Considering adding a conservatory to your home, but still unsure which type of conservatory to choose? A lean-to conservatory, also known as a Mediterranean conservatory, is a popular, modern choice that has tonnes of advantages. 

A lean-to conservatory does what it says on the tin – it has an angular single-slanting roof, sloping down from the house towards the garden. Hence, leaning-to. The main features that define a lean-to conservatory include:

Rectangular flooring: This creates an overall rectangular-shaped conservatory.

Mostly glazing: Lean-tos are often built comprising almost entirely of glazing, or minimal brickwork.

Single-sloped roof: The biggest defining feature, the sloping roof allows water to run off it efficiently and works well in awkward spaces.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about lean-to conservatories, including their benefits, how much they cost and how to build a lean-to conservatory with help from a trusted home improvements company, such as West Midlands Double Glazing.

Why Choose a Lean-To Conservatory?

Every property is different – as is every homeowner and their preferences. Choosing what type of conservatory is best for your house takes time and research, but a lean-to conservatory can offer some valuable benefits that other conservatories cannot. 

Here are some of the best reasons why you should consider a lean-to conservatory for your property:

Natural light

Due to the window-to-brick ratio, natural sunlight usually fills a lean-to conservatory, allowing you to soak up your vitamin D hit all year round. Natural light is perfect in a setting where the room will be used for relaxing, such as reading or working, meaning you can easily bring the outside in.  

Modern

With a distinctive Mediterranean feel, lean-to conservatories offer a modern way to upgrade your living space, with sleek lines and its sloping roof. 

Easy to maintain

With the nature of the sloping roof, debris and rainwater can easily trickle down to the ground, leaving you with less to clean and maintain over time. This also prevents the accumulation of algae and moss growing on your conservatory roof. 

How Much Do Lean-To Conservatories Cost?

Of course, every lean-to conservatory is unique, as is every house, so the cost varies between properties. However, here’s a rough guide to the average lean-to conservatory costs:

Lean-to conservatories with a polycarbonate roof:

Around £20,000 – so this option is the most affordable type of roof you could have on your lean-to.

Lean-to conservatories with a glass roof

At a slightly higher price, the glass roof lean-to is around £25,000 on average.

Lean-to conservatories with a tiled/solid roof:

And the most expensive choice, but equally the choice with the most benefits, such as insulation and durability, the tiled or solid roof lean-to costs around £30,000.

However, these are all average estimations – the actual quote for your lean-to conservatory will depend on many factors, such as size, materials used and finishing touches. Learn how much conservatories cost from our dedicated guide, or get in touch with one of our friendly experts for a FREE no-obligation quote. 

What Material is a Lean-To Conservatory Built With?

That choice is yours, homeowner! Modern lean-to conservatories tend to be built using durable, high-quality materials, such as uPVC, aluminium or tiles. Typically, most conservatory companies have steered away from building conservatories using timber, as they can be much less durable than modern materials. 

Lean-to conservatories also use fewer materials overall, making them an affordable, simple solution to adding a new room to your home and, in turn, increasing the value of your property.

A lean-to conservatory is usually built with glazing being the primary material, creating that sunlight-streaming-through natural light effect that’s extremely desirable.

Can You Have a Lean-To Conservatory With a Solid Roof?

Yes – absolutely! In fact, lean-to conservatories with solid roofs are popular choices for those seeking comfort, modernity, style and functionality all year round. 

Solid roofs on lean-to conservatories can offer a range of other benefits, including:

Energy efficiency

Solid roofs generally provide fantastic insulation, which helps to reduce your overall energy costs in the household. Plus, you’d be doing your bit for the carbon footprint, too, so it’s a win-win!

Functionality

With a solid roof, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your conservatory throughout all the seasons. Cosy up in the winter and keep things cool in the summer, using your new room for whatever your house requires – a second lounge, office or modern dining area.

Enhanced privacy

Nobody wants to hear all the noises from the neighbourhood late at night – whether it’s a house party across the street, foxes wailing into the night or fireworks going off at all hours. Keep your home a peaceful sanctuary with a solid roof blocking out any unwanted noise.

Can I Replace an Existing Glass Lean-To Conservatory Roof With a Tiled Roof?

Absolutely – here at West Midlands Double Glazing, as well as offering a vast range of conservatory roof types, we also provide the highest quality conservatory roof replacement options, too. 

The tiles of the conservatory roof can be effortlessly matched and aligned with the existing property, making the transition between house and conservatory seamless. 

It’s important to note, however, that tiled roof lean-to conservatories are often the most expensive choice, but, because of that, they offer the most durability and insulation.

How to Build a Lean-To Conservatory

The easiest way to build a lean-to conservatory is by hiring a trusted home improvement company that can create your new room for you – from design to delivery. 

We’ll design your new conservatory from scratch, providing you with concepts and designs proposed from your initial consultations. 

Need some inspiration? We can help with that, too. We’ve completed over a decade’s worth of conservatory projects, meaning we have ample case studies, photos and videos to show you to help you choose the best design for your property.

Our friendly team of trusted installers will assist with everything from the initial ground survey to setting up the foundation, meaning you can sit back, relax and wait for your new room to be built.

What About If My House Is Small or a Bungalow – Can I Still Build a Lean-To Conservatory?

Yes, you can! One of the biggest benefits of lean-to conservatories is that, due to their sloped roofs, they can be added on to smaller properties, bungalows or houses with smaller gardens, without compromising the whole of the outdoor space.

In a bungalow, a lean-to conservatory is the recommended option, as they’re normally low enough to accommodate the property that they’ll be attaching to without blocking out too much light. 

Do You Need Planning Permission For a Lean-To Conservatory?

Not necessarily. If your lean-to conservatory meets the specific requirements, you don’t need to request planning permission. However, if it exceeds the requirements, you’ll likely need to obtain approval before construction can begin. 

If you’re looking to have a lean-to conservatory with a solid roof, you’ll need to consider:

Size

Is your lean-to conservatory less than 30 square meters? If so, you won’t need to obtain planning permission. 

Height

Is it at ground level? If so, again, no planning permission will be required.

Linking external door

Do you have a glazed external door which links your house to the lean-to conservatory? You will need one of these to avoid needing planning permission. 

Learn more about whether you need planning permission for a conservatory extension in your home from our dedicated guide.

Will My Lean-To Conservatory Need Foundations?

Yes – all conservatory builds require foundations to ensure they will be both stable and safe for years to come, and lean-to conservatories are no exception. 

Foundations are important to prevent any issues such as shrinking, sliding, shifting and dampness, as the foundations ensure the weight of the structure is supported and protected from moving soil. 

Your home improvement company can help you navigate this step, and each step, of the lean-to conservatory journey, ensuring you’re updated throughout the process.

Choose a Trusted Home Improvement Company

Looking to start planning your new lean-to conservatory? Put your trust in our expert team at West Midlands Double Glazing. 

Our professional conservatory team is here to answer any of your queries – simply give us a call and one of our experts will be able to talk you through your options, and advise you on what’s best for your property and budget requirements. 

With over 150 positive Google reviews, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused companies in the region. We also offer a variety of finance options, including buy-now-pay-later plans, and at the time of writing, we’re the only provider in the West Midlands to offer finance terms of up to 20 years on conservatory projects.
Ready to start planning your new conservatory, orangery or extension? Get in touch with a member of our amazing team today to book in for your FREE quote and consultation.