Some dos and don’ts to help you get thinking:
Do your research – make sure you are purchasing the highest quality structure affordable
Make sure you may well ask your builder what’s included in his quote – is it including flooring and electrics or are you left with a bare shell?
Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements so that you can utilize it in all seasons
Do check out whether you’ll need planning permission or building regulations approval should you proceed without them you may have to remove it
Think concerning the position of the conservatory – if it’s south facing it’ll need good ventilation and shade, if it’s north facing it will need efficient heating
Don’t try to build your own conservatory
Don’t add a conservatory if it’s likely to take up too much space in the garden
Don’t choose a design which is not in keeping with your house
Getting a professional company to build your conservatory needn’t be considered a problem, searching for builders who concentrate on conservatories in your area at the FMB’s website, www.findabuilder.co.uk
Planning & Building regulations
There is generally no requirement for conservatories to satisfy Building Regulations in England and Wales if they’re separated in the rest of the house, for example by patio doors, the floor area doesn’t exceed 30 square metres and it is not permanently heated. It is advisable to check with the local authority because other restrictions may apply in your area.
If you live in Scotland conservatories do have to adhere to Part J of the Building Standards. Again, seek advice from the local authority for full details.
In England and Wales many conservatories won’t need planning permission. For more details check out the Government’s planning website at www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/householder. In Scotland, check out www.scotland.gov.uk or call 08457 741741.
Structurally speaking – how’s it made?
Most conservatories may have a concrete foundation and floor slab, cavity brickwork lower walls with glazed upper walls and roof panels set within a framing system. A number of materials can be used for framing, uPVC being probably the most economical and therefore most often used, with aluminium, steel and timber offering alternative options. All will provide a great result, but achieving watertight joints with timber is much more determined by the ability of the installer, and uPVC may not be allowed on listed buildings or in conservation areas.
FMB member Fincrest specialises in conservatory construction over the east of England, and md, Peter Dancy says: “A well-built conservatory can be used throughout the year, but be cautious before selecting the glazing as the wrong type could make life uncomfortable when the weather is too hot, freezing or too wet.”
Glass facts for conservatories:
Safety: For safety, toughened or laminated glass must be used throughout. Laminated glass offers added security benefits against break-ins and reduces around 90% from the sun’s Ultra violet rays, which fade furnishings.
Stay cool: To avoid overheating, particularly if your conservatory faces south, use solar control glass such as K2’s Celsius Performance Glass or bronze polycarbonate panels for the roof. This could reduce the temperature by several degrees in the summertime as well as lowering glare.
Some conservatory roof systems have ridge ventilation and roof lights that open automatically over a given temperature to allow air to flow. You should also consider the position of doors and windows to allow a cross flow of air when open.
Winter warmer: Fitting low-emissivity glass will add just 2 or 3 hundred pounds to the bill but significantly reduces heat loss during wintertime.
Noise reduction: K2’s Celsius Performance Glass offers dramaticaly improved sound reduction when compared with 25mm polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate roof panels might be less expensive, but they’re far noisier than glass when it rains, and can be genuine conversation stoppers inside a downpour. If you want to make use of your conservatory like a main family room it is worth paying extra for a glass roof.
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