An essential guide to conservatory roof types — discover which option is best for your home

Photo showing a glass conservatory roof with panels of self-cleaning glass. This glass is slightly tinted and has special properties, helping to reflect the outside heat in the summer and retain the interior heat in the winter.
(Image credit: mtreasure / Getty Images)

Choosing the right conservatory roof type is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building or upgrading a conservatory. It can shape everything from how much light the space gets to how warm your conservatory feels in winter and how well it connects with the rest of your home.

If you're in the process of gathering conservatory ideas, it's well worth understanding how each conservatory roof type performs in terms of insulation, appearance and practicality before you commit.

Headshot of Mervyn Montgomery from Hampton Conservatories
Mervyn Montgomery

Nearly 40 years ago, Mervyn founded Hampton Conservatories as a specialist manufacturer of bespoke joinery for the restoration and heritage sectors. Since then, he has personally led the company’s expansion across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

headshot of female with mid length blond hair smiling to camera
Karen Bell

As Sales and Marketing Director at David Salisbury, Karen has gained extensive expertise in conservatories, enabling her to guide customers toward the ideal choice for their home.

Headshot of Sharon Wright, Sales Director and co-founder of DHW Joinery
Sharon Wright

Sharon is the co-founder and Director of DHW Joinery. She excels in collaboration with architects, builders, structural engineers, and planning consultants and her industry insights have shaped their distinguished team and products.

Headshot of Lisa Morton  from Vale Garden Houses
Lisa Morton

Lisa is the Director of Vale Garden Houses, a family-run business with over 40 years of expertise. Renowned for its craftsmanship, Vale is one of the most respected and well-established names in the design and construction of glazed structures.

Gabriella Dyson
Interiors journalist and contributing editor

Gabriella is an interiors journalist and has a wealth of experience creating interiors and renovation content. She was Homebuilding & Renovating's former Assistant Editor as well as the former Head of Solved at sister brand Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content addressing key renovation, DIY and interior questions. 

She’s spent the past decade crafting copy for interiors publications, award-winning architects, and leading UK homeware brands. She also served as the Content Manager for the ethical homeware brand Nkuku.

Gabriella is a DIY enthusiast and a lover of all things interior design. She has a particular passion for historic buildings and listed properties, and she is currently in the process of renovating a Grade II-listed Victorian coach house in the West Country.