Your conservatory is a warm and inviting space to relax in the summer. But is your conservatory as welcoming in the dead of winter?
Conservatories are notoriously leaky when it comes to heat retention, and with today’s energy prices, this can negatively impact your energy bills. Furthermore, organizations like Insulate Britain highlight the environmental impact of uninsulated homes.
So to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, read this guide on conservatory insulation costs.
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Conservatory Roof Insulation Costs
The costs vary depending on the type of insulation you choose.
The cheaper option is to batten the underside of your conservatory roof and install insulation. Based on a typical nine square metre conservatory, you’ll spend £2,000 to £4,500.
The second option is to replace the roof. Wooden battens, lightweight tiles and a thick insulation layer cost between £5,000 and £8,000.
The pitch and type of ceiling you choose (vaulted, suspended, lean-to) affects the price, so consider this when costing the project.
Conservatory Insulation Cost — DIY or Hire a Pro?
I’m an experienced DIY’er, so insulating conservatory roofs is doable. You may lack the skills or confidence, so weighing up which route is crucial. Let’s look at your options.
DIY
Before you decide to DIY, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you tackled similar tasks before?
- Do you have the tools?
- Do you possess the skills?
- Will you need assistance?
- Are you physically able to complete the task?
If you can answer these questions positively, install conservatory roof insulation yourself. By doing so, you’ll receive the satisfaction of conquering the challenge and saving yourself a packet. Trust me; there’s no better feeling!
Hire a Pro
When hiring a pro, check their reviews, and ask for examples of their work.
If they’re good, they’ll want to shout about it. And because the costs vary between £5,000 and £8,000, it is always best to get three quotes.
Some important points to consider when seeking quotes:
- Check that your chosen contractor is a member of the Conservatory Association — part of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). The GGF promotes technical excellence and the best health and safety practices.
- Check that they are FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment) registered. Building regulations might require a FENSA certificate, and FENSA ensures that your conservatory is energy-efficient.
- Don’t agree to anything on the day. Get all the quotes in writing before putting pen to paper and double-check their price includes everything.
According to Checkatrade, swapping your roof for a solid one gives you 50+ years of useful life. So, while it costs more initially, you could save money in the long run.
Pro Tip: Ask for quotes and not estimates. A quote is a fixed price, whereas an estimate is subject to change if the job hits a snag.
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Labour Costs
Most roofers charge between £30 and £50 per hour, which means you’ll probably spend £420 and £700 for a two-day job. This figure is based on one roofer working two eight-hour shifts with an hour break for lunch.
You may need two or even three tradespeople if your conservatory is more substantial. That triples your spending from £1,260 to £2,100 for labour alone!
Material Costs
The costs vary depending on the materials you use. If you hire a professional, they’ll include materials in their price.
The most significant expense is the roof covering material. Concrete tiles are the cheapest option, costing £12 to £22 per square metre.
Slate adds a layer of luxury and enhances the aesthetics of your home. But you pay a premium because slates can cost upwards of £60 to £70 per square metre.
Clay tiles are an excellent mid-priced option, costing between £30 and £40 per square metre.
The roof frame material varies in price, with the most expensive options being aluminium or timber. Expect to pay 30% to 50% more than uPVC.
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Factors Affecting Conservatory Roof Costs
Several factors affect the price of your conservatory roof, and knowing the facts helps you control the budget.
- The style of the conservatory. More complicated designs can increase the price.
- The size of the roof.
- How complicated it is to remove the old roof. If there are electrics and light fittings, it increases the price.
- Whether you want roof windows and how many.
Benefits of Conservatory Roof Insulation
Imagine transforming your space into a year-round usable room. Knowing the benefits of conservatory roof insulation is a powerful motivator. And there are other positives to consider.
Thermal Efficiency
Improving thermal efficiency is why you should insulate your conservatory roof. It stops your conservatory from getting too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
In 2022, the government changed the rules to make conservatories more energy-efficient by 30%. With so much focus on energy costs, increasing your thermal efficiency saves you money and protects the planet.
According to Homebuilding & Renovating, swapping your glass or polycarbonate roof for a solid roof delivers 10 times greater energy efficiency.
Check out our home insulation guide for other ways to improve energy efficiency.
Soundproofing
A solid roof delivers soundproofing qualities that glass and polycarbonate can’t match.
Soundproofing is a real bonus if you live in a noisy environment or on a busy road, and it also means that you can have a conversation without the neighbours listening in.
UV Protection
UV is a disaster for your furniture — the sun will fade everything it contacts, including flooring, curtains and paint on walls.
An insulated roof reduces solar gain and protects your interior space.
Durability
A solid tiled roof is more durable than an old polycarbonate roof. It’ll withstand extreme weather and give you more privacy.
You’ll get approximately 15 to 20 years from a glass or polycarbonate roof but over 50 years for a solid roof.
Common Types of Roof Insulation
Confused about which insulation you should use? Choosing the proper insulation greatly affects your budget and heat retention.
