Replacing a conservatory roof is one of the most impactful home upgrades, turning an under-used, weather-sensitive room into a cosy, year-round extension. Latest figures show that it can cost to replace a conservatory roof in the UK in 2025 range from £2 k to over £15 k—depending on materials, style, size, and extras. This article explores every angle, citing industry sources, professional cost breakdowns, regional differences, and homeowners’ real-world experiences.
Signs You Need a New Roof
According to Ideal Home, polycarbonate roofs often degrade within 10 years, and clear indicators like leaks, cracks, and thermal failure highlight the need for replacement . Common triggers include:
-
Poly roof brittleness
-
Seal failure in glass
-
Overheating or freezing temperatures
-
Loud rain noise
Popular Replacement Options & Price Ranges
🟢 Polycarbonate
Lightweight and low-cost but least insulating.
-
Nationwide range: £2 k–£4 k for ~10 m²
-
Per m² rates: £205–£300
-
Size-specific: 3×3 m: £2.2 k–£2.6 k; larger Edwardian styles up to £5.7 k
🔵 Glass
Elegant, better insulation, but priciest among glazed options.
-
Typical costs: £3 k–£6 k for standard installations
-
Per m²: £300–£350 (double glazing or solar-control adds 25–40%)
-
Larger/advanced specs: 3×3 m: £4 k–£5.5 k; bigger setups up to £10 k+
🟤 Tiled/Solid Roof
Best insulation, heirloom durability—but costs most.
-
Entry-level: £4 k–£9 k for ~10 m²
-
Mid-range: £6 k–£12 k for ~15 m²
-
Premium/hybrid systems: £10 k–£20 k+ with reinforcement and extras
Size & Roof Style Influence
Breakdown from The Roof Pros shows how shape alters pricing :
-
Lean-to: Poly £2.1–£3.5 k; Glass £2.3–£3.2 k
-
Victorian: Poly £3–6 k; Glass £3–8 k
-
Edwardian: Poly £3.5–5.8 k; Glass £4.5–6 k
-
Lantern: Poly £3.9–7.2 k; Glass £4.1–8 k
More complex shapes (Georgian, gable-fronted) drive costs up by £500–£2 k depending on size.
Labour & Installation Time
Labour rates average £300–£500/day/person . Installation durations typically are:
-
Polycarbonate: 1–2 days (~£300–£1 k labour)
-
Glass: 2–3 days (~£600–£1.5 k labour)
-
Tiled/Solid: 3–5 days (~£900–£2.5 k labour)
Hidden & Extra Costs
Beyond base roofing:
-
Removal/disposal: £200–£1,000
-
Structural reinforcement: £1 k–£3 k (mandatory heavier roofs)
-
Building regs/planning: £200–£800+
-
Interior finish (plastering, insulation, electrics): £500–£3 k
-
Extras: Velux skylights £450–£500 ea; lighting £400–£600
A mid-range tiled fit-out with lighting and dormers can quickly surge past £15 k.
Regional Breakdown
Costs vary geographically:
-
London/South East: About †20 %† above national averages
-
North of England/Scotland/Wales: 10–20 % below national average
-
Ideal Home notes standard PD rules nationwide, but local planning may still apply
Energy Efficiency & ROI
Upgraded roofs dramatically reduce U-values:
-
Polycarbonate: ~2.5 W/m²K
-
Glass: 1.2–1.6 W/m²K
-
Tiled/Solid: ~0.18 W/m²K
Annual heating savings range from £100 to £600 .
A solid roof can also boost property value by 5–10%, around £15–20 k .
Homeowner Case Studies
Reddit’s real stories illustrate actual budgets:
-
3×3 m Victorian refurb: Smart glass roof by CosyRoof for £7 k vs. £16 k elsewhere
-
Large 6×4.5 m solid roof plus finish: £12 k, now “super warm”
-
Lean-to tiled 3×4 m: £6 k quote, caution advised due to structure/reg issue
-
Rubber roof + plaster + electrics: £9.1 k in Stockport for Edwardian style
-
Basic foil + UPVC retrofit: <£2 k, praised as “1000× improvement”
-
Polycarbonate replacement quotes: Ranged from £5.3 k to £12.3 k in SW England
Planning & Regulations
-
Permitted Development often applies for like-for-like replacements .
-
Solid/tiles typically trigger Building Regulations requiring sign-off (£200–£800+)
-
Conservation areas may require full planning consent
How to Budget Smart
-
Choose roof type wisely: poly for budget, glass for balance, tiles for premium
-
Gather 3+ quotes, noting included scope—some quotes omit plaster, elec, regs
-
Compare per m² breakdowns: suppliers like Wickes/Anglian/Ultraframe vary between £2 500–£4 000 for 10 m² poly
-
Time off-season: winter jobs often cheaper
-
DIY prep: clear room and furniture before work begins
-
Verify certification: choose FENSA or installer-accredited systems
-
Plan extras carefully: pick light features and skylights based on sunlight needs
Maintenance & Longevity
-
Polycarbonate lasts ~10 years
-
Glass ~20–30+ years with proper seal care
-
Tiled/Solid ~30–50+ years; minimal upkeep besides cleaning and mold checks
Annual seal inspections (£150–£250) can prevent costly damage.
Conclusion
-
🔹 Entry-level poly: £2 k–£6 k—best for short-term or DIY lean-to
-
🔹 Mid-range glass: £4 k–£10 k—tense balance of light and insulation
-
🔹 Premium tiles/solid: £6 k–£20 k+—best year-round comfort and value addition
Beyond these figures, thermal performance, regulatory compliance, and regional labour rates shape actual costs. Compared to building a brick extension (£2.2–£3.3 k/m²) , roof replacement is often more cost-efficient—provided you choose wisely.
Quick FAQs
Q: Can I replace it myself?
A: Not advisable—structural load, waterproofing, and regs require professionals .
Q: Needed building regs?
A: Solid/tiled almost always; glass/polys often not—check with your local authority.
Q: Will it save money?
A: Yes—energy savings (£100–£600/yr) + added property value often offset costs in 5–10 years.
Final Recommendation
Replacing your conservatory roof is a smart move—if done with planning.
-
Start with clear usage goals: light and ambience vs energy savings.
-
Decide the material based on budget, lifespan, and insulation needs.
-
Get multiple detailed quotes including specs and regulations.
-
Include interior finish and extras upfront.
With the right choices, your conservatory can transform from a seasonal afterthought into a warmer, well-lit—and valuable—living space.
