Most conservatories built in Coventry during the 1990s and early 2000s were roofed in polycarbonate sheeting. That polycarbonate is now 20–30 years old. It yellows, cracks, and loses its thermal properties as UV degradation progresses. The conservatory that was a selling point becomes a room you avoid in summer (overheating) and winter (too cold). Roof replacement is the most cost-effective way to resolve this.
The Three Options
Option 1 — Polycarbonate Replacement
Replacing like-for-like with new polycarbonate is the lowest-cost option. Modern multiwall polycarbonate (35mm+) performs significantly better than the original 16mm panels on most Coventry conservatories. Thermal performance improves, the discolouration problem is resolved, and the work takes 1–2 days. Cost: £1,500–£3,000 for a standard conservatory.
The limitation: polycarbonate still has a design life of 10–20 years and still creates overheating problems in south-facing Coventry conservatories during summer. It is the lowest upfront cost but not necessarily the best value over 25 years.
Option 2 — Glass Roof Replacement
Modern self-cleaning solar-control glass eliminates the overheating problem, maintains light transmission, and has a design life of 25+ years. It is heavier than polycarbonate and the existing frame must be assessed for load-bearing capacity before specification. Cost: £3,000–£6,000 for a standard Coventry conservatory.
Glass is the right choice when light transmission is a priority and overheating management is the primary problem. South-facing Coventry conservatories with glass roofs and solar control coatings stay significantly cooler than equivalent polycarbonate installations.
Option 3 — Solid Tiled Roof Conversion
Converting to a solid tiled roof (with insulation and internal plastered finish) eliminates the thermal performance problems of glazed roofs entirely. The conservatory becomes a genuinely insulated room usable year-round. Acoustic performance also improves significantly — rain noise on polycarbonate is eliminated.
The requirements: the existing frame and foundations must be capable of supporting the additional weight. This is not always the case on older Coventry conservatories and must be assessed before specifying. Where structural upgrades are needed the cost increases significantly. Cost without structural work: £5,000–£12,000 depending on size and specification.
Standard polycarbonate conservatory roofing has a design life of 10–15 years before UV degradation causes yellowing and loss of thermal performance.
Source: own field data 2025
Comparison Table
| Factor | Polycarbonate | Glass | Solid Tiled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (standard conservatory) | £1,500–£3,000 | £3,000–£6,000 | £5,000–£12,000 |
| Design life | 10–20 years | 25+ years | 40+ years |
| Overheating problem | Yes | Managed with solar glass | Eliminated |
| Natural light | Maximum | Maximum | Reduced |
| Year-round usability | Limited | Good | Excellent |
| Planning permission | Not required (like-for-like) | Not required (like-for-like) | May be required |
| Frame assessment needed | No | Yes | Yes (essential) |
What to Check Before Committing in Coventry
Frame condition. Corroded or cracked uPVC frames need replacing before a new roof is fitted. The roof is only as good as the structure it sits on.
Base and foundations. Solid roof conversions add significant weight. The conservatory base must be capable of supporting it. We assess this during every survey.
Planning status. For conservation area properties in Earlsdon and parts of central Coventry, a solid roof conversion changes the visual character of the structure and may need permission. We confirm planning requirements before specifying.
Conservatory Roof Survey in Coventry
Free assessment of all three options for your specific conservatory. Call 0247 798 1271.
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