FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

So that we don’t have to spend too much time at your home and cause any unwanted disruption, we pre-fabricate our replacement solid roof systems to make the installation process short. It will be a bespoke design so that it effortlessly integrates into your conservatory.

The roof system is made up of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard and exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. As for its finish, you can choose from a selection of tile colours, which will help you complement the tiled roof with the roof of your house.

Weight: A clad over roof will often prove too heavy for any existing frames due to it possessing heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. It is imperative that any new roof for an old conservatory 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: Another issue with ‘clad-over’ systems is that they don’t comply with current fire regulations as they are not effectively fire tested as a complete roof structure, which is essential for meeting this part of building regulations. The original structure varies from job to job which means that only individual components could 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: You’re unlikely to receive Building Regulations Approval for a clad over system because of its low thermal value or structural integrity. Please, don’t confuse building regulations approval with planning permission as they are not the same thing. You will have to inform Building Control if you want to alter a structure (including replacing a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid roof). When approval is granted, it proves that the new roof is structurally sound.

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.

It shouldn’t do as the whole purpose of a new roof is to make your conservatory usable in any weather. As you will have experienced if you have an old polycarbonate roof, your living space will feel like a greenhouse in the summer months. With the inclusion of solar control glazing, you will never have to fear that happening again. A tiled roof will permanently fix any such problems.

An ‘A’ rated window is the most energy efficient window that you can get in the UK as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. This nationally recognised system rates the energy efficiency of windows sold in this country and also signifies compliance with Building Regulations for new window installations.

In a similar way to white goods, such as fridges, freezers and washing machines, replacement windows are all energy rated, in this case, from a scale of A-E.

This energy labelling helps you make a more informed choice when buying new energy efficient windows and tells you exactly what you’re getting.

If it’s a small conservatory roof, you will be looking at anything from £5,000, whereas a larger conservatory roof will be around £12,000. You can always spread the cost of paying for a new roof, if it helps, with regular monthly instalments. Make use of the finance calculator on our website to work out a suitable finance package for securing the roof.

It doesn’t take long at all. Normally, a tiled solid roof can be installed in a matter of a few days.

While you don’t need planning permission to change the roof on an existing structure, you will be required to obtain Building Regulations Approval. Evidence of this is important when selling your house.

Yes, you do as Building Regulations Approval shows that the new roofing system you’re having installed has successfully come through numerous tests and checks and been inspected by a building control inspector, who is content that it is both structurally safe and thermally efficient. This will also avoid any problems when it comes to selling your property as you can prove to buyers that the roof is compliant with all the relevant rules.

Yes. To make life easy for you, Amber Home Improvements 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 our local Norwich 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.