Are Solid Roof Conservatories Right for Your Home?

The old-style conservatories of the 80s and 90s were severely lacking when it came to thermal efficiency, but the contemporary conservatory combines modern glazing technology advancements with decades of evolved aesthetic appeal for optimal style, performance and comfort.

That being said, some homeowners still hold a bias against glazed roof extensions. This could be for several reasons, including personal privacy concerns or the worry of south-facing properties becoming too hot during the summer months, as poor performing conservatories have been in the past. However, there is a clear solution – solid roof conservatories, or more accurately titled, garden rooms.

What Is a Solid Roof Conservatory?

Homeowners searching for a solid roof conservatory are looking for the term ‘garden room’. Westbury garden rooms are defined as semi-glazed home extensions featuring vaulted ceilings and pitched, tiled roofs.

One of the most eye-catching features of a Westbury garden room is the glazing that spans into the apex of the roof, offering an ideal balance between the abundant natural light that a conservatory roof provides and maintaining structural harmony with the rest of the home, creating a powerful space.

Aptly named, garden rooms enhance the connection between the home and garden, providing an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functional living area all year round. Unlike conservatories, garden rooms feel permanent, a true extension of the property rather than a separate entity.

Benefits of a Solid Roof Conservatory

Garden rooms add value to your home both in financial terms and how much they will improve your quality of life. Below we outline the key benefits of solid roof conservatories, better known as garden rooms.

Glass Has Come A Long Way – Year-Round Temperature Control

As previously mentioned, significant advancements in glazing technology means that contemporary glazed home extensions are built with both comfort and function in mind. Our double-glazed window units meet strict new-build regulations on thermal efficiency, and we offer various upgrades that tackle more specific concerns.

For example, we offer SunGuard, which is a solar control glass. These glazing units not only reflect harsh sunrays away from the home and significantly reduce heat build up, but they also retain radiant heat (your central heating) in the winter by reflecting this back inside the home. This option is ideal for south-facing gardens, particularly when paired with a tiled conservatory roof (or garden room roof), as it offers improved temperature regulation all year round.

For personalised advice on our glazing options, call our sales and design team today.

Better Energy Efficiency and Insulation

Conservatory roofs have historically been subject to insulation issues during the colder months. A garden room roof is tiled like the vast majority of British home roofs, and therefore can be efficiently insulated for maximum comfort during the colder months.

We use thick PIR foam insulation boards in our garden room roofs. These boards have high thermal resistance, which means that they resist heat flow and aim to keep as much internal radiant heat in as possible. This leads to improved thermal performance, minimising heat loss and retaining central heating, subsequently lowering your energy costs and your home’s carbon footprint. This level of insulation far exceeds what is achievable with traditional conservatory roof panels, making solid roof conservatories a long-term, energy-efficient investment. Good for both you, and the planet!

Quieter, More Private Living Space

Whilst large vertical panes of glass that reach the gables are a typical grand feature of garden rooms, these extensions are completely customisable. This means that you can integrate solid walls where necessary, something not always possible with standard conservatory roof designs. If privacy is a concern, consider opting for less glazing overall. 

In terms of soundproofing, as a standard, our windows have exceptional acoustic sound insulation. One of our glazing upgrades is our Sound & Secure range, which consists of thicker, laminated glass instead of toughened panels. This not only improves the sound insulation but also enhances security, as laminated glass is significantly more difficult to break through as it doesn’t shatter in a traditional sense. The glass can break, but will keep its structural integrity with an interlayer holding the broken glass together, preventing intruders from entering.

A Conservatory That Feels Like a Home Extension

Conservatories of the past often felt ‘stuck on’ and disconnected from your home, whereas garden rooms open up your space and offer an additional living area, feeling like a true extension of your property.

Disadvantages of Solid Roof Conservatories

Truthfully, there are not many – if any – disadvantages to garden rooms. The only potential drawback is that timber garden rooms are more costly than traditional uPVC conservatories, as homeowners are paying for solid construction, elevated aesthetic appeal, top quality materials and expert design.

For those looking to achieve maximum natural light with a smaller budget, who are not concerned about temperature fluctuations or challenges with furniture fading, you may instead opt for a traditional conservatory.

If you’re unsure which extension option is right for you, you can call our sales and design team today for personalised advice.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Solid Roof Conservatories

Sometimes, you can proceed with your development without requiring planning permission. This is where permitted development criteria comes in.

In order to meet this criteria, your proposed development must:

• Not exceed 4m outward from the original rear wall of the property for a detached house, or 3m for a semi-detached or terraced house
• Be no taller than 4m
• Not take up more than 50% of the curtilage of the property, including in conjunction with other extensions and outbuildings. The curtilage is the area immediately surrounding your property and is determined by the council, subject to change

The above criteria are just the basics, and other clauses may come into effect in individual cases. We always recommend consulting a professional for personalised advice, no matter your confidence on meeting permitted development criteria.

When do I need planning permission?

