FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We generally prefabricate our replacement solid roof systems so that the product can be fitted quickly once it is transported to the relevant home and minimum disruption is caused there. Our roof designs are all made bespoke to suit the conservatory style.

As for what it’s made of, the system consists of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard and exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. We have a range of coloured tiles available, and you can also include solid panels to give the extension a natural look.

Weight: Because they use heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles, clad over solutions can be too heavy for existing frames. You need a lightweight roof for old conservatories. 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: Be advised that a clad-over system does not comply with fire safety regulations due to them not being fire tested as a complete roof structure, which they must be to satisfy these rules. The original structure varies from job to job which means that only individual components may have been 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: It’s very rare that a clad-over system will receive Building Regulations Approval because of its low thermal value and structural integrity. A word of warning. Building Regulations Approval is completely different from planning permission. You must notify Building Control when making any changes to a structure, such as replacing an old glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid roof, so they can determine if the new roof is structurally sound enough.

Tip: Check that local Building Control has been informed before the conversion starts. Obtain a Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate and file it in a safe place.

You will be pleased to know that no, it won’t! Unlike a polycarbonate roof, it won’t leave your conservatory feeling like a green house in hot weather and make the space unusable for a large portion of the year. It could be worth including solar control glazing in the roof to make it a true year-round extension.

‘A’ rated windows are the most energy efficient windows that you can buy in the UK, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. All replacement windows are energy rated in this way and the energy rating of a window tells you whether or not it complies with current Building Regulations.

In a similar style to ‘white’ goods, such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, a traffic-light system is used for energy efficient windows, with them energy rated from A-E. This energy labelling enables you to identify exactly what you are buying and the standard of thermal efficiency you can expect the windows to deliver.

That all depends on the size of the replacement roof. For a small conservatory roof, you’re looking at anything from £5,000, whereas a larger roof will start from around £12,000. To help you pay for a new roof, you can always spread your payments. We have a finance calculator on our website that you can use to figure out a suitable finance package.

Not long at all, as it happens. Usually, a tiled solid roof can be fitted in just a few days, causing minimal disruption at your home.

You won’t need planning permission to upgrade your existing conservatory roof, but it will be mandatory to obtain Buildings Regulations Control, which you will also need proof of when selling.

Being granted with Building Regulations approval from your local authority provides evidence that the fitted system has been thoroughly inspected and checked by a government approved building control officer, who has declared it structurally safe and thermally efficient. Having Building Regulations Approval will also prevent any hold-up or issues when it comes to selling your property.

Yes. To make life easy for you, James Oliver 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 James Oliver 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.