Thinking a ‘Warmroof’ on your existing conservatory? What to watch out for.

Written By Kyle Briganti

You may have noticed the latest trend in replacing the old polycarbonate or even inefficient glass roof for the new ‘warmroof’. Whilst we understand the desire to gain that thermal improvement and additional room feel we have noticed a lot of information out here and want to provide our free and unbiased advice on what to look out for.

 Firstly whilst you are not likely to require planning permission you will need to apply for building regulations before you start. It is important for a number of reasons and if your chosen builder doesn’t deem it necessary that is a big RED FLAG! The main issue besides the structural integrity is that you would face issues should you ever want to sell your property without adequate building control sign offs.

Since 5th April 2006, new roofs are required to apply for Building Regulations approval, even if it is a like for like replacement that is being installed.

These stricter regulations were bought into place to ensure that all new roofs are well insulated and adhere to new energy efficiency standards to help meet national energy targets.

Building Regulations may require you to increase your roof’s thermal insulation at the same time as replacing your roof.

Here is formal Building Regulations for re-roofing

To comply with Building Regulations your new roof will need to:

·       Be structurally sound and able to support the weight of the new roof, this includes sufficient footing depth.

·       Have adequate ventilation, to avoid condensation.

·       Have adequate drainage.

·       Have adequate insulation, meeting the minimum U value.

·       Be weather and fire resistant.

In conclusion you have to ask yourself it is too good to be true? As you will already know if the answer is yes then there’s a good chance it is. You simply cannot guarantee the structural integrity, thermal performance and aesthetic appearance of a whole new room for £2000/3000! If you do choose to proceed down the path, please ensure your check & verify our three priority steps, which you can carry out yourself:

  • The concrete footings are deep enough (at least 600mm) and have these verified by a certified building control inspector.

  • Ensure adequate ventilation within the roof to avoid damp condensation forming. You want to make sure foil backed insulation is the preference, giving a greater thermal value in addition to a ‘vapour barrier’ which prevents any moisture coming through to the plasterboard.

  • Finally, get it all signed off by the building control inspector upon completion. This is to save yourself a world of pain should you ever want to sell your property.

Kyle Briganti