FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Firstly, we should say that our replacement solid roof systems are normally prefabricated, so that when we bring the product to your home, it can be fitted quickly, efficiently and with the minimum of disruption caused. The roof will be specially tailored for your conservatory.

It is made up of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard, exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. The tiles can be finished in a colour of your choosing, or you may prefer solid panels if you want to make your extension blend in with your home.

Weight: The main issue with a clad over solution is that they can be too heavy for some existing frames due to them using heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles. Any new roof needs to be lightweight and the lightest of them weighs around 31KG/M ².

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

Fire Safety: A ‘clad-over’ system also fails to satisfy existing safety regulations as it isn’t effectively fire tested as a complete roof structure, something that’s essential to meet building regulations. The original structure can vary between jobs, 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: Before the project begins, ask to see the fire safety certificate for the entire roof system.

Building Regulations: You will find it difficult getting Building Regulations Approval for a clad over system as it has a low thermal value and structural integrity. Please, don’t mistake planning permission for Building Regulations Approval – they’re not the same thing. Building Control must be notified when proposed changes will be made to a structure as the new roof has to be structurally sound.

Tip: Building Control must be informed before any conversion begins. Obtain a Building Regulations ‘Final’ Certificate and keep it in a safe place.

The good news is it won’t! Every replacement roof that we sell is designed with year-round comfort in mind. Thankfully, the old polycarbonate roofs that would make conservatories get sweltering hot in summer have been phased out. With solar control glazing in the roof, temperature regulation isn’t something you will need to be concerned about. A tiled roof is a great choice when you want an extension for all seasons.

An ‘A’ rated window is the most energy efficient window you can get in this country, something that’s defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. All windows are energy rated like this to make it easy for customers to identify the standard of thermal efficiency they offer, and they’re also fully compliant with Building Regulations.

Very much like ‘white goods’ e.g. fridges, freezers, washing machines, Window Energy Ratings are clearly labelled on contemporary window designs, ranked from A-E.

It helps you know exactly what you’re getting when you buy new windows.

For a small conservatory roof, it can roughly cost around £5,000, and for a larger one, you’re looking at about £12,000. You can always spread the cost of paying for a new roof in monthly instalments, if that works best. Use our finance calculator to work out a suitable finance package.

It’s a very quick process. Usually, it will only take a matter of a few days to fit the product, so your home life won’t be too disrupted.

Although you won’t need planning permission when changing a roof on an existing structure, it’s mandatory to get Building Regulations Approval. Without this, you could have a problem selling your home in the future.

When you manage to obtain Building Regulations Approval from your local authority, it provides evidence that the roofing system has been endorsed by a government approved building control inspector and is both structurally safe and thermally efficient. Being in possession of Building Regulations Approval will also work in your favour when selling your property as it shows that the roof complies with all the relevant rules.

Yes. To make life easy for you, Mitchell Glass 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 Mitchell Glass 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.