Supalite and Leka are 2 of the leading conservatory roof replacement systems in the UK. Both transform conservatories into year-round living spaces with insulated, tiled roofs that meet building regulations. This independent comparison covers weight, U-values, installation time, cost, warranty, and suitability for different conservatory types. Both systems deliver excellent results - the best choice depends on your specific property and priorities.
How Do Supalite and Leka Roofs Compare Head-to-Head?
What Makes the Supalite Roof System Different?
The Supalite roof system uses a timber sub-frame structure with high-performance insulation and external composite conservatory roof materials. The timber frame provides a traditional construction approach that UK builders understand well. Internal finishing uses standard plasterboard, giving a plastered ceiling identical to any room in the house.
Supalite roofs weigh 30 to 35 kg per square metre - heavier than Leka but within the load-bearing capacity of most conservatory bases. The system achieves U-values of 0.16 to 0.18 W/m2K. Supalite offers 8+ tile colour options including slate grey, charcoal, terracotta, and rustic brown.
The timber framework allows flexible on-site cutting and adjustment. This makes Supalite particularly suited to irregularly shaped conservatories, P-shapes, and properties where the existing structure has slight variations from standard dimensions. Installation takes 4 to 5 working days for a standard conservatory roof replacement.
What Makes the Leka Roof System Different?
The Leka roof system uses an aluminium framework - a key engineering difference from timber-based alternatives. Aluminium does not rot, warp, or swell with moisture changes. This gives the Leka system its industry-leading 40-year structural warranty.
Leka roofs weigh 25 to 30 kg per square metre, making them the lightest tiled conservatory roof system on the market. The reduced weight suits older conservatories with smaller foundations and properties where structural capacity is a concern. U-values reach 0.15 to 0.17 W/m2K - marginally better than Supalite.
The aluminium framework arrives pre-engineered and precision-cut for each project. Components slot together without on-site cutting, reducing installation time to 3 to 4 days. Leka offers 10+ tile colours and finishes. The system integrates with optional glass panels and roof lanterns for natural light.
How Does Weight Affect Your Conservatory Roof Choice?
Weight determines whether an existing conservatory can support the new roof without structural reinforcement. Every conservatory has a maximum load capacity based on its foundation size, wall construction, and base design.
Leka at 25 to 30 kg per square metre is 15% to 20% lighter than Supalite. For a 12 m2 conservatory roof (3m x 4m), the total weight difference is 60 to 84 kg. This difference matters for conservatories built on shallow foundations or with single-skin dwarf walls.
Both systems are dramatically lighter than natural slate (50 to 60 kg per m2) or concrete tiles (45 to 55 kg per m2). A structural assessment during the free survey determines which system suits your property. In 90% of cases, both Supalite and Leka are viable options.
Which System Provides Better Thermal Performance?
Both systems exceed building regulation requirements for thermal performance. Leka achieves U-values of 0.15 to 0.17 W/m2K. Supalite achieves 0.16 to 0.18 W/m2K. The difference of 0.01 W/m2K is negligible in practical terms - both create a comfortable year-round living space.
The real thermal improvement comes from replacing the existing conservatory roof. A polycarbonate roof at 1.6 to 2.0 W/m2K loses heat 10 times faster than either Supalite or Leka. Either system reduces heat loss by 90%+ and delivers noticeable savings on annual energy costs.
How Do Installation Times Compare?
Leka installs 1 day faster than Supalite on average. The pre-engineered aluminium framework reduces on-site cutting and fitting time. A standard 3m x 3m Leka installation takes 3 days. The same size Supalite installation takes 4 days.
For larger conservatories (4m x 4m and above), Leka takes 4 days versus 5 days for Supalite. The 1-day difference reduces labour costs slightly and minimises disruption to the household. Both timelines include removal of the old roof, framework, insulation, tiling, and internal finishing.
What Is the Cost Difference Between Supalite and Leka?
Leka typically costs slightly less than Supalite for equivalent installations. The cost difference comes from the faster installation time (lower labour costs) and the pre-engineered manufacturing process used by Leka. The difference narrows on larger projects.
Both prices include materials, labour, building regulations application, and guarantee. Both systems represent excellent value compared to a full conservatory rebuild. Request a free quote for an accurate cost for your property, or see our full conservatory roof replacement cost guide for a general overview.
Which Conservatory Roof System Suits Which Situation?
Choose Supalite if:
- Your conservatory has an irregular shape (P-shape, T-shape, or non-standard angles)
- You prefer a traditional timber construction approach
- Your property has strong foundations that support the additional 5 kg per m2
- You want maximum on-site adaptability during installation
Choose Leka if:
- Your conservatory has a standard rectangular or Victorian shape
- Lightweight construction is a priority (older or smaller foundations)
- You want the fastest possible installation time
- A 40-year structural warranty matters to you
- Budget is a key factor
How Do You Decide Between Supalite and Leka?
A free survey determines which system suits your conservatory. We assess the foundation, wall construction, roof shape, and structural capacity. Our recommendation is based on technical suitability, not brand preference - we install both systems to the same high standard.
Book a free quote and free survey to get specific advice for your property. Call 0151 453 9786 or request a consultation online. Both Supalite and Leka deliver outstanding results for conservatory roof replacement, creating a year-round living space from your existing conservatory. Read our guide on whether conservatory roof replacement is worth it for the full ROI analysis.