Replacing a conservatory roof typically costs £3,500 to £9,000, depending on the roof system you choose, the size of the room and how much of the old frame has to come out. This guide covers glazed and multiwall polycarbonate roofs fitted to an existing frame. Swapping to an insulated tiled or plastered roof is a separate job with its own price on the solid conservatory roof page.
Roof replacement cost by job size
Indicative figures for conservatory roof replacement on an existing frame.
| Job size | What it usually looks like | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Small lean-to, multiwall polycarbonate or entry-level glass, simple roof shape | £3,500 – £5,000 |
| Typical | Victorian or Edwardian, solar-control glass, new bars, gaskets and flashing | £5,000 – £7,000 |
| Large or complex | P-shape or large gable roof, upgraded glass, new guttering and extensive flashing | £7,000 – £9,000+ |
What drives the cost
- The roof covering. Multiwall polycarbonate is cheapest. Solar-control or self-cleaning glass costs more, and higher-grade glass costs more again.
- Roof shape. Hips, valleys and a wide span add glazing bars, cutting and labour.
- The frame underneath. If the eaves beam and posts are sound, new bars can be fitted to them. If the frame has moved, expect repair work on top.
- Flashing, guttering and ridge. Lead flashing against the house wall, new box gutters and a replacement ridge are often itemised separately.
- Access. Most replacements need scaffolding or a hired lift, and it usually shows up as its own line.
Check the frame before you price the glass
A glass roof is much heavier than a thin polycarbonate one, and it loads the frame, the dwarf walls and the base more than the original did. A decent surveyor checks the eaves beam, the corner posts and the base before recommending glass, and the quote should say so. It is also worth asking what safety rating the roof glass carries, since not every glazed roof is the same.
A leak is often a gasket, a slipped panel or failed flashing rather than a dead roof. Our guide to conservatory roof leak repair costs shows what common faults cost to fix, and the signs your conservatory needs work checklist helps you tell a repair from a replacement.
Planning and Building Regulations
Swapping like for like is normally straightforward. Moving to a heavier roof can bring Building Regulations into play, and the LABC guidance on solid-roof conservatories shows what building control teams look for. Check with your own local authority before you order.
To compare prices, try the cost calculator first, then send your details through the free quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace just the polycarbonate panels?
Often, yes. If the glazing bars and frame are in good order, panel-only replacement can be much cheaper than a full new roof. Ask the installer to check the bars and seals before agreeing to anything.
How long does a conservatory roof replacement take?
Typically 2 to 5 days on site. Made-to-measure glass is ordered after the survey, which can add a few weeks beforehand.
Is a glass roof better than polycarbonate?
Glass usually looks better, lasts well and can include solar-control coatings, but it costs more and weighs more. Multiwall polycarbonate is lighter and cheaper, though typically less refined.
Will a new roof stop my conservatory overheating?
A solar-control glass roof can cut glare and heat gain compared with a plain polycarbonate one, but it won't solve the problem alone. Blinds and ventilation still matter.
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