- 10 August 2025|
- Replacement roofs
Modern contemporary conservatories are now built to the highest standards, built to last using state of the art materials, creating stunning living spaces that are energy efficient and can be used all year round. However, some older conservatories, those built many years ago, can suffer from leaky seals, misted glazing, poor insulation and structural movement.
Most of these issues can be resolved by resealing, replacing roof panels or installing a modern, insulated tiled roof. A new roof system can make your conservatory warm, dry and usable year-round.
Conservatory roof issues: What North East homeowners need to know
Conservatories are a popular way to add light and space to your home. But many older conservatories across the North East now face the same problems – they’re too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and prone to leaks or condensation.
These problems are often caused by ageing roofing systems, especially those built with polycarbonate or single-glazed glass. Fortunately, there are practical solutions that can restore your conservatory and make it fit for year-round use.
This guide explains the most common conservatory roof problems and how to fix them, based on over 20 years of installation and repair experience at Enhance Conservatories.
Top 4 conservatory roof problems
1. Leaking seals and water ingress
Problem: Water seeping through joins or around the ridge of the roof.
Cause: Worn or broken sealant, damaged flashing or slipped roof panels.
Signs to look for:
- Damp patches near roof joints
- Watermarks along walls
- Dripping during heavy rain
Solution:
- Reseal joints using high-performance sealants
- Replace damaged roof panels or flashing
- In severe cases, install a new roofing system for a watertight finish
2. Misty or cloudy glazing
Problem: Condensation between panes of glass or a permanently misted appearance.
Cause: Failed double-glazing units or poor sealing on glass roof systems.
Why it matters:
- Reduces natural light
- Affects thermal performance
- Can cause long-term moisture problems
Solution:
- Replace affected glass panels
- Upgrade to modern A-rated glass, allowing better insulation
- Consider switching to a tiled or solid roof system
3. Poor thermal insulation
Problem: Room is freezing in winter and too hot in summer.
Cause: Outdated polycarbonate or single-glazed roofs offer little thermal efficiency.
Impact:
- Expensive heating bills
- Discomfort in extreme weather
- Unusable living space for parts of the year
Solution:
- Upgrade to a tiled conservatory roof with built-in insulation
- Improve ventilation with roof vents
- Replace glass or polycarbonate panels with insulated roof panels
4. Roof movement and structural wear
Problem: Visible sagging, shifting roof panels or gaps in the structure.
Cause: Ageing materials, weather exposure or poor initial construction.
Signs to check:
- Sagging ridge or roofline
- Noisy panels during wind or storms
- Vibration or flexing when touched
Solution:
- Strengthen or replace failing support bars
- Replace the entire roof system with a modern, durable alternative
- Ensure the new roof meets current UK building regulations
Quick answers to common questions
Is condensation normal in a conservatory?
No, persistent condensation in a conservatory isn’t normal. It usually indicates poor insulation or a lack of proper ventilation. To resolve this, check the seals around your roof panels, improve airflow by adding roof vents, and consider upgrading to an insulated roofing system to prevent moisture build-up.
Do conservatory roof replacements need planning permission?
Conservatory roofs don’t always require planning permission, but they must meet current building regulations to ensure safety and energy efficiency. At Enhance Conservatories, we make sure every tiled or solid conservatory roof we install is fully compliant, giving homeowners peace of mind and long-term protection.
When to consider a new conservatory roof
If your conservatory has one of the problems listed above, a full conservatory roof replacement may be the most cost-effective option. A new roof can:
- Improve thermal efficiency by up to 15% (source: Energy Saving Trust)
- Stop ongoing leaks and structural movement
- Improve appearance and add value to your home
Types of roofing and what they solve
Choosing the right type of roofing depends on how you use your conservatory and the issues you’re facing.
| Roof Type | Key Benefits | Best for solving |
| Tiled conservatory roof | Excellent insulation, modern appearance | Heat loss, noise, leaks |
| Solid conservatory roof | Strong and long-lasting, low maintenance | Temperature extremes, condensation |
| Glass roof conservatory | Natural light, available with thermal glazing | Visibility, light, misted glazing |
| Polycarbonate roof | Low-cost option, quick to install | Budget updates (lower insulation) |
Enhance Conservatories offers a full range of replacement roof systems that can be tailored to your existing structure. We’ll help you choose the right option for your home, lifestyle and budget.
Our solution: Fully insulated tiled roofing systems
Many older conservatories in the North East were built with basic polycarbonate roofing. While these were popular at the time, they often struggle to meet modern insulation standards.
We install roof systems that:
- Are fully insulated to reduce heating bills
- Eliminate condensation and draughts
- Are tiled in a choice of colours to match your home
- Include optional roof vents for better airflow
- Meet all UK building regulations
All our roofing systems are professionally installed by our experienced in-house team – no subcontractors, no surprises.
When is it time to replace an old conservatory roof?
Over time, older conservatory roofs – especially those made with polycarbonate or single-glazed glass – can become less effective, noisy in bad weather, and unsightly. General wear from UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and moisture can lead to yellowing, brittleness, or sagging in the roof panels.
If your conservatory feels too cold in winter or uncomfortably hot in summer, your roof might be to blame. Poor insulation and lack of proper ventilation are often key issues in older systems. These problems not only reduce your comfort but can drive up your energy bills.
Here are signs that your old conservatory roof may need replacing:
- Noticeable leaks or recurring damp spots
- Excess condensation or mould growth
- Draughts around roof panels or glazing bars
- Faded or discoloured polycarbonate panels
- Structural movement or visible gaps
The good news is that replacing your conservatory roof doesn’t mean starting from scratch. A solid or tiled conservatory roof system from Enhance Conservatories can be fitted to your existing structure, dramatically improving insulation, comfort, and kerb appeal.
These modern roof replacements meet current building regulations and transform your conservatory into a usable space all year round.
Real homeowner feedback
Many homeowners across the North East have come to us after struggling with issues like leaks, mould and draughts caused by ageing polycarbonate roofs. Upgrading to a tiled or solid roof has made a huge difference – not just in comfort, but in how often they use the space.
If you’re wondering what kind of results to expect, take a look at our reviews. Our customers regularly tell us that replacing their conservatory roof was one of the best improvements they’ve made to their home.
Why trust Enhance Conservatories?
- Over 20 years’ experience serving homeowners across the North East
- Fully certified installations that meet building regulations
- Trusted local company with real customer reviews
- Friendly, no-pressure consultations and clear pricing
From Durham to Hexham, Newcastle to Berwick – we’ve helped thousands of property owners fix common conservatory problems quickly and professionally.
Book a free roof consultation today
If you’re dealing with leaks, poor insulation, or ageing roof panels, now’s the time to act.
Call Enhance Conservatories on 0191 466 1666 or book a free consultation online. We’ll inspect your roof, explain your options, and provide a no-obligation quote.
Let’s make your conservatory a space you can enjoy all year round.