For those who already have, or are considering getting a new conservatory, polycarbonate roofing is the most cost effective. A material which is used for a wide range of outdoor structures and their roofing, including gazebos, awnings and of course conservatories, polycarbonate is considered as one of the most versatile and durable options for roofing.

So what is polycarbonate? Simply, it is a thermoplastic material which can be transparent or tinted with great strength and durability. Despite its strength, polycarbonate is a lightweight material, making it preferable to glass which weights around six times as much. There are also many other qualities which make polycarbonate a popular choice for conservatory roofing.

As already mentioned, polycarbonate is a highly durable material, and this is reflected in its other qualities. Polycarbonate is resistant against extreme weather conditions and so is a weather resistant material. It is also shatter-proof and non-toxic, and because it can be tinted or coloured, can be changed to meet the preferences of each individual homeowner.

There are as ever some disadvantages of polycarbonate conservatory roofing. Although they can come transparent, ‘clear’ polycarbonate sheets are not as clear as glass, so they would not let in the same amount of light. Also, unlike with glass can which can be given a self-cleaning finish, polycarbonate would need cleaning throughout the year to prevent dirt and green slime building up. And finally, many polycarbonate conservatory roof owners notice that when it rains on their roof, it is considerably louder than a glass alternative, making the room much less comfortable to use.

However, polycarbonate conservatory roofs are still a preferred option for many. Per panel, polycarbonate is usually cheaper than glass, and a tinted or coloured polycarbonate roof would let in less sun-rays than single-glazed glass, and therefore could offer more protection. Polycarbonate conservatory roofs are also quicker to install, and can even be fitted by the homeowner for a simple conservatory structure.

If you are looking to replace your conservatory roof you should look at moving to a polycarbonate conservatory roof