Conservatory roof options compared
Solid, tiled, glass, insulated-panel, hybrid or polycarbonate — and which warm-roof system to choose. Here's how they stack up on warmth, weight, light and lifespan.
The six replacement options
Solid warm roof (plastered)
The most popular upgrade. The old translucent roof is removed and replaced with a fully insulated structural deck clad in lightweight composite slates or tiles, finished with a plastered ceiling inside. It reaches extension-grade insulation (U-values of 0.12–0.18), cuts heat loss dramatically and silences rain noise — turning the conservatory into a year-round room. Trade-offs: it is the heaviest option (so the frame is checked), blocks overhead light, and needs building-control sign-off.
Lightweight tiled
The same warm, quiet, tiled result using a lighter engineered frame — a good fit where keeping weight down on the existing structure matters.
Glass (solar-control)
Modern argon-filled, low-emissivity, self-cleaning glass keeps the space bright and the view open while reflecting heat. Better than old glass (U-values around 1.0–1.2) but still warmer in summer and cooler in winter than a solid roof. Glass is heavy, so frames usually need reinforcement.
Insulated replacement panels
High-density insulated panels replace the existing glass or polycarbonate panes while reusing the roof bars. They are a fast, lower-cost thermal upgrade, but make the roof opaque and do not provide the same structural conversion or plastered finish as a full warm roof.
Hybrid (solid + glass)
A mostly solid, insulated roof with shaped glass panels or a glazed lantern — keeping roughly 70% of the daylight while delivering solid-roof warmth. A popular premium choice that avoids dark rooms.
Polycarbonate
The budget like-for-like refresh. Cheap and light, but still noisy in rain, poor at insulating, and only lasts 10–15 years before yellowing. Fine as a short-term fix, not a long-term upgrade.
Materials compared
| Option | Insulation (U-value) | Weight | Lifespan | Rain noise | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | 1.6 – 2.5 | 2–3 kg/m² | 10–15 yrs | Poor (80+ dB) | High (but glary) |
| Glass (double-glazed) | 1.0 – 1.2 modern | 20–30 kg/m² | 25–30 yrs | Moderate | Maximum |
| Insulated panels | System-dependent | Lightweight | System-dependent | Good | None (opaque) |
| Lightweight tiled | Around 0.15 | 31–49 kg/m² | 40+ yrs | Excellent | Low (add rooflights) |
| Solid warm roof | 0.12 – 0.18 | 35–55 kg/m² | 40–50+ yrs | Excellent | Low (add rooflights) |
| Hybrid (solid + glass) | 0.15 (solid areas) | 31–40 kg/m² | 40+ yrs | Good | Balanced (~70%) |
The leading warm-roof systems
A “solid roof” is usually one of a handful of engineered, certified systems. They differ in frame material, weight, insulation and glazing flexibility:
| System | Frame material | Weight | U-value | Guarantee | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian Warm Roof | Aluminium & timber | ~55 kg/m² | 0.18 (0.15 opt) | 10-year | Mainstream |
| Ultraframe Ultraroof | Aluminium & SIP panels | ~38 kg/m² | 0.15 (0.12 opt) | 10-yr / 25-yr tile | Premium |
| Ultraframe LivinROOF | Glass-roof chassis hybrid | ~31 kg/m² | 0.15 (0.12 opt) | 10-year | Ultra-premium |
| SupaLite | Aluminium spaceframe | 40–49 kg/m² | 0.15 (0.12 opt) | 10-yr insurance-backed | Mid–high |
| Leka Warm Roof | GRP (composite) | ~34 kg/m² | 0.15 (0.10 opt) | 40-year | Premium specialist |
| Icotherm | FSC structural timber | ≈ glass + a little | 0.15 (0.12 opt) | 10-year | Eco mid-tier |
- Guardian — the widely-fitted, BBA-certified mainstream system; great all-rounder.
- Ultraframe Ultraroof / LivinROOF — premium, with the best integrated glazing and vaulted ceilings.
- SupaLite — handles low pitches (down to 10°) well.
- Leka — lightweight GRP that resists rot and cold-bridging and suits older frames; long 40-year warranty.
- Icotherm — timber-based and eco-friendly, watertight in a day.
Check current claims and warranty terms with the manufacturers: Guardian, Ultraframe, SupaLite and LEKA. Published values can depend on the selected insulation build-up, and warranties have conditions and exclusions.
How to choose
- Want maximum warmth and a true room? Solid / tiled warm roof.
- Worried about losing light? Hybrid, or a solid roof with roof windows.
- Want to keep it bright and open? Solar-control glass.
- Want a faster thermal upgrade? Insulated replacement panels reuse the existing roof bars.
- Older or lightweight frame? A lightweight system (Leka GRP, SupaLite) reduces load.
- Tight budget / short-term? Polycarbonate — but you may need to upgrade again sooner.
Next: see typical costs for each option, compare insulation methods or check the building regulations a solid roof can trigger.
Helpful answers
Roof options — FAQs
Glass or solid roof — which is better?
It's a trade-off. A solid (tiled, plastered) warm roof gives by far the best insulation and a true room feel, but blocks overhead light. A glass roof keeps the space brightest but controls heat less well. Many homeowners choose a hybrid — a mostly solid roof with glazed panels or a lantern — to get warmth and light.
Will a solid roof make my conservatory (and the room behind it) dark?
It reduces overhead light, but this is easily managed. Integrating roof windows (Velux) or full-length glass panels — or choosing a hybrid system — retains up to around 70% of the original daylight while giving you the full thermal benefit.
Which warm-roof system is best — Guardian, Ultraframe, SupaLite or Leka?
They're all good; the right one depends on priorities. Guardian is the mainstream, widely-fitted choice; Ultraframe Ultraroof and LivinROOF are premium with the best glazing integration; Leka uses lightweight GRP that suits older frames and carries a long warranty; SupaLite handles low pitches well. A good installer recommends a system to suit your frame and budget.
Do solid roofs cause condensation or damp?
Not when built correctly. A true 'warm roof' keeps the insulation outside the structure so the dew point sits on the exterior — no internal condensation. Problems only arise with poorly-built 'cold roofs' that lack a sealed vapour barrier and ventilation. Always insist on a proper warm-roof build with a sealed AVCL.
How long do the different roofs last?
Polycarbonate lasts roughly 10–15 years, glass 25–30 years, and solid/tiled warm roofs 40–50+ years with minimal maintenance.
Free personalised estimate
Estimate the roof option that suits your plans
No contact details are required to see the estimate. An installer introduction afterward is optional.
Get my free estimateNo obligation · Installer introduction is optional