If you have an existing conservatory installed at home and you are looking to improve or modernise your home extension, you may have considered a replacement of tiled roof conservatory.
It’s a popular upgrade, but before you commit, it’s worth understanding the conservatory roof building regulations that apply, whether you’ll need any sign-off from your local council, and whether your existing structure can actually take the weight of a tiled or solid roof.
Tiled Roof Conservatory Building Regulations: Are Conservatories Exempt?
Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations approval when:
They are built at ground level and are less than 30 square metres in floor area;
The conservatory is separated from the house by external quality walls, doors, or windows;
There is an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls;
Glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the applicable building regulations requirements;
The roof pitch does not exceed 4m in height and is no higher than the existing property’s roof.
If your conservatory meets all of the above, it generally sits outside the scope of building regs for conservatory roof work, including a tiled roof replacement.
Do You Need Building Regs For A Conservatory Roof If It’s Tiled Or Solid?
Today, as long as the new tiled conservatory roof complies with the conservatory regulations we mentioned above, the vast majority of tiled conservatory roofs naturally adhere to building regulations.
The same applies to solid conservatory roof building regulations more broadly, a solid roof isn’t automatically treated any differently to a tiled one.
There’s one important nuance, though. Building control generally expects a conservatory to keep at least 75% of its roof made from a translucent or transparent material to retain its exempt “conservatory” status.
If a tiled or solid roof takes you below that threshold, your installer may need to notify building control and get a completion certificate once the work is done, without it, you could find it harder to sell your property further down the line. Our guide to replacing conservatory roofs covers this in more detail, along with what a proper quote for a solid roof replacement should include.
Do You Need Planning Permission To Change A Conservatory Roof?
This is a separate question from building regulations, and one homeowners often mix up. In most cases, replacing your existing roof with a similar tiled or solid design, without increasing the height or overall volume of the structure, falls under permitted development, meaning formal planning permission generally isn’t required.
That said, there are exceptions. You’re more likely to need permission if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, or if the new roof would make your conservatory taller or bulkier than what’s currently there.
If you’re in any doubt, it’s always worth a quick call to your local planning office before work starts, or asking your installer to check on your behalf.
Will My Conservatory Support A Tiled Roof?
This depends largely on how and when your conservatory was built. Many older conservatories, particularly those built before around 2005, weren’t designed to carry the extra weight of a full tiled or solid roof, and may need their frame strengthened before installation can go ahead.
Concrete and slate tiles in particular are heavy, and concrete can also absorb water over time, adding further weight.
Lightweight tiled roof systems are a popular alternative for exactly this reason, they’re factory-assembled and considerably lighter than a traditionally built tiled roof, so many existing frames can take them without any structural strengthening at all.
Either way, a reputable installer should always carry out a structural assessment before quoting, to confirm your conservatory will support a tiled roof safely. Our guide to the best material for a conservatory roof has more on how the different options compare.
Why Choose A Tiled Conservatory Roof?
Beyond the regulatory side, there are some strong practical reasons to consider a tiled roof over glass or polycarbonate:
Save money on your heating bills with extremely low U-values
Tiled roof systems are compatible with all styles of conservatory
A tiled roof area will keep you shaded from the sun
You can colour match your tiled roof to your fascias, soffits, and gutters
You can have roof lights, or a lantern style roof
Tiled roof systems eliminate the sound of heavy rain and wind
You can choose from a variety of tile colours and styles
Applying To Building Control
You can submit a building planning application online, or get in touch with your local authority’s building control team directly if you’d rather ask questions first.
Most installers who work regularly on tiled and solid roof replacements will also be able to guide you through this process, or handle the notification on your behalf.
A Trade Association For Roofers
The National Federation of Roofing, also known as the Federation of Roofing Contractors, aims to raise confidence among businesses and homeowners by promoting quality roofing contractors and ensuring all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of conduct and vetting procedure.
It’s worth asking any roofer you’re considering whether they’re a member.
Replacing your existing conservatory roof with a tiled roof is a great way to make the most out of your conservatory and improve its thermal insulation.
If you’re considering a new tiled roof for your current conservatory and you’re ready for a quote, get a free quote for your tiled conservatory roof replacement and an installer will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need building regulations approval to put a tiled roof on a conservatory?
Usually not, provided your conservatory still meets the standard exemption criteria: ground level, under 30 square metres, separated from the house by external-quality doors, independent heating, and compliant glazing and electrics.
The main exception is if the new roof takes the structure below 75% transparent or translucent material, in which case building control sign-off and a completion certificate are typically needed.
Will my existing conservatory support a tiled or solid roof?
It depends on how and when it was built. Conservatories built to more modern standards, roughly post-2005, are often fine, but many older ones need their frame reinforced before a heavier tiled or solid roof can go on.
A lightweight tiled roof system needs far less structural work than a traditionally built one, so it’s worth asking your installer about both options.
Do you need planning permission to change a conservatory roof?
Generally not, if you’re replacing like-for-like or with a similar style and height, since this usually counts as permitted development.
You’re more likely to need permission if you’re in a listed building, a conservation area, or increasing the height or volume of the structure. Check with your local planning office if you’re unsure.
Can you put a solid or tiled roof on an existing conservatory?
Yes, in most cases, subject to a structural check by your installer. Older or lighter-framed conservatories may need reinforcing first, and if the new roof drops below 75% transparent material, you may also need to notify building control before the work is signed off.
What building control sign-off is needed for a replacement conservatory roof?
If your conservatory stays within the standard exemption criteria and keeps at least 75% of its roof transparent or translucent, no formal building control sign-off is generally needed.
If a tiled or solid roof takes it below that threshold, your installer will usually need to notify building control and arrange a completion certificate once the job is finished.
Are there weight limits for a tiled conservatory roof?
There’s no single universal weight limit. It comes down to what your existing frame and foundations were built to carry.
Traditional tiled roofs are heavy, and many older conservatories need reinforcing before they can take one safely. Lightweight tiled systems are designed to avoid this issue, but either way, a proper structural assessment from your installer is the only reliable way to know what your conservatory can support.
