Tiled roof
A tiled roof, often called a warm roof, is solid and insulated, with a plastered ceiling inside. The room holds its heat like the rest of the house and stays cooler in summer.
It lets in less light, because daylight then comes through the windows and doors. Roof lights can bring some back. It is heavier, so the base and frames must be checked, and it usually needs building regulations approval. Read our guide to warm roofs and building regulations.
Glass roof
A glass roof keeps the bright, open feel of a traditional conservatory. It is the choice if light and the view of the sky matter most to you.
It loses more heat than a solid roof, and the room can still get hot on sunny days. A glazed conservatory can stay exempt from building regulations if it meets the conditions on size and separation from the house.
Polycarbonate roof
Polycarbonate panels are light and the lowest-cost option. They suit simple lean-to roofs and smaller conservatories.
They insulate least of the three, so the room is often cold in winter and hot in summer. Rain on polycarbonate can be loud. Over time panels can crack, discolour or turn cloudy.
| Tiled (warm roof) | Glass | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Least, unless you add roof lights | Most | Good, but can turn cloudy with age |
| Warmth in winter | Best: insulated | Loses more heat | Least insulated |
| Noise in rain | Quiet | Some noise | Can be loud |
| Weight | Heaviest, structure must be checked | Medium | Lightest |
| Building regulations | Usually needs approval | Can stay exempt if conditions are met | Can stay exempt if conditions are met |
| Best for | Using the room all year | Light and the classic look | Lower-cost, simple roofs |
How to choose
Ask yourself how you want to use the room:
- All year, as a lounge, dining room or office: a tiled roof.
- Mostly in spring and summer, for light and the garden view: glass.
- A simple, low-cost cover for a lean-to or utility space: polycarbonate.
- A flat or lean-to roof that leaks: ask about a rubber (EPDM) roof.
Building regulations in short
The Planning Portal says conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations when they are at ground level, single storey and under 30 square metres. They must also be separated from the house by external quality walls, doors or windows, and have their own heating controls.
Glazing must still meet safety rules. A new solid roof must comply with building regulations so it is structurally safe, energy efficient and properly ventilated.
Sources
General facts on this page come from these official sources. Rules can change, so check the latest version before you rely on them.
- Planning Portal: Conservatories, building regulations (opens in a new tab)
- Planning Portal FAQ: Do I need building regulations approval or planning permission to change the roof on my conservatory? (opens in a new tab)
- legislation.gov.uk: The Building Regulations 2010, Schedule 2 (exempt buildings and work), Class 7 (opens in a new tab)