What are conservatory roofs made of? (and why tiled beats polycarbonate!)

The roof of your conservatory does far more than simply keep the rain out. It also plays a part in maintaining a high level of thermal efficiency and can also completely change the aesthetics of the entire conservatory. Not every conservatory roof is made equally and as such, they’re not all made from the same material. Some conservatory roofs are outdated and made of polycarbonate, which has long since been ruled out as a justifiable option in lieu of a tiled roof. A tiled roof is engineered with durable aluminium products, making them lightweight but strong.

Slate conservatory roof in gable stylePolycarbonate vs tiled roofs thermal efficiency

You might be wondering what the problem is with having a polycarbonate conservatory roof, but there are actually multiple issues that you might experience with one. To begin with, a polycarbonate roof is not very effective when it comes to thermal efficiency and this means that in the summer you’ll be too hot and in the winter you’ll find your conservatory far too cold. A tiled roof will instead create a comfortable temperature all year round, thanks to their exceptionally low U-values that can be as low as 0.18.

Polycarbonate vs tiled roofs aesthetics

A polycarbonate roof, more often than not, will look considerably worse than a tiled alternative. This is because they’re not as customisable and you’re normally left with a conservatory roof that is quite plain-looking. They also tend to be worse at letting in light as their design means they’re opaque, which results in a lack of transparency. All of our tiled roofs are compatible with certain uPVC products like a Liniar Elevate Thermal Lantern Roof that lets in a substantial amount of light. A tiled roof is also available in a range of different finishes and colours, so you can find something that matches the design of your home.

Tiled Conservatory Roof SupalitePolycarbonate vs tiled roofs soundproofing

The relentless sound of rainfall is perhaps one of the most annoying downfalls of a polycarbonate roof. The lack of insulation in a polycarbonate roof means that sound travels through it with relative ease, resulting in conversation within the conservatory being drowned out during particularly heavy rainfall. Tiled roofs are insulated and thick, which effectively blocks out the noise from rain.

Polycarbonate vs tiled roofs maintenance

A polycarbonate roof will require cleaning every 12 – 18 months to minimise the risk of moss build up. A build-up of moss, dirt, or debris can cause the polycarbonate panels to leak or loosen, which in turn will lead to more frequent rates of condensation, resulting in things like mould and damp. A tiled roof requires virtually no maintenance thanks to its sturdiness and durability.

Orangery Extension Installation Tiled SupalitePolycarbonate vs tiled roofs price

Whilst the initial price for a polycarbonate roof tends to be less money than that of a tiled roof, you’ll actually end up paying more money over time thanks to things like your heating bills and the need to repair or maintain it. A tiled roof saves you money this regard as your conservatory won’t require repeated heating efforts or repairs, so you’ll be saving money in the long run.

Spectra Conservatory Roofs

For efficient and durable tiled roofs, as well as other products like lantern roofs, orangeries, and verandas, you can’t go wrong with Spectra Conservatory Roofs. To find out more, you can contact us or browse our website.