Don’t add a conservatory prior-to reading this…
Some dos and don’ts to get you thinking:
Seek information – be certain that you’re buying the highest quality structure affordable
Do make sure you may well ask your builder what is included in his quote – is it inclusive of flooring and electrics or will you be left with a bare shell?
Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements so that you can use it in most seasons
Do check out whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval should you go ahead without it you may have to remove it
Do think concerning the position of the conservatory – if it’s south facing it will 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 isn’t consistent with your house
Getting a professional company to build your conservatory needn’t be considered a problem, you can search for builders who specialise in conservatories in your town 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 remaining house, for instance by patio doors, the ground 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 town.
If you live in Scotland conservatories do need to comply with Part J from the Building Standards. Again, check with the local authority for detailed information.
In England and Wales many conservatories will not need planning permission. For more details check out the Government’s planning website at www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/householder. In Scotland, take a look at 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 inside a framing system. Numerous materials can be used as framing, uPVC being the most economical and therefore most commonly used, with aluminium, steel and timber offering alternative options. All will provide a great result, but achieving watertight joints with timber is more determined by the ability of the installer, and uPVC might not be allowed on listed buildings or perhaps in conservation areas.
FMB member Fincrest specialises in conservatory construction across the east of England, and managing director, Peter Dancy says: “A well-built conservatory may be used throughout every season, but be cautious before selecting the glazing because 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 can be used throughout. Laminated glass offers added security benefits against break-ins and cuts out around 90% of the sun’s Ultra violet rays, which fade furnishings.
Stay cool: To prevent overheating, particularly if your conservatory faces south, use solar control glass for example 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 permit air to flow. Opt for the position of doors and windows to allow a cross flow of air when open.
Winter warmer: Fitting low-emissivity glass will add just two or three 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 may be less expensive, but they are far noisier than glass if this rains, and may be real conversation stoppers in a downpour. If you wish to use your conservatory like a main living room it is worth paying extra for any glass roof.
The resources for this article where collected from a number of different sites, thanks for spending time to see on carpenter in essex
Processing your request, Please wait....
