If your conservatory roof is past its best, you have three main choices: polycarbonate, glass, or a warm (solid) tiled roof. Here is how they really compare for a Scottish home.
Polycarbonate
The cheapest option, and what most older conservatories have. It is light and lets in plenty of light, but it is noisy in the rain, offers almost no insulation, and looks dated. It is the main reason so many conservatories are too hot in summer and freezing in winter.
Glass
A big step up from polycarbonate — modern self-cleaning, solar-control glass looks smart and cuts glare and heat compared with poly. But it is the most expensive option, still lets a lot of heat in and out, and can suffer from glare on bright days.
Warm tiled (solid) roof
An insulated, lightweight tiled roof is the option we fit most, because it solves the actual problem. It is warm in winter, cool in summer, quiet in the rain, and looks like a proper extension from inside and out. You lose the fully-glazed ceiling, but you can add roof windows to keep plenty of natural light.
Quick comparison
| Polycarbonate | Glass | Warm tiled | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature comfort | Poor | OK | Excellent |
| Noise in rain | Loud | Some | Quiet |
| Natural light | High | High | Add roof windows |
| Cost | £ | £££ | ££ |
Which is best for a Scottish home?
Given our weather, most people who want to actually use their conservatory all year choose a warm tiled roof. If you mainly want light and a lower budget, glass is a reasonable middle ground; polycarbonate is really only a short-term fix.
Not sure which is right for your conservatory? Call 01236 338876 for a free, no-obligation survey and a clear fixed price, or see our conservatory roof replacement service.