Over the past few years, there’s been a boom in the use of so called ‘wrap-over’ conservatory roof replacements. These can look great when they’re fitted, but all too frequently have serious issues which mean homeowners don’t get the benefits they expect – and often have to pay out again to have a proper warm roof replacement.
Recently, we interviewed one of our Certified Fabricators and Installers on the challenges their homeowner customers face when choosing a conservatory roof replacement and what systems they recommend for a long-lasting solution that is easy to install to a high standard. Having been in the industry for almost 30 years, Brett Farnworth – Managing Director of Elite Conservatory Roofs Ltd – has seen a number of different solutions coming to market. The company have noticed a trend of so-called ‘wrap-over’ systems becoming more and more common in the industry.
Homeowners looking to save money see ‘wrap-overs’ as a quick fix, allowing them to continue to use their conservatory throughout the construction, and supposedly providing the same quality aesthetic to a warm roof. However, there are some clear differences between the two systems:
In Brett’s experience, homeowners simply aren’t being alerted to how dangerous these ‘wrap-over’ constructions can be.
“There’s definitely a lack of awareness and concern from homeowners about the dangers of wrap overs. They tend to be quite blasé about the issue, and hope it’ll be okay. When the reality is these constructions don’t have to meet any kind of Building Regulations. In the past we’ve had to replace wrap overs on conservatories that are almost falling down. Which is very unsafe for my team, as you’re trying to pull something down safely which is already coming down on its own accord.”
Brett has been seeing more and more failing wrap overs in recent years.
“We’ve been replacing lots of failing wrap overs, one lasted less than 12 months, and many are lasting just two years. So, customers are paying for the cheaper option, but then installing a warm roof just a couple years later – as they say, “Pay cheap, pay twice”. We always point out the issues with going for a wrap over when we do quotes for potential customers, because with these constructions there’s no guarantees on safety or longevity, such as no snow loading or wind loading resilience.”
Unlike the Guardian Warm Roof, ‘wrap-over’ systems are often constructed without proper building control approval and certification, therefore its common that no structural calculations are carried out. As a result, the weight of the timber and roof tiles puts additional strain on the conservatory, and if the absolute tolerances and loads are exceeded the walls of the conservatory will crack, buckle, or even collapse altogether.
“The main issue we see is the plaster cracking under the weight of the wrap over roof because it hasn’t been done with the proper weight loading. But we also see things like leaks ruining flooring and furniture as well” says Brett.
In contrast, each Guardian Warm Roof is engineered precisely to your individual requirements and preassembled offsite under factory-controlled conditions. Rigorous testing and accurate design takes into account many climatic variables, such as the amount of wind, rain, snow and heat an area is expected to get. The system also uses robust but lightweight components, including an aluminium frame, meaning it often weighs no more than a standard glazed roof.