Fibreglass
Poke your head through your loft hatch, and you’ll likely see fibreglass insulation. It’s the most common insulation material because it is cheap and easy to use.
You should only install fibreglass if there is underlay and a vapour barrier. The last thing you want is the fibreglass to absorb moisture, causing damp issues.
Pro Tip: Wear gloves, a face mask and protective glasses when handling fibreglass because the fibres can irritate your skin, eyes and lungs.
The cost per square metre is approximately £10 uninstalled and £20 installed.
Insulation Boards
Insulation boards offer excellent heat retention. They’re easy to cut, shape and install.
You can also buy specialist insulation boards that repel moisture, ideal if your conservatory gets a lot of condensation.
The cost per square metre is £11 uninstalled and £20 to £25 installed.
Rockwool
Rockwool is denser than fibreglass, giving better insulation and soundproofing. It’s constructed of melted volcanic rock spun into strands to create a wool-like material.
Always wear gloves, goggles and a face mask because the fibres irritate your skin and lungs. Expect to pay £20 per square metre uninstalled and £30 per square metre installed.
Spray Foam
Spray foam expands when released and bonds to the surface of your conservatory roof, and it also fills the hard-to-reach places in the most inaccessible parts of your roof.
You must employ a contractor because spray foam insulation emits harmful gases. Expect to pay £30 per metre squared.
Foil Sheets
Foil insulation comes in rolls, is easy to install, and occupies very little space on your conservatory ceiling. You can cut it with scissors and shape it to fill any gap. It’s also 100% recyclable!
Foil blocks radiant heat (heat transmitted by radiation), making it ideal in warm climates. However, it lacks the insulation qualities of spray foam and Rockwool, so it may not work effectively in colder months.
Expect to pay between £5 per square metre uninstalled and £10 to £15 per square metre installed.
Here’s a handy at-a-glance chart:
| Insulation Type | Cost Per m2 Uninstalled | Cost Per m2 Installed | Other Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass | £10 | £20 | Irritates eyes and skin. |
| Insulation board | £11 | £20 to £25 | Thicker than other insulation, lowering ceiling height. |
| Rockwool | £20 | £30 | Irritates eyes and skin. |
| Spray foam | N/A | £30 | Requires a professional. |
| Foil Sheets | £5 | £10 to £15 | Works better in hot climates. |
Does Roof Insulation Make Your Conservatory Cooler In the Summer?
It does cool your conservatory, but that isn’t a bad thing.
Most conservatories are either west, east, or south-facing, which means they catch sunlight for most of the day. Solar gain makes the room unbearably hot.
A few years back, my conservatory reached over 38°C. I don’t know about you, but I can’t relax in a hotter room than Satan’s bath. So, limiting the heat in the height of summer is a welcome thing.
Plus, you get to use your conservatory all year round.
Conservatory Roof Insulation Money-Saving Tips
Finding ways to save money is always welcome. Hands up, who wants to pay more than necessary? Anyone? Didn’t think so. Let’s look at some pro-level tips.
Get a Fixed Price
Agreeing to a fixed price rather than an hourly rate means you know what you’re paying upfront. It also encourages your contractor to work faster because they know it will hit their pocket if the project overruns.
Hourly rates encourage the opposite, possibly tempting your contractor to drag out the work to increase their earnings.
The perfect time to discuss finance options is at the quote stage when they’re keen to get the work. Eagerness can make people more generous, so use it to your advantage.
Remove Conservatory Furniture
Remove all the furniture in your conservatory before your contractor arrives on-site. If they have to do it, it will delay the job, costing you time and money.
Make Access Easier
If you have shrubs and plants growing around your conservatory’s exterior, trim them or relocate them. Your contractor needs easy access, especially for ladders and scaffolding.
Again, the longer it takes them to complete the work, the more you pay!
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Final Thoughts
Several factors affect the price: contractors, materials, size and complexity of the task, and whether to go Pro or DIY.
If you lack the skills or confidence, find a reliable contractor on Rated People.
Ultimately, insulating your conservatory roof saves money and is good for the planet. But why stop there? Now you’ve got the bit between your teeth, consider updating your cavity wall insulation.
FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about conservatory insulation costs.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Insulate My Conservatory Roof?
You don’t need planning permission to insulate your conservatory roof unless you make significant alterations. Changing the roof’s height, pitch, or materials may require building regulations approval.
You may need planning permission if you live in a listed house or if your home sits in a conservation area. Planning laws were changed in 2010, relaxing the rule that stated 75% of the conservatory roof had to be translucent.
How Long Will It Take to Replace My Conservatory Roof?
It should take two to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the conservatory.
Factors like how many tradespeople are working on the project also influence timescales.
Can I Get Finance for My New Conservatory Roof?
Most conservatory companies offer finance to help spread the cost of your conservatory roof.
Because they make money on finance, you may negotiate a discount if you sign a 12, 24, or 36-month agreement.