FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We should first tell you that we pre-fabricate much of our roofing systems so that when we come to install the product at your home, it can be done quickly and with hardly any disruption. Any roof that you buy will be built bespoke for your conservatory for a seamless fit.

As for what the roof is made of, well, it has a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard, exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. You will be asked if you would prefer lightweight slates or tiles, both of which will look as realistic as traditional slates and tiles.

Weight: Existing frames can rarely cope with a clad over solution as it uses heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. It is imperative that any new conservatory roof is lightweight. The lightest solid roof systems weigh around 31KG/M ².

Tip: Always ask your installer for the total unit weight of the new roof per Sq.M

Fire Safety: ‘Clad over’ systems also fail to comply with current fire regulations as they are not sufficiently fire tested as a complete roof structure, which they need to if they are to satisfy this part of building regulations. It may transpire that only certain components of the original structure have been correctly tested. Solid roofs must be classified as AC, AB, or AA in accordance with BS476-3.

Tip: Ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system before you commit to the project.

Building Regulations: Due to their low thermal value and low structural integrity, clad over systems rarely receive Building Regulations Approval. This is, however, not the same as planning permission, which usually isn’t needed. When modifying an existing structure, such as replacing a polycarbonate or glass roof with a solid roof, you need to notify Building Control before you do anything, who will decide is the replacement roof is structurally sound. 

Tip: Don’t begin with a conversion until local Building Control has been informed first. Keep the Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate in a safe place. 

It shouldn’t do as our roofing solutions are meant to keep your conservatory well-insulated throughout the year. You won’t experience the overheating that often occurs inside conservatories with old polycarbonate roofs. Solar control glazing can have an enormously positive impact, but if you want an extension for year-round use, we highly recommend buying a tiled roof.

The BFRC Rating scheme classes A-rated windows as the most energy efficient windows sold in the UK. All modern replacement windows are rated for their energy efficiency so that you can identify if they comply with Building Regulations and offer the level of insulation you desire.

Window Energy Ratings are very similar to the traffic-light style energy ratings that are given to white goods e.g. freezers, fridges and washing machines. They were brought in so that consumers can make more informed decisions when buying new replacement windows.

The average cost of a small conservatory roof can be around £5,000, while a larger conservatory roof will come in at about £12,000. Ask about our finance options if you would like to spread the cost of paying for a new roof via monthly instalments. There’s also a finance calculator on our website to help you figure out the best form of finance.

We can have it installed in just a few days, so we’ll be in and out of your home in no time.

You don’t need to put in an application for planning permission to change the roof on an existing structure, but it is mandatory to obtain Building Regulations Approval, which you’ll need evidence of when selling the property.

When Building Regulations Approval is granted, it confirms that a government approval building control inspector is satisfied that the roofing system is structurally safe, has been properly installed and offers the necessary standard of thermal efficiency. This will avoid the nightmare scenario of a future house sale being held up because of the absence of Building Regulations Approval when it’s needed.

Yes. To make life easy for you, Planet can arrange a variety of affordable and convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & status). Applying for finance is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or at your local Planet Showroom, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.

If you’re arranging your own finance, you’ll need to call us as soon as you get the go ahead. If you’re taking up one of our offers, the company will tell us both directly, so there’s no need to call as we will get in touch with you.

Finance companies can turn down people for lots of reasons, for example if you’ve moved several times over the past few years. In these circumstances, we always do our best to help and sometimes it’s worth trying another provider, especially if they know you.

Sometimes our finance company will say ‘yes’ almost immediately and on other occasions it may take them a few days. This short delay can be for any number of reasons and you should not be unduly concerned.