FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We should firstly tell you that we prefabricate our replacement solid roof systems to quicken the installation process and ensure that we cause minimal disruption at your home. Every roof is purposely designed for the conservatory it’s going to be fitted to.

The roofing system is made up of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, insulating panels, insulated fire-grade plasterboard, exterior grade plywood and an impenetrable membrane. You can have the tiles finished in one of various eye-catching colours, and there’s always the option of including glass panels for welcome light transmission.

Weight: Because they use heavy timber, insulation materials and tiles, clad over solutions are often too heavy for existing conservatory frames. Any new roof for an old conservatory must be lightweight, with the lightest solid roof systems weighing around 31KG/M ².

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

Fire Safety: A ‘clad-over’ system does not comply with fire safety regulations as it hasn’t been sufficiently fire tested as a complete roof structure, which is essential for meeting the relevant part of building regulations. The original structure varies from job to job 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: Ask to see the fire safety certificate of the entire roof system before you commit to the project.

Building Regulations: It’s very rare that a clad over system receives Building Regulations Approval because of its low thermal value or structural integrity. Please note that planning permission is an entirely different thing to building regulations approval. When making any kind of change to a structure, including replacing a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof with a solid roof), Building Control must be notified first.

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.

You will be very happy to know that it will as the main purpose of the new roof is to make your extension a year-round destination. Unlike an old polycarbonate roof, a product that often causes a conservatory to overheat, any new roof in our range will stop the outside weather from interfering with the internal feel of the space. Solar control glazing in the roof will also help with temperature control.

If you want the most energy efficient windows you can get in the UK, you want to buy A rated windows. All replacement windows sold in this country as energy labelled so that you can identify the standard of thermal efficiency they provide, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme. A rated windows also comply with current Building Regulations.

Very much like ‘white’ goods, such as freezers, fridges and washing machines, a consumer-friendly traffic light style system is used for rating windows, in this case, from A-E. So please, take note of the energy efficiency rating of any replacement windows you buy.

The price can vary. For a small conservatory roof, you could be looking at spending anything from £5,000, while a larger conservatory roof will be around £12,000 upwards. We provide several finance packages at 5 Star if you want to spread the cost of a new roof. Use our finance calculator to find the best form of finance for your budget.

Tiled solid roofs can be fitted in a few days, so we won’t need to be at your house for too long.

You won’t need to obtain planning permission when changing a roof on an existing structure, but it is mandatory to obtain Buildings Regulation Control, otherwise it could cause you problems when selling.

If your local authority grants you with Building Regulations Approval, it means that the new roofing system has passed all the necessary checks when inspected by a building control inspector and is installed to the highest standards. Having proof of Building Regulations Approval will also be advantageous when you come to sell the property as it tells prospective buyers that the roof is an authorised product, avoiding any hitches.

Yes. To make life easy for you, 5 Star 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 5 Star 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.