints. If budget is a concern, a polycarbonate conservatory roof is a more affordable alternative, available in 25mm and 32mm thicknesses with clear, opal, bronze and bronze/opal options.

glass roof conservatory

Which conservatory roof option is right for me?

Feature Tiled roof Hybrid roof Glass roof
Natural light Low Medium High
Thermal performance Excellent Very good Good, especially with solar control glass
Noise reduction Excellent Very good Good
Best for Year-round living Bright, well-insulated rooms If a healthy, light-filled space is your priority

How can I customise my new conservatory?

Beyond the main roof, there are plenty of ways to make your conservatory feel unique.

Roof lanterns and skylights

If you’ve gone for a flat tiled conservatory roof but want extra daylight, a roof lantern is a brilliant addition.

We supply and install Skypod roof lanterns, which create a raised glazed feature, perfect over a dining area, cooking space or general spot where natural light is appreciate; perhaps above the table you like to use for your favourite jigsaw puzzles!

Aliver flat roof lights are also a good option, especially if you don’t have the budget for a full roof lantern. Made using aluminium, they also sit on flat surfaces and bring in light from above. Available up to 1500mm x 1500mm (square) or 2000mm x 1000mm (rectangular).

white sky lantern

Replacement conservatory roofs from Warwick Development

If your existing conservatory roof is letting you down, leaking, draughty or just too cold to use in winter, a new roof can really transform the space.

As stated by the Energy Saving Trust, around a quarter of heat loss in a typical home goes through the roof, so upgrading to a warm roof makes a real difference to your energy costs.

FAQs

Do I need planning permission for a new conservatory roof?

Usually you won’t, as thankfully replacing a conservatory roof most often falls under permitted development. However, all installations must meet building regulations. Every job we carry out is FENSA registered, which means it’s certified to meet UK standards.

Can I replace a polycarbonate roof with a tiled one?

Yes, in most cases. Our expert team will assess the existing structure to make sure it can support the new roof. The Equinox system is designed to work with most existing conservatory frames.

Who are Warwick Development?

We’re a family-run business based in Sheffield with over 30 years of experience supplying and installing uPVC and aluminium glazing products. We manufacture Eurocell, Spectus and Smart Architectural aluminium products in-house, and our work is backed by accreditations including FENSA, BSI, UKAS and the CMS Quality Mark, great for your peace of mind.

We offer a full design and installation service to homeowners within a 45-mile radius of our Sheffield HQ, and our showroom is open Monday to Friday.

Thinking about a new conservatory roof? We can help! Call us on 0114 257 1200 for a free, no-obligation quote, or use the contact form on our website to get in touch.