Robby Branson
A Professional You Can Trust.
Robby Branson Builders Ltd
A Professional You Can Trust.
Robby Branson Builders Ltd
When it comes to replacing a conservatory roof, polycarbonate remains the top choice for two key reasons: affordability and performance. Its lightweight nature reduces structural strain and avoids further strengthening requirements, while improved insulation properties and UV resistance help regulate temperature and protect furnishings.
It’s also the most budget-friendly roofing option available—without cutting corners on comfort or durability. In the sections below, we’ll break down these benefits in more detail, along with other important factors to consider before upgrading your roof.
Polycarbonate remains the first choice for conservatory roofing due to its affordability and modern performance improvements.
In the past, 16mm single-cell or twin-walled polycarbonate roofing was commonly used, but these older materials lacked UV resistance and energy efficiency. Some conservatories had thicker blue-tinted polycarbonate, but even these did not offer optimal insulation or sound reduction.
While modern glass roofing systems provide excellent thermal efficiency, they often cost three to four times more than polycarbonate. Yet in many cases, the actual insulation difference is minimal—gaining just 0.1 on the U-value scale.
This makes polycarbonate the most cost-effective solution for upgrading a conservatory without breaking the bank.
And because polycarbonate is so lightweight, it also leaves room for future upgrades. You can easily add internal ceiling panels or insulated liners—either during installation or later on—to further improve warmth and appearance without overloading the structure.
One of the biggest advantages of polycarbonate roofing is its lightweight nature compared to glass:
Polycarbonate (35mm): ~3.9 kg/m²
Glass (28mm double-glazed): ~70 kg/m²
Because of this, many older conservatories—especially those built in the 1990s or early 2000s—were never designed to support the full weight of a glass or tiled roof. Retrofitting those systems usually requires reinforcing both the roof frame and foundations, adding to cost and complexity.
With polycarbonate, this isn’t an issue.
If your conservatory already has a polycarbonate or even a glass roof, switching to modern polycarbonate panels is typically a straight swap—no additional engineering or structural upgrades needed.
That makes polycarbonate not just the lightest option, but one of the easiest and most cost-effective to install, especially on older builds.
Modern polycarbonate roofing is incredibly strong, with high impact resistance that protects against:
Hail and extreme weather conditions.
Accidental impacts that could crack or shatter glass.
Additionally, polycarbonate roofing is available in various light transmission levels, allowing you to choose the perfect balance of natural light, insulation, and privacy.
With careful planning, additional improvements can be made to further enhance insulation, UV filtering, and sound reduction, ensuring your conservatory remains comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting.
When selecting polycarbonate for your conservatory roof, both thickness and colour play a crucial role in achieving the right balance of light transmission, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. The standard polycarbonate roofing options are available in 25mm and 35mm thicknesses, ensuring durability and energy efficiency for a long-lasting upgrade.
Each polycarbonate colour is designed to reduce glare and control solar heat gain, ensuring your conservatory remains comfortable year-round.
Maximum light transmission, ideal for creating an open and airy space.
No tint, allowing unobstructed views of the sky.
Best suited for areas with limited direct sunlight.
Softens sunlight while still maintaining good light levels.
Helps reduce glare, making it a practical choice for south-facing conservatories.
Enhances the warm aesthetic of a traditional conservatory.
Provides diffused natural light, eliminating harsh sun rays.
Helps maintain a cooler temperature inside the conservatory.
Offers a higher level of privacy while keeping the space bright.
A two-sided solution: bronze exterior for heat reduction, opal interior for brightness.
Reduces solar heat gain, making it a great choice for energy efficiency.
Balances privacy and light transmission effectively.
Designed to limit heat buildup while still allowing ample natural light.
Reflects up to 50% of solar radiation, preventing overheating in summer.
Reduces reliance on cooling solutions while maintaining brightness.
For those seeking next-generation solar control, Polyspan Optimum is a newly introduced polycarbonate that combines cutting-edge insulation and light transmission technology. Currently available in 25mm thickness, this material offers:
Two modern colour choices – Blue & Grey for a contemporary look.
Superior solar reflection, significantly reducing heat buildup.
Maintains high natural light levels without excessive glare.
This is an ideal choice for homeowners wanting enhanced comfort and efficiency while upgrading their conservatory roof.
25mm Polycarbonate: Lightweight yet durable, offering a good balance of insulation and light transmission.
35mm Polycarbonate: Increased thermal efficiency, improved noise reduction, and greater structural strength for long-term performance.
Rain noise is one of the most common concerns with polycarbonate roofing—and rightly so. Thinner panels tend to amplify the sound of heavy rain, which can be distracting during downpours. However, 35mm panels significantly reduce that impact, cutting noise levels by up to 40% compared to 25mm sheets. This improvement comes from the thicker multi-wall structure, which helps absorb sound vibrations rather than transmitting them into the space below.
And if you’re still looking for a quieter experience, 35mm panels can also be paired with internal ceiling liners or thermal panels, further muffling sound while boosting insulation—either during installation or as a later upgrade.
By selecting the right colour and thickness combination, you ensure your conservatory stays comfortable, stylish, and energy-efficient all year round—without the disruptive noise older systems were known for.
Choosing the ideal polycarbonate roofing isn’t just about picking a colour or thickness — it depends on several key factors, including your conservatory’s orientation, how much natural shade it receives, and what surrounds it (like nearby trees, fencing, or neighbouring buildings). Even the angle of the sun can affect glare, privacy, and overall comfort.
Whether you want to maximise natural light, cut down on summer glare, or keep the space cooler with reflective panels, there’s a combination that can be tailored to suit your situation.
In some cases, we may also recommend modifications to other parts of your conservatory — like upgraded side glazing or blinds — to help you get the most out of your roof upgrade.
That’s exactly the kind of insight we cover in our Free Conservatory MOT, which nearly always brings up details like this before you commit to the work.
Not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for.
Contact us for straightforward, experienced advice — we’ll help you select the right panel for comfort, performance, and long-term satisfaction.
In nearly all cases, no planning permission is required to replace an existing conservatory roof with polycarbonate or glass panels. However, certain building regulations may apply depending on other products and such things as U-values and insulation standards or the area of glazing .
To ensure compliance, check the latest guidelines from the UK Government Check official UK building regulations for more details.