Did you know that before 2010, any conservatory roof replacement had to be at least 75% translucent  to pass building regulations? 

That’s why you see so many old glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs. 

A change to planning regulations in 2010 allowed conservatory roof conversions to be constructed with solid roofs, without prior planning permission. However, this legislation didn’t allow homeowners and conservatory roof installers to use any material of their choosing. 

The frame for most conservatories often isn’t strong enough to bear the weight of a roof that uses common concrete, clay tiles, or natural slate. They are simply too heavy. It would be unsafe for you and your family and wouldn’t pass building regulations approval. 

That’s why tailored lightweight tiles have been created, with the specific purpose of delivering safe and compliant conservatory roof replacement projects that look just like the traditional tiles used across the rest of your home. 

In this post, we’re going to look a little more at the benefits of lightweight tiles, and our recommendations for the type of tiles to use in your solid roof conservatory project.

What are lightweight tiles, and what are the benefits? 

In simple terms, lightweight tiles for conservatory roof conversion projects are specifically designed to look like traditional tiles or slate but have the benefit of being light enough to be suitable for the limited load-bearing capacity of many conservatory frames and roof supports.

You’re able to use lightweight tiles in your conservatory roof replacement, with complete peace of mind around structural integrity and building regulations approval. 

With the rapid rise in the popularity of solid roof conservatories over the last decade, a whole industry has developed around the manufacture of lightweight tiles for conservatory roofs. 

Manufacturers such as Metrotile, and Tapco currently lead the way in the UK, with the lightweight tiles they produce having additional benefits alongside safety and compliance:

• Longevity and durability: Lightweight conservatory roof tiles are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions and impact from falling branches and debris. The tiles we typically use at Projects4Roofing have a 40-year weather-proof guarantee and an average lifespan of 50 years.
  
  
• Wide range of finishes: Another major benefit of installing lightweight tiles on your conservatory roof is the wide range of finishes available, so your conservatory roof can easily match the aesthetics of the rest of your home.
  
  
• Ease of installation: Lightweight tiles are specifically designed for conservatories and outdoor buildings. A lot of work has gone into making them ideal for this purpose, making the tiles easy to install. Some of them, like Metrotiles, use an interlocking system. This reduces the time it takes for your conservatory roof conversion to be completed. Others, like Tapco slates, are easily laid individually like traditional slates.
  
  
• Recyclable: It’s not something you’ll need to worry about for a few decades, but the tiles we use at Projects4Roofing are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan - making the choice of lightweight tiles an environmentally friendly one.
     
  

Can lightweight tiles be used on any type of conservatory?

The short answer to this is yes! 

It doesn’t matter if you have a small lean-to conservatory, a classic Edwardian or Victorian conservatory, or a custom-built conservatory with a unique shape - lightweight roof tiles will suit your conservatory roof replacement. 

And if your home has a distinctive look, the wide variety of lightweight tile finishes available means that your conservatory will blend seamlessly with the rest of your property.

Why not take a look at some of the conservatory roof replacements we’ve completed for other customers to see how versatile lightweight roof tiles can be?

What kind of lightweight tiles are available?

When it comes to the choice of lightweight tiles for your conservatory roof conversion, there’s a wide range of options available. 

The choice can be a little overwhelming, with manufacturers like Metrotile, Tapco, and Guardian, all offering high-quality solutions. 

But you don’t need to worry about making this decision on your own! 

If you choose Projects4Roofing for your conservatory roof replacement project, we’ll offer expertise and advice at the initial consultation stage to ensure you opt for the ideal tiles for your specific needs.
 
As a plus, and because of our experience, we are able to offer our customers the highest quality tiles. Projects4Roofing allows families to choose between Tapco slates and Metrotile when transforming their conservatory.

Which lightweight roof tiles does Projects4Roofing recommend?

This is a tough question, as it all depends on your home's aesthetics and your specific requirements. 

At Projects4Roofing, we’ve been installing solid roof conservatories for more than a decade, and each year, we have an evaluation of the materials and suppliers we use for our projects. 

From our experience, although the quality and reputation of all the manufacturers we’ve listed is strong (you couldn’t go far wrong with any of them!), we tend to use either Tapco roof slates or Metrotile for most of our installations. 

Tapco Slate

Tapco roof slates are a popular choice amongst our conservatory roof conversion customers due to their blend of durability and aesthetic appeal. 

The tiles mimic the appearance of natural slate, which stands out beautifully on any conservatory roof, and there are a variety of colours and patterns you can choose from to make sure it complements the rest of your home perfectly. 

Made from virgin limestone and polypropylene composite, Tapco slates guarantee strength and reliability in a lightweight form and come with a 40-year warranty. They can withstand any weather conditions you throw at them - being fully tested for wind, rain, snow, and water resistance.


Metrotile

Metrotile roofing tiles are constructed from lightweight, high-grade steel, treated with a special coating to enhance their strength and resistance.

They are also a popular choice amongst our customers, as the vast possibility of colours and finishes means that they can easily align with the aesthetics of your property - making your solid roof conservatory look like a seamless extension. 

Metrotiles also come with a 40-year weather-proof guarantee, and once they are installed, they are incredibly low maintenance, with no need for continuous check-ups or repairs.

Are lightweight tiles cost-effective? 

At Projects4Roofing, we believe in complete transparency at every stage of your conservatory roof conversion process. 

By opting for a conservatory with a solid roof , the initial cost of your project is likely to be more expensive than installing a glass or polycarbonate roof.

This additional cost doesn’t just come down to the lightweight tiles though - a solid roof conservatory has a number of layers including a robust frame, two layers of insulation board, insulated plasterboard, plywood, and a vapour membrane. 

This multi-layered approach to a solid roof conservatory project improves your conservatory roof insulation and helps your property become more energy efficient. 

A lot of our customers see the immediate benefit of having a new insulated room in their home that they can use comfortably all year round, without any extremes of heat in the summer and cold winter months. A conservatory with a solid roof  also puts an end to any leaks or condensation, and customers often report a welcome reduction in their monthly energy bills. 

From a value perspective, it’s also worth noting that a solid roof conservatory is likely to last for many decades, compared to a polycarbonate roof which has a lifespan of 10-20 years.

Looking for a conservatory roof replacement using lightweight tiles? Choose a partner you can trust.

If you’re considering a conservatory roof conversion using lightweight tiles, you’re in the right place. 

At Projects4Roofing, we’ve installed solid conservatory roofs for over 10 years. 

We’ve got a wealth of experience in the industry, and we’re proud to be recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader. 

We prioritise transparency and a consultative approach in every step of our process, and once the project gets underway - we can help you create the conservatory of your dreams in as little as 7 days. 

Ready to find out more and take the next step towards your solid roof conservatory? Just give our friendly team a call on 01638 507730.