Conservatory Roof Types: Which One Should You Choose?
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Choosing between different conservatory roof types isn’t just a design decision - it changes how the space feels day-to-day. The right roof can make a conservatory bright and uplifting without turning it into a greenhouse in summer or an icebox in winter.
In this guide, we’ll break down the main roof options, the pros and cons of each, and the most common upgrade paths if you already have an older conservatory. We’ll also look at why many homeowners ultimately move toward a solid insulated “warm roof” when they want the space to feel like a real room, all year round.
The main conservatory roof types at a glance
Most conservatory roofs fall into one of these categories:
Polycarbonate roof panels (often older installations)
Glass roofs (modern glazing options can be very high performance)
Solid/tiled warm roofs (insulated roof replacement systems)
Hybrid roofs (a mix of solid + glazed sections, e.g., roof lantern or glazed panels)
Each has a place - and the best choice depends on what matters most to you: budget, heat control, noise reduction, brightness, aesthetics, or making the room usable 12 months a year.
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs
Polycarbonate was the default choice for years because it’s lightweight and cost-effective. You’ll still see it on many older conservatories.
Pros of a polycarbonate conservatory roof
Lower upfront cost than most glass roof options
Lightweight, so it can suit a wide range of existing frames
Quick to install and replace in sections
Cons of a polycarbonate conservatory roof
Heat swings: tends to let in a lot of solar gain in summer and lose heat quickly in winter
Noise: rain can be noticeably louder
Appearance: can look less “premium” over time compared with modern glass
Ageing: can discolour and become less attractive as it weathers
Polycarbonate works best if the conservatory is used occasionally and budget is the overriding factor, but it’s often the first roof type people replace when they want genuine comfort.
Glass conservatory roofs
A modern glass roof can be a big step up in comfort and aesthetics. Many premium glazed extensions use high-performance glass to maximise light while improving thermal efficiency. For example, Glass House Architecture’s modern glazed structures are designed around natural light and performance, often using advanced glazing (including triple glazing in some designs) to support year-round comfort.
Pros of a glass conservatory roof
More natural light and a cleaner, more modern look
Better insulation potential than polycarbonate (depending on specification)
A “room-like” feel when paired with good glazing, ventilation and shading solutions
Improves the sense of space — glass roofs can make even compact extensions feel open and airy
Cons of a glass conservatory roof
Cost: typically more expensive than polycarbonate
Glare and overheating can still happen if the glass spec isn’t right for your aspect
Heat loss at night can be an issue if performance glazing isn’t high enough for how you use the room
A glass roof is a strong choice if you love the “conservatory feel” = bright, open, connected to the garden, and you’re willing to invest in the right glazing specification to manage temperature.
Is glass or polycarbonate best for a conservatory roof?
This is one of the most common homeowner dilemmas, and the honest answer is: it depends on how you use the space.
Choose polycarbonate if…
The room is used seasonally rather than daily
You’re working to a tight budget
You’re planning a larger renovation later and want a short-term solution
Choose glass if…
You want a brighter, more premium finish
You’re aiming for better comfort than polycarbonate can usually provide
You want a roof that complements a high-end extension aesthetic (especially with modern glazing and slim framing)
The key difference most homeowners notice
Sound: glass is often quieter than polycarbonate in rain (though specifications vary).
Comfort: glass can be significantly better, but only when the glazing spec is chosen properly.
Longevity and appearance: modern glass generally maintains its look better over time.
If you’re already frustrated by temperature extremes, glare, or noise, the comparison often ends with a third option: an insulated solid replacement roof.
Solid and tiled “warm roof” conservatory replacements
A solid roof replacement (often tiled externally and insulated internally) is designed to solve the most common conservatory complaints in one move: overheating, heat loss, glare, and rain noise.
K&S Bespoke Builds, a company specialising in conservatory roof replacement, describes the typical pain points clearly: older glass or polycarbonate roofs can leave the space boiling in summer, freezing in winter, and noisy in the rain - and a solid replacement roof is positioned as the upgrade that turns it into a comfortable, year-round room.
Pros of a solid conservatory roof
Much stronger thermal performance for year-round use
Reduced glare (especially helpful for south-facing conservatories)
Noise reduction during rain (K&S references significant reduction)
Makes the space feel like a real extension, not a seasonal add-on
Warmer Room also positions its systems around benefits like exceptional thermal performance, and highlights factors homeowners care about such as speed, less disruption, and system approvals/guarantees.
