Don’t add a conservatory until you read this…
Some dos and don’ts to help you get thinking:
Do your research – make sure you are buying the best quality structure affordable
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 playing a bare shell?
Do install effective heating and ventilation arrangements to be able to use it in all seasons
Check out whether you’ll need planning permission or building regulations approval if you go ahead without it you might want to take it down
Think concerning the position of your conservatory – if it’s south facing it will need good ventilation and shade, if it’s north facing it’ll need efficient heating
Don’t try and build your own conservatory
Don’t give a conservatory if it is going to take up too much space within the garden
Don’t select a design which is not consistent with your home
Finding a professional company to construct your conservatory needn’t be a problem, searching for builders who specialise in conservatories in your area at the FMB’s website, www.findabuilder.co.uk
Planning & Building regulations
There is generally no requirement of conservatories to meet Building Regulations in England and Wales if they are separated in the rest of the house, for instance by patio doors, the ground area doesn’t exceed 30 square metres which is not permanently heated. It is advisable to check with the local authority because other restrictions may apply in your town.
If you reside in Scotland conservatories do have to adhere to Part J of the Building Standards. Again, seek advice from your local authority for detailed information.
In England and Wales many conservatories won’t need planning permission. For more details browse 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 will 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 the most economical and for that reason most commonly used, with aluminium, steel and timber offering alternative options. All will give you a good result, but achieving watertight joints with timber is much more dependent on the skill 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 south east of England, and md, Peter Dancy says: “A well-built conservatory may be used throughout the year, but think carefully before selecting the glazing as the wrong type can make life uncomfortable when the weather conditions are too hot, too cold 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 cuts out around 90% from the sun’s UV 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 can reduce the temperature by several degrees in the summertime as well as reducing glare.
Some conservatory roof systems have ridge ventilation and roof lights that open automatically above a given temperature to allow air to flow. Opt for the positioning of windows and doors to permit a cross flow of air when open.
Winter warmer: Fitting low-emissivity glass will prove to add just 2 or 3 hundred pounds to the bill but significantly reduces heat loss during winter.
Noise reduction: K2’s Celsius Performance Glass offers dramaticaly improved sound reduction compared to 25mm polycarbonate sheets. Polycarbonate roof panels might be more affordable, but they are far noisier than glass when it rains, and can be genuine conversation stoppers in a downpour. If you want to make use of your conservatory as a main living room it’s worth paying extra for a glass roof.
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