All you need to know about conservatories

All About conservatories

Top Ten Tips...

Choosing a conservatory is a major decision. Get it right and you'll enjoy many years of enjoyment from what could be the perfect addition to your home and your lifestyle.

So how do you make the right decision? You can start by reading these 10 tips compiled from the advice of experienced installers, interior designers, architects and gardening experts:

1.What is its intended use.
Will your conservatory be used as a playroom, dining area, office, second living room or all year round, all weather extension to the garden? Your conservatory's normal day-to-day use should determine how large it should be, its style and layout and which materials would be best employed.

2. Obtain three quotations.
Ensure that you get three detailed quotations from reputable companies for your new conservatory. Also, see if your friends, family, neighbours or colleagues can recommend any companies they know to be professional and competent. Or use the quotation request system on this website and we'll send your enquiry to three installation companies local to you, that we would have no hesitation in recommending.

3. Don't simply look for the cheapest choice.
"What you pays for, you gets" so don't simply opt for the 'cheapest' company unless its products and services also happen to be better than the competition. Consider also, when appointing your installer, that they can meet your timescales because an installation that drags on and on, leaving your home looking like a building site for weeks or even months would definitely take away from your enjoyment.

4. Choose the material wisely.
Choose easily maintained and cleaned materials - you'll be thankful for this in the long-term but also take into account that the materials used can also have an enormous effect on its lifespan, its practicality and its usage. For lasting performance, PVCu frames should be chosen. Glazing can now be supplied in polycarbonate, clear glass, self cleaning glass or performance glass.

Bases are typically built in stone or brick; if at all possible ensure an exact or very close match to your existing brickwork or the conservatory will look like a "bolt on"..

5. Think about the aspect.
South facing conservatories receive much more sun than those facing north and as such the need for adequate ventilation and blinds is of uppermost importance. To help you regulate the temperature in a south facing conservatory, you might also want to think about using Celsius performance glass in the roof.

6. Size doesn't always count.
Get a second opinion from a friend or family member when making your choice. You'll want to be sure your choice complements your home and doesn't