Cons of a solid conservatory roof
Less sky view than glass (unless you include a lantern or glazed section)
More structural considerations than simply swapping roof panels
Higher investment than polycarbonate and (often) more than entry-level glass
If your goal is to genuinely use the room every day, as a home office, playroom, snug or dining space, a warm roof is usually the most “problem-solving” choice.
Hybrid conservatory roofs: solid + glazed sections
If you love natural light but want better comfort than a full glass roof can deliver, hybrid roofs are worth considering.
Common hybrid approaches include:
Solid insulated roof with a roof lantern
Solid roof with glazed panels to bring light deeper into the space
Orangery-style roof sections, combining solid perimeter areas and a glazed feature (similar to how traditional orangeries often incorporate solid roof elements and roof lanterns)
Why homeowners choose hybrid conservatory roofs
You keep the “bright extension” feeling
You gain a lot of the insulation and glare control benefits of solid roofing
You can tailor the design depending on which side faces the sun
Conservatory glass roof conversion
A conservatory glass roof conversion usually means upgrading from an older roof (often polycarbonate) to a modern glazed system, or re-specifying existing glazing to improve comfort.
When a glass roof conversion makes sense
Your frame is in good condition and suitable for a glazing upgrade
You want more light, not less
The conservatory is mostly comfortable already, but needs refinement (e.g., better temperature control, less glare)
What to think about before converting your conservatory roof
Orientation: south and west-facing roofs often need better solar control
Ventilation and shading: the roof alone doesn’t solve everything - airflow and blind/shade strategy matter for comfort
Glazing spec: not all “double glazing” performs the same
For homeowners who love the conservatory aesthetic and want to preserve that all-glass feel, a glass conversion can be the right compromise - but if your main frustration is temperature extremes, you may get more dramatic results from a warm roof replacement.
Glass conservatory roof replacement
A glass conservatory roof replacement could mean:
Replacing an ageing glass roof with a newer, higher-performance glazed system, or
Replacing glass with a solid insulated roof for comfort and usability.
Signs you may be ready to replace your roof
The room is uncomfortable for large parts of the year
You avoid using the space except in mild weather
Rain noise is disruptive
You’re spending more on heating without getting real comfort
The roof is ageing (leaks, failed seals, discolouration, or general wear)
If replacement is on your mind, it helps to decide your end goal first:
Still want a conservatory feel? Consider high-spec glass or a hybrid design.
Want a true all-season room? Solid insulated warm roof systems are usually the most transformative.
Converting your existing conservatory roof to a solid one
This is the route many homeowners choose when they want the conservatory to feel like a proper extension - warmer in winter, cooler in summer, quieter in bad weather, and more usable day-to-day.
K&S Bespoke Builds summarises the basic approach as removing the old glass or polycarbonate roof and fitting a new insulated solid roof system to improve comfort and reduce glare.
How to choose the right conservatory roof type for your home
If you’re still weighing up options, use these homeowner-focused questions to narrow it down:
1) How do you want to use the room?
Occasional summer use → polycarbonate or entry-level glass may be enough
Regular use (dining, lounge, playroom) → better-spec glass or hybrid
Daily use as a true room → solid warm roof replacement is often best
2) What’s your biggest problem right now?
Too hot / too bright → solar control glass, hybrid, or solid roof
Too cold / expensive to heat → solid warm roof or higher-spec glazing
Too noisy in the rain → solid roof conversion often delivers the biggest improvement
3) Do you love the “glass roof” feeling?
If the sky view is the whole point of the conservatory for you, a full glass roof (or hybrid with a lantern) helps keep that character. If you’re more interested in comfort and usability, solid insulation becomes a bigger priority.
Final thoughts
There’s no single “best” option for everyone, but there is a best option for how you live.
Polycarbonate suits occasional, budget-led use
Glass suits homeowners who want light and a premium finish (with the right spec)
Hybrid roofs balance light with better control
Solid warm roofs are often the most effective route to true year-round comfort
If your goal is to stop treating the conservatory like a seasonal space and start using it like a real part of your home, a well-specified solid roof conversion is usually the most dramatic upgrade you can make.