Planning permission may still be required if:

• You live in a National Landscape or Green-Belt
• You live in a listed building
• You’re unsure whether the proposed works meet permitted development criteria

If planning permission is required, Westbury have nearly 40 years’ experience in the field. We can alleviate stress by liaising with consultants on your behalf and submit:

• Planning applications
• Building regulations compliance
• SAP Assessments
• Structural Calculations

Turning An Existing Conservatory Into a Garden Room

Existing conservatories can be upgraded to a garden room by utilising the existing walls and floor. This often saves homeowners money on their renovation, as they may have around £30,000-£40,000 worth of building work already in place. For homeowners researching replacing a conservatory roof with a solid roof, it’s important to understand that a full structural upgrade delivers far better long-term results than a like-for-like roof swap.

Replacing an Existing Conservatory Roof vs New Build

Westbury garden rooms are crafted using high performance timber, and therefore replacing a uPVC conservatory roof with a solid garden room roof is not suitable. To provide stability and maximum visual appeal, only the existing brickwork should be repurposed in a conservatory-to-garden-room renovation. This way, the entire design of your garden room is carefully considered and will look appropriate on your property, and you can rest assured that your entire extension has been built to the highest standard.

What Affects the Cost of a Solid Roof Conservatory

As every design is tailored to the individual property as well as the personal taste and needs of the homeowner, the cost of a garden room differs from project to project. This is not an exhaustive list, but some factors that affect cost are:

• The square footage of the proposed build
• The complexity of the design and roof structure
• The quantity and style of the entablature and pilasters
• Connections to adjoining roofs
• Dual colour schemes
• Intricate and custom detailing to match the property

When a Solid Roof Conservatory Is the Right Choice

Garden rooms are a desirable and timeless way to extend your home. However, if you are still trying to determine whether a garden room is right for you, then read on!

You should opt for a garden room if:

• You’re seeking an inspiring architectural feature on your home
• You want to use your extension daily
• You want your extension to be fully functional in every season – sun or snow!
• You’re an eco-conscious homeowner who wants an extension that is built to last using sustainable materials

You shouldn’t opt for a garden room if:

• You’re working to a budget as opposed to a standard
• You do not intend for your extension to be an additional living area or used consistently
• You want a fully glazed roof, or a flat roof extension
• You want a temporary or bolt-on extension, like a sunroom

Long-Term Value and Comfort

Westbury garden rooms are sustainable by design. They are designed to only ever be built once, constructed by an expert and skilled team to provide long-term value and comfort.

Our garden rooms are built using Accoya® wood, which is a high-performing modified timber. Accoya® is exceptionally durable – it is resistant to decay, rot and insect damage. Not only this, but Accoya® is incredibly dimensionally stable, which means that the wood will not swell, shrink, warp or change size and shape. The cells in the timber will not retain water, which was a common concern with old-fashioned timber builds and joinery.

Accoya® even state that the timber will remain resistant to rot and decay for 50 years above ground! Westbury offer a 10 year guarantee on our timber.

Design and Installation Tips for Solid Roof Conservatories

Match Roof Materials to Your Home’s Design

A successful garden room design will integrate into the property in a way that complements the home, looking in harmony with the original architecture. To do this, select roof materials that match your existing roof. This will enhance the connection between your extension and home, creating a seamless flow.

Add Ceiling Glazing for Natural Light

Despite the solid roof, garden rooms can feature ceiling glazing. This does not involve a roof lantern or a completely glazed roof, but instead features glazing that spans into the apex of the roof. This allows you to section off your roof for a combination of solid and glazed pitched ceilings. This encourages ample natural light without settling for the fully glazed conservatory roof that offers no respite during high summer.

Prioritise Insulation, Ventilation and Lighting

Opening roof vents should be integrated into the glazed section of your garden room roof. These consist of a built-in casement window that can be remotely controlled to open and close, allowing in fresh air and shutting out adverse weather conditions. These roof vents can also be connected to a thermostat and rain sensor, allowing for smart, automated temperature control.

As previously stated, solid Westbury garden room roofs are built with concealed foam insulation boards, ensuring comfortable temperatures as the winter creeps in, too.

Include Quality Finishes

Our paint system and colour palette has been expertly selected to suit our product. Consisting of three coats of spray-applied, water-based Teknos paint, our standard finish is the equivalent of between 10-12 brush coats! Our selection of colours add depth and interest to any room, and they evolve as the natural light levels change, reacting to light and shadows.

Opt For a Polished Interior

You are investing in your property with a revolutionary and top-performing garden room. When it comes to decorating your interior, make sure that you maintain the same standard.

Fortunately, gone are the days of decorating your glazed extension with wicker or rattan furniture. You can decorate with regular furnishings in your garden room just like any other room in your home, as long as they are thoughtfully selected and placed with care. Do not position fragile furnishings such as paintings or wall art in bright direct light and take care when choosing saturated colours that are more likely to noticeably fade in the high sun.

Is a Solid Roof Conservatory Right for Your Home?

Garden rooms are thoughtful, architecturally-led extensions that add more than just property value. They become the heart of the home, offering the ideal wining, dining and entertainment space all year round. Striking features such as vaulted ceilings, glazing that spans into the apex and gable end glazing all aid in creating impact, offering elegance, function and charm.

If you’re still uncertain about your home extension options, then call our expert team today. They can aid you further in understanding all our products and selecting the right extension type for you.