Glass conservatory roofs
A glass conservatory roof replaces polycarbonate with double glazed glass, usually with a solar control coating and often a self-cleaning one. It is clearer and quieter than polycarbonate and looks far better from inside, and it keeps the room bright.
Who glass conservatory roofs suit
Suits
- Anyone who wants the room to stay bright
- Replacing a clouded or noisy polycarbonate roof
- Conservatories where a solid roof would feel too heavy
Good points
- A bright, clear room with a view of the sky
- Quieter than polycarbonate in the rain
- Solar control and self-cleaning coatings are available
- Lighter than a solid tiled roof
Watch out for
- Costs more than polycarbonate
- Can still overheat on a south-facing garden without solar control
- Heavier than polycarbonate, so the frame needs checking
What glass conservatory roofs cost
Glass conservatory roofs typically cost £6,000 (Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, glass roof replacing the old roof), with most jobs between £3,300 and £9,500. That includes VAT at 20%. Fitting takes 1–3 days on site.
What you would actually pay
Typical Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, glass roof replacing the old roof · UK- Typical installed cost Glass conservatory roofs, supplied and fitted
- £5,000
- VAT at 20% Standard rate
- £1,000
- Net cost to you
- £6,000
If you borrowed £6,000.00 over 36 months at 0.0%, it would cost £166.67 a month – £6,000.00 in total, of which £0.00 is interest. The last payment would be £166.55.
Illustration only – not a quote, not an offer of credit, and not financial advice. Rates depend on your circumstances and creditworthiness.
Where the money goes on glass conservatory roofs
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Roof, installed A glass roof system, supplied and fitted. This row is the headline price for the whole range of sizes. | £3,300 – £9,500 |
| Roof lantern or skylight A larger glazed feature set into the roof. Optional. | £780 – £2,000 |
| LED downlights Standard installation of recessed lighting. Optional. | £300 – £600 |
| Skip hire for the old roof Waste removal, which may be extra. | £120 – £300 |
| Scaffolding Where the roof cannot be reached safely from the ground. | £0 – £780 |
Guide prices including VAT. Your actual cost depends on your home, access and specification.
What moves the price of glass conservatory roofs
- Roof type
Polycarbonate is the cheapest, glass costs more, a hybrid costs more again and a solid tiled roof costs the most.
- Size and shape
A bigger roof needs more material and more labour. Complex shapes with several facets or a hip cost more than a simple pitched roof.
- Structure
An older frame may need strengthening before a heavier roof goes on. A glass or solid roof is much heavier than polycarbonate.
- Access
Scaffolding adds to the price where the roof cannot be reached safely from the ground.
- Where you live
London and the South East run dearer than the North of England and Wales.
What a quote for glass conservatory roofs should include
If a quote is missing any of these, ask why before you compare it with another.
- The roof system, its make and its guarantee
- The glass or panel specification, including solar control and self-cleaning coatings
- Whether the existing frame, plate and ridge can carry the new roof, and who checks
- Removal and disposal of the old roof
- Scaffolding, and whether it is in the price
- Building Regulations, and whether the new roof needs an application
- Internal finish: plastering, ceiling and lighting
Glass conservatory roofs prices by region
Labour is most of the difference. Typical price (Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, glass roof replacing the old roof), including VAT.
| Region | Typical | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £7,500 | +25% |
| South East | £7,000 | +17% |
| South West | £6,600 | +10% |
| East of England | £6,400 | +6% |
| West Midlands | £6,200 | +4% |
| Scotland | £6,100 | +2% |
| East Midlands | £6,000 | UK average |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £6,000 | UK average |
| North West | £5,900 | −2% |
| North East | £5,700 | −5% |
| Wales | £5,600 | −6% |
| Northern Ireland | £5,300 | −12% |
Common questions about glass conservatory roofs
Is a glass roof better than polycarbonate?
It is clearer, quieter and longer lasting, and it looks better from inside. Polycarbonate costs much less.
Does a glass conservatory roof need a solar control coating?
On a south or west-facing room, yes. Without it, the room can overheat in summer.
How long does it take to fit a glass roof?
Often a day or two for a standard size, once the old roof has come off.
Where these glass conservatory roofs prices come from
Guide prices are compiled from published UK price guides, converted to a price before VAT, and shown here with VAT added. They are indicative, not quotations. How we price explains the method.
Get quotes for your home
A guide price only takes you so far. Local firms can price the work on your own home, and comparing a few quotes is the quickest way to see what is reasonable.
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