Polycarbonate vs Glass Conservatory Roofs: The Ultimate Comparison

• 1 Dec 2025|
• News|
• Posted by Paul Davies

Choosing the right conservatory roof material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a new conservatory or upgrading an existing space.

While polycarbonate and glass roofs might at first seem very similar, there are huge differences in how these materials look and perform.

We’ve installed countless conservatory roofs across Cheltenham, Cirencester, Stroud, and throughout Gloucestershire. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between polycarbonate roofing and glass conservatory roof options, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Polycarbonate vs glass roof: understanding your options

When it comes to conservatory roof materials, there are two traditional material options: polycarbonate & glass. Whilst polycarbonate was once a popular choice due to its low cost, modern glass roofing has become the best choice for most homeowners seeking a stunning addition to their property.

Polycarbonate is a lightweight plastic material that was commonly used in conservatory construction from the 1980s onwards. The main draw of polycarbonate conservatory roofs was affordability and high impact resistance. As conservatories became more popular in the 1980s and 1990s, polycarbonate was often chosen as a low-cost option.

Over the years, however, polycarbonate roofs gained a bad reputation, leading many to choose glass roofs or modern tiled options instead.

Let’s explore the key differences between polycarbonate and glass roofs.

Thermal performance and energy efficiency

Thermal performance is a key consideration in conservatories, as poorly insulated spaces can quickly become virtually unusable due to extreme temperatures.

Glass provides excellent thermal insulation that keeps your conservatory comfortable year-round, reduces heat loss in winter, prevents overheating in summer, and lowers energy bills. For Gloucestershire homeowners experiencing our variable climate conditions, the energy efficiency of double glazed glass makes it an exceptional choice.

Polycarbonate, by contrast, offers poor thermal performance. Often installed in thin sheets, polycarbonate offers little in the way of insulation. Heat is lost through your polycarbonate roof in the winter, while heat from summer sun can make your conservatory unbearable.

This also results in higher ongoing energy bills if you try to heat or cool the space.

Aesthetic appeal

As well as performance, the visual appeal of your chosen material will significantly impact your home’s appearance and value.

Glass offers an elegant appearance that complements any home style, traditional or contemporary, with crystal-clear views of your garden and sky. It maintains the classic appeal of traditional conservatories, adds genuine value to your property, and creates a light, airy atmosphere.

Polycarbonate has a cloudy, plastic appearance that = yellows and discolours over time. Many feel that polycarbonate can make your outdoor space look temporary or dated.

Longevity and durability

Whilst polycarbonate offers good impact resistance and weather resistant properties, glass wins on overall durability and lifespan.

Glass can last 25+ years with minimal maintenance, doesn’t discolour or degrade, has a scratch-resistant surface that maintains clarity, and retains its appearance indefinitely. Polycarbonate degrades and discolours within 5-10 years, scratches easily, becomes brittle in harsh weather conditions, and often needs replacing sooner than glass.

The longer lifespan of glass roofing makes it a better investment, despite the higher initial cost.

Maintenance requirements

Glass requires regular cleaning with standard glass cleaner, needs no harsh chemicals, and water spots can be easily removed. Simple maintenance keeps it looking pristine.

Polycarbonate requires frequent cleaning to prevent algae growth, cannot use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, scratches easily during cleaning, and staining is difficult to remove. Whilst polycarbonate appears low-maintenance initially, its tendency to discolour and the difficulty of cleaning it without damage makes glass the more practical option long-term.

Cost considerations

Cost is often cited as the major benefit of polycarbonate, but this deserves careful consideration of factors beyond the initial price.

Polycarbonate has a lower upfront cost and is suitable for those on a strict budget. However, it may need replacement within 10-15 years and results in higher energy bills due to poor insulation.

Glass has a higher initial investment but offers better long-term value, lower energy bills, adds significant property value.

Noise in heavy rain

One important factor often overlooked is sound insulation during heavy rain.

Polycarbonate is extremely noisy during rain and hail, with drumming sounds that can be unbearable during storms. Glass is significantly quieter during rainfall, cresting an ideal space to relax.

This important consideration makes glass roofing the best choice for creating a genuine living space rather than just a seasonal outdoor room.

Solid roofs: an ideal alternative for energy efficiency

If energy efficiency is your primary concern, consider moving beyond the polycarbonate vs glass roof debate entirely. A lightweight tiled conservatory roof or solid roof system offers the ultimate in thermal performance.

At The Little Conservatory Company, we install Ultraframe Livinroof and Ultraroof systems that deliver incredibly low U-values, exceptional insulation for year-round comfort, dramatic noise reduction during heavy rain, and the aesthetic appeal of a traditional tiled roof. Solid roofs transform conservatories into true room extensions, indistinguishable from the rest of your home in terms of comfort and usability.

Although you sacrifice some natural light, we can also incorporate strategic glazed sections that allow light in and keep your space light and airy.

Polycarbonate vs glass roof: which is the best choice?

For the vast majority of Gloucestershire homeowners, glass conservatory roofs are the better choice. Whilst polycarbonate offers the main draw of low upfront cost, glass provides excellent energy efficiency, durability and long-term performance. While requiring a higher initial Glass outperforms polycarbonate in every metric and is cost-effective in the long-run.

Glass provides:

• Superior thermal performance and energy efficiency
• Vastly better aesthetic appeal
• Excellent longevity without degradation
• Lower lifetime costs
• Significantly increased property value
• Quieter performance during environmental challenges
• A genuine year-round living space

Benefits of replacing your conservatory roof

If you currently have an old polycarbonate roof, replacement offers remarkable benefits. You can transform an unusable space into a comfortable living area, dramatically reduce energy bills, eliminate the drumming noise during rainfall, increase your property’s value, and enjoy ample natural light without the downsides of polycarbonate.

Many of our Gloucestershire clients report that roof replacement completely changed how they use their conservatory, turning it from a rarely-used room into their favourite space in the house.

Our conservatory roof options

We offer a range of conservatory roof solutions including premium toughened safety glass roofs with excellent thermal efficiency, Ultraframe Livinroof and Ultraroof lightweight tiled systems, and full replacement services for existing conservatories.

Every roof we install is bespoke, designed specifically to complement your desired style and meet your climate conditions. Our expert team manages everything from initial design through to building control sign-off.

Transform your conservatory with The Little Conservatory Company

Whether you’re building a new conservatory or looking to replace an outdated polycarbonate roof, we’re here to help. As specialists in creative living spaces, we’ll work with you to design the perfect roof solution that combines functionality, aesthetic appeal, and thermal performance.

Get in touch with our friendly team today for a free, no-obligation consultation and quote. Call us on 01242 681207, email info@littlecc.com or complete our online contact form.