Conservatory Roof Replacement Cost
A conservatory roof does the heavy lifting: it keeps the weather out, the comfort in, and the light just right. Older roofs, especially polycarbonate ones, can underperform after 10–20 years, making the room too hot in summer and chilly in winter. Replacing the roof can transform the space into a room you’ll actually use, whether it’s a home office, playroom, dining nook, or year-round garden lounge.
If you’re considering a replacement, you’ll want to weigh up materials, installation costs, timescales, regulations, and the pros and cons. This guide covers the lot, with 2025 prices.
How much does it cost to replace a conservatory roof?
Exact costs hinge on size, shape (lean-to, Victorian, Edwardian, gable), access, material choice, and whether structural upgrades are needed. As a 2025 snapshot:
- Typical total project budgets land around £6,300 to £9,450 for small-to-mid-size roofs, depending on material and size, with larger 5 m x 5 m roofs running higher (up to about £22,500 for glass on a big footprint). Many homeowners prudently earmark ~£10,000.
- A broad 2025 range across guides is roughly £3,200 to £8,500+ depending on size (small/medium/large) and spec.
Average costs by roof type (2025)
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Sources summarised from Checkatrade’s 2025 guide and cost tables.
Example size-based ranges (materials vary)
- Small (≈3 × 3 m): ~£2,000–£5,200
- Medium (≈4 × 4 m): ~£3,200–£6,800
- Large (≈5 × 5 m): ~£4,500–£8,500+
These are broad 2025 averages across common materials. Expect glass and solid roofs to sit at the upper end.
Labour Costs and Timescales
Professional installation is strongly advised for safety, structural integrity, and compliance.
- Labour rates: typical roofer day rates are around £280–£360/day (≈£35–£45/h), with regional variation; some guides quote £150–£300/day for a roofer depending on location and complexity. For conservatory roofs, installers often work in pairs.
- Specific to conservatory roofs: Checkatrade cites ~£400 per person per day and notes 1–3 days for simpler swaps; complex solid roofs and internal works take longer.
- Typical duration: around 2–5 days for most replacements; solid tiled systems with internal plastering/electrics can extend to up to a week. Some brands quote 3–5 days as standard.
Tip: confirm quotes include labour, waste removal, internal finishes (plasterboard/plaster), scaffolding (if needed), and VAT.
Additional Cost Factors
- Size & shape: Bigger footprints and ornate shapes (Victorian/Edwardian) raise material and labour.
- Material choice: Polycarbonate is lowest cost; glass and solid tiled roofs cost more but improve comfort and longevity.
- Structure & weight: Solid roofs weigh more. You may need surveys or reinforcement of frames/base. Lightweight systems can help, but checks are essential.
- Insulation & finishes: Warm-roof build-ups, plastered ceilings, downlights, and ventilation raise costs but improve usability.
- Access & scaffolding: Tricky access and scaffold will nudge budgets up.
- Region: London/South East tends to price higher than the national average.
- Regulatory costs: Solid roofs usually need Building Regulations approval; some projects may require planning (fees apply).
What are the different types of conservatory roof materials?
Polycarbonate
- Typical cost: £400–£800/m². Lowest upfront cost.
- Pros: Cheapest, lightweight, straightforward install.
- Cons: Shorter lifespan (often 10–20 years), lower insulation, can be noisy in rain.
- Best for: Tight budgets or where thermal performance isn’t critical.
Glass (double glazed, low-E/solar control options)
- Typical cost: £600–£1,200/m².
- Pros: Brighter, clearer, better insulation and lifespan than polycarbonate.
- Cons: Heavier; may need stronger frames. Higher price than polycarbonate.
- Best for: Year-round light with improved comfort.
Tiled/“Warm” solid roofs (lightweight systems)
- Typical cost: £600–£900/m² for many systems; complete jobs often £7k–£12k+ depending on size and spec. Brand ranges like Guardian frequently sit in this band.
- Pros: Biggest boost in insulation, noise reduction, and “proper room” feel. \
- Cons: Heavier; almost always triggers Building Regulations compliance and sometimes planning. May reduce daylight unless you add rooflights/lanterns.
- Best for: Turning the conservatory into a true year-round space.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Comfort & usability: Modern glass or solid roofs can make the room usable in all seasons and quieter in rain.
- Energy performance: Better U-values reduce heat loss; solid roofs in particular can feel like a true extension.
- Value & appearance: Refreshes dated spaces and can improve saleability.
- Speed: Often completed within a work week, far faster than a full rebuild.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Glass and especially solid systems are a significant outlay.
- Weight & structure: Solid roofs may need surveys/reinforcement; not all existing frames are suitable.
- Daylight: Solid roofs reduce overhead light unless you add skylights/lanterns.
- Regulations: Solid replacements usually aren’t exempt; Building Regulations apply, and you should retain the completion certificate.
Summary & Tips
- In 2025, expect ~£400–£800/m² for polycarbonate, ~£600–£1,200/m² for glass, and ~£600–£900/m² for solid tiled systems, with many complete projects landing ~£6,300–£9,450 and larger/spec-heavy jobs higher.
- Get itemised quotes that spell out materials (including glazing spec), labour, waste removal, scaffolding, internal finishes, electrics, VAT, and any regulatory fees.
- Check suitability for solid roofs before committing; ask for structural assessment and Building Regulations route.
- If daylight is key, consider hybrid designs with rooflights or a lantern for solid systems.
- Allow 2–5 days for most replacements, longer if you’re adding internal plastering/electrics.
