Quick Takeaways:
Tiled roofs are usually steel or slate composite
There are multiple benefits to a tiled conservatory roof installation
Tiled conservatory roofs come in different designs
There are also alternative conservatory roofs, such as glass and polycarbonate
The Manchester Window Factory team are expert conservatory providers and installers
Replacing your conservatory roof with a tiled upgrade can enhance insulation and energy efficiency, reduce noise pollution, and increase your property’s value. With our bespoke design service, you can ensure it blends seamlessly with the architecture and aesthetic of your primary property.
Similarly, if you are installing a new conservatory, a tiled roof is one of the most popular options.
But are there any downsides? And is a tiled conservatory roof the best option for you?
Don’t worry, with over 25 years’ experience in providing and installing conservatories across the North West, there’s not much we don’t know.
We’ve created this tiled conservatory roof guide to answer these questions and more.
What is a tiled conservatory roof?
A tiled roof is a conservatory roof with either steel or slate composite tiles. They are available in various styles and sizes, some incorporating glass or polycarbonate sections and others with integrated solar panels.
We offer two variations of roof tiles at Manchester Window Factory: composite slate and steel.
Composite Slate
Made of a mix of roofing materials such as asphalt, cement, fibreglass and recycled slate, composite tiles are a sustainable, affordable choice. Impact and weather-resistant, they require little maintenance and will not crack, peel, warp or split.
Another advantage of composite slate tiles is that they come in a range of colours and textures, including Pewter Grey, Stone Black, Brick Red, Chestnut, Plum, and Red Rock.
Steel
Steel roof tiles are a more expensive option, but they also have a longer lifespan (15-20+ years). They look like traditional slate tiles and are available in attractive colourways, such as Ebony, Charcoal, Burnt Umber, Moss Green, and Antique Red.
You can also customise your tiled roof to your exact specifications.
Why choose a tiled conservatory roof?
There are many benefits to choosing a modern tiled conservatory roof, including:
- Insulation – A tiled roof provides better insulation for your new living space.
- Noise reduction – Steel or composite tiles offer better acoustic protection than glass or polycarbonate.
- Year-round comfort – Tiled conservatory roofs help maintain a comfortable temperature to promote year-round use.
- Aesthetics – You can match your conservatory roof to blend seamlessly with the main property.
- Less glare – Glass and polycarbonate roofs can sometimes suffer from excessive glare from the sun.
- Easier to clean and maintain – tiled roofs do not show dirt as quickly as glass or polycarbonate, and they can be cleaned with a telescopic brush.
- Increased property value – a tiled conservatory is effectively another room for your property and, as such, can add value to your property.
- Reduced energy bills – A more insulated conservatory means it costs less to heat.
- Lower carbon footprint – Less heating and cooling also means fewer carbon emissions.
- Enhanced privacy – Conservatory roofs are often visible from neighbouring upstairs windows, so a tiled roof will provide better protection for your privacy.
- More options for decor – Tiled roofs allow for plastered ceilings and lighting
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Comfort – Excellent year-round usability | Reduces natural light; may need skylights |
Insulation – low u-values, carbon footprint, and heating bills | Slightly heavier structure; not DIY friendly |
Noise Reduction – Significant rain and external noise buffering | Installation cost – Higher initial cost |
Aesthetics & Value – Extension look, improved curb appeal | Requires structural supports for older conservatories |
Installation Speed – Often completed in 2–5 days | Tiles can break over time or due to extreme weather |
Durability – weather resistant, long lifespan | Need to ensure moss doesn’t build up |
Design Options
There are several variations you can choose for your conservatory roof. The usual starting point is the shape and style of your conservatory – Lean-to, P-shape, Victorian, Edwardian, Gable or bespoke.
This shape will inform the structure of the roof. For example, with a Lean-to, the roof is attached to the main property wall and angles down to the front of the conservatory. A Gable conservatory, on the other hand, requires a higher roof height to accommodate the apex.
Alternatives to Tiled Conservatory Roofs
However, you may not want a tiled or fully tiled roof on your conservatory.
For example, if you want to maximise the light flooding through, a fully tiled roof is not your best option.
The most common alternatives to a tiled conservatory roof are glass, polycarbonate, and hybrid glass-tile systems, which may also incorporate solar panels.
Glass
Glass conservatory roofs maximise light and create an open and airy atmosphere. However, they can make it hard to control the temperature of the room, they can create a glare, and they require frequent cleaning to maintain your aesthetic.
Polycarbonate
A lighter, more durable and more affordable alternative to traditional glass, polycarbonate offers the same bright openness as glass but lacks any soundproofing properties.
Hybrid
Potentially the best of both worlds, hybrid roofs provide more privacy and insulation while still allowing natural light to flow. They are more energy efficient than glass or polycarbonate, particularly if solar panels have been incorporated, such as in our Activ Solar-glazed roofs.
Conclusion
Tiled conservatory roofs offer many benefits to UK homeowners, from improved insulation and comfort to curb appeal and property value.
However, they are not the best option for every home.
You may prefer a glass, polycarbonate or hybrid conservatory roof. It comes down to personal taste, budget, and requirements.
Whichever choice you make, you can guarantee a perfect fit and peace of mind by using Manchester Window Factory for your tiled conservatory roof installation.
Our CERTASS-certified fitters will get the job done with minimal disruption and a friendly and professional attitude.
We offer a minimum 10-year insurance-backed guarantee and have a professional engineer on call in the unlikely event of a mishap.
Want to know more?
How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Installing a tiled conservatory roof takes three to five days on average.
This includes:
- Setting up the site
- Removing the old roof
- Installing structural frames
- Insulating and vapour control
- Installing leadwork
- Tiling, guttering, plasterboarding and electrical work
However, this timeline can be extended up to around ten days depending on the size, complexity of the design, and access. You should also factor in any repairs.
If you are quoted a faster installation, it likely does not include every step listed above.
A tiled conservatory roof typically costs between £600 and £900 per square meter. The standard conservatory size is 3m X 3m, for which you should expect to pay between £5,832 and £7,128. However, larger conservatories or more complex designs, such as integrating solar panels, could increase costs up to approximately £15,000 or more.
Your location, accessibility, and the materials used can also affect the final price.
Most conservatory roof replacements fall under permitted development rights and therefore do not require planning permission. There are a few exceptions, such as listed buildings, conservation areas and new roofs which significantly alter the size of the conservatory. You can learn more about planning permission for conservatories in our blog.
In any case, your replacement roof will need to comply with building regulations, such as ensuring separation from the main property and verifying that the existing framework can support the new roof.
Whether your conservatory structure will support the weight of a new tiled roof depends on several factors:
- The material of the existing roof
- How old your conservatory is
- Whether your tiled roof is solid or only tiled in some sections
- Whether it adheres to the latest building regulations
The best way to find out is to ask a professional conservatory installer to conduct an assessment before deciding on a replacement roof that may be unsuitable.