Robby Branson
A Professional You Can Trust.
Robby Branson Builders Ltd
A Professional You Can Trust.
Robby Branson Builders Ltd
Looking to make your conservatory feel like a proper room? A lightweight tiled roof might be just what you need.
Originally developed as a practical solution to cold, noisy, or barely usable conservatories, these roofs are designed to replace outdated polycarbonate or glass systems with something far more solid and efficient. A lightweight tiled roof combines a strong internal frame, insulated layers, and a tiled-look exterior finish — giving you the appearance and performance of a full extension, without the same cost or red tape.
They began appearing in larger numbers after a 2010 change in building regulations, and by 2012 they were being promoted as the go-to solution for uncomfortable conservatories. Of course, it’s also fair to say that once the high-volume conservatory companies saw the writing on the wall, they needed a new product to keep the sales machine running — and this was it.
The appeal is simple: in most cases, these roofs can be installed without major structural changes to the existing conservatory. That means no demolition, no rebuild, and no massive disruption — just a much better space to use all year round.
As you’d expect, the systems have evolved over time. Minor issues have been ironed out, and better materials and design options have emerged. Today, several major brands offer their own versions — some far better engineered than others.
Whether you’re turning your conservatory into a dining area, home office, or just a quiet retreat, lightweight tiled roofs offer the thermal efficiency, sound insulation, and clean finish that modern homeowners expect.
When deciding on a lightweight tiled roof, one of the first and most important questions is this: should you work with your existing structure, or start from scratch?
It’s not always just about comfort or insulation — sometimes it’s about your long-term plans for the property.
For example, if you’re thinking that one day you might want to build upwards — perhaps adding a second storey above the conservatory footprint — then fitting a lightweight roof now may not be the right option. These systems are designed to work with the structure you currently have, not to support future extensions above.
If your current conservatory frame is solid and you plan to keep the layout as it is, then a lightweight tiled roof can be a brilliant upgrade. But if there’s any chance you’ll want to build over it later, you’re better off considering a more permanent structural redesign from the outset.
It’s important to consider any existing windows, gutters, downpipes, light fixtures, satellite dishes, or alarm boxes that may sit above the area where your new lightweight roof will be installed.
These roofs aren’t designed to be walked on like traditional roofing systems, and their exterior surfaces can be far less forgiving if someone needs to gain access for maintenance or servicing.
We’ve seen cases where foot traffic not only marked or damaged the external finish, but also caused flexural cracking inside — visible in the interior plasterwork. Some roof systems and tile finishes do seem to handle this better than others, but as a rule, it’s something to plan for in advance.
If there’s a chance someone might need to get up there, speak to us first — there may be smarter design choices we can make to minimise future risk.
There are a few important details that often get overlooked until it’s too late — particularly the condition of the existing walls, floors, and drainage.
In most older conservatories, the base walls and floor slab were built with little to no insulation. That’s fine for a seasonal room — but if you’re upgrading to a tiled roof and aiming for year-round use, these cold elements can seriously undermine the performance of your new space.
If identified early, these issues can often be worked around:
1: Raising the internal floor level slightly to add insulation
2: Rebuilding low-level walls to accommodate insulated cavity layers
3: Cleaning out and reinsulating existing wall cavities to prevent thermal bridging and damp — often using fibre slabs or expanding cavity foam
Another big one that’s often missed: drainage. We’ve seen horror stories where old waste drains were boxed in or hidden beneath the floor — sometimes with an open gully left active underneath the new living space. If you have an old gully or a questionable waste connection, this is the time to investigate and put it right.
Once this room becomes a fully usable space, you won’t want any unpleasant surprises coming up through the floor — quite literally.
Once you’ve decided to upgrade, the next big question is:
What style of lightweight roof suits your conservatory and lifestyle best?
Today’s systems aren’t limited to just one look. Thanks to years of development — and full building regulation approval through bodies like Stroma and Assent — there are now several great options that can all be installed quickly and legally, without major redesigns or structural changes. And they all incorporate insulation equal to or greater than a new building.
Here are the most popular choices:
A fully insulated, solid roof system finished with composite tile or tile-effect panels. It’s the most popular option for transforming an outdated conservatory into a space that feels like a true extension. Tiled roofs offer excellent thermal efficiency, sound insulation, and a clean internal plastered ceiling finish — all without the need for a full rebuild.
You’ll find all the key details about tiled roof options and upgrades further down this page.
A stylish blend of solid roof structure and a central glazed lantern. Offers great natural light with the insulation benefits of a warm roof.
More coming soon on our Flat Roofs, Lanterns & Orangeries page.
Modern and low-profile, this style is ideal for extensions or bungalows where height is limited. Still fully insulated, with optional roof glazing to brighten the room.
More coming soon in our Flat Roofs, Lanterns & Orangeries page.
Combines solid insulated panels with shaped glazing inserts — ideal when you want a custom balance of light and insulation.
Find full details on our LivinRoof page where the features and choices are explained.