Resolving a clad over crisis

SupaLite recently supplied its tiled roof system – a lightweight, insulated, and easy-to-install solid roof that is designed to fit seamlessly onto existing conservatory window frames – to resolve a leaky and thermally inefficient conservatory that was suffering from a poorly installed ‘clad over’ system.

SupaLite recently partnered with one of its valued Premium Installers, Greenoak Concept & Design, on a conservatory transformation in Essex.

The homeowners had discovered that a clad over system had previously been installed on their conservatory – causing far more issues than they ever anticipated.

Determined to put things right, SupaLite and Greenoak restored the space, giving the homeowners a conservatory they truly loved again.

Transforming the clad over

When the homeowners first set out to improve their conservatory, around three years ago, their primary concern was the existing polycarbonate roof. It looked worn and outdated, and the temperature extremes – sweltering in summer, freezing in winter – made the space unusable for much of the year.

Initially, they opted for a solution that they thought would solve the issue quickly and at a low cost. What they didn’t know was this was a clad over installation, and what followed was a stressful and disappointing experience.

Just a few months after the new roof was installed, the conservatory began to leak in several areas following rainfall. Water also entered through the roof opener, and condensation soon built up across the entire internal ceiling, worsening over time.

The homeowners went online out of desperation to look for advice on what had gone wrong with their roof – that’s when they came across Greenoak, who came out immediately. It was determined the install was so bad that a new roof was required. This is where the SupaLite tiled roof system was introduced.

After fully removing the failed roof and repairing the damage it had caused, a brand new SupaLite tiled roof was installed, transforming the conservatory into a warm, dry, and usable space – completely free from leaks and condensation.

The homeowners couldn’t be happier with their SupaLite roof: ‘’From the get-go, Greenoak explained in detail what was wrong with our clad over roof and why they don’t work. They then spoke about how the SupaLite tiled roof was the answer and was a fantastic roof to replace the inefficient clad over.’’

SupaLite’s Dedication to Installers

When SupaLite was approached with this project, Aaron, SupaLite’s business development manager for the South, visited the homeowners alongside Greenoak, to assess the roof first-hand and gain a deeper insight into the issues they were facing.

SupaLite’s experts are said to have worked closely with the installers at every stage – from initial detailed drawings to the precision manufacture of the SupaLite roof. Every component was carefully cut to exact specifications and assembled into a complete kit, ready for delivery direct to site in just seven days.

The dangers of clad overs

When an installer tries to pass off an untested basic timber addition, low-grade tiles and plasterboard for a patented, building regulations compliant, tiled roof, this clad over can ultimately cause harm to both the conservatory and the homeowner.

According to SupaLite, rather than replacing the whole conservatory roof, the installer will take out the old polycarbonate sheets, directly fix timber battens to the pre-existing rafters, which are unsuitable to take the additional weight bearing of tiles, and plaster over to mask any potential issues.

These not only pose structural risks, but also lead to condensation, damp problems, and non-compliance with Building Regulations.

SupaLite adds that it has an unwavering commitment to ‘going the extra mile’ for trade partners and it remains dedicated to developing solutions that exceed the demands and expectations of installers, helping them to deliver superior results to customers.