Polycarbonate conservatory roofs
Polycarbonate is the lightest and cheapest conservatory roof. It is what most older conservatories came with, and a new multi-wall sheet roof is much better than the old one you are likely to be replacing.
Who polycarbonate conservatory roofs suit
Suits
- A tight budget
- Replacing a failed or leaking roof quickly
- Conservatories used mostly in spring and summer
Good points
- The lowest price of any roof type
- Light enough for almost any frame
- Quick to fit, often in a day or two
Watch out for
- Noisy in heavy rain
- Less clear than glass, and it can yellow with age
- Less thermally efficient than glass or a solid roof
What polycarbonate conservatory roofs cost
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs typically cost £4,100 (Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, polycarbonate roof replacing the old roof), with most jobs between £2,000 and £6,500. That includes VAT at 20%. Fitting takes 1–2 days on site.
What you would actually pay
Typical Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, polycarbonate roof replacing the old roof · UK- Typical installed cost Polycarbonate conservatory roofs, supplied and fitted
- £3,417
- VAT at 20% Standard rate
- £683
- Net cost to you
- £4,100
If you borrowed £4,100.00 over 36 months at 0.0%, it would cost £113.89 a month – £4,100.00 in total, of which £0.00 is interest. The last payment would be £113.85.
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 polycarbonate conservatory roofs
| Element | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Roof, installed Multi-wall polycarbonate sheets on a new or existing ridge and bars, supplied and fitted. This row is the headline price for the whole range of sizes. | £2,000 – £6,500 |
| 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 polycarbonate 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 polycarbonate 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
Polycarbonate conservatory roofs prices by region
Labour is most of the difference. Typical price (Medium (about 4m × 4m) conservatory, polycarbonate roof replacing the old roof), including VAT.
| Region | Typical | vs UK average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £5,100 | +25% |
| South East | £4,800 | +17% |
| South West | £4,500 | +10% |
| East of England | £4,300 | +6% |
| West Midlands | £4,200 | +4% |
| Scotland | £4,200 | +2% |
| East Midlands | £4,100 | UK average |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £4,100 | UK average |
| North West | £4,000 | −2% |
| North East | £3,900 | −5% |
| Wales | £3,800 | −6% |
| Northern Ireland | £3,600 | −12% |
Common questions about polycarbonate conservatory roofs
How long does a polycarbonate conservatory roof last?
It depends on the grade of the sheet and how much sun the roof gets. The sheets can yellow and cloud well before they fail.
Can I swap polycarbonate for glass later?
Usually, but glass is heavier, so the frame may need strengthening first.
Is polycarbonate noisier than glass?
Yes, in heavy rain. Multi-wall sheets are quieter than thin ones, but glass and solid roofs are better again.
Where these polycarbonate 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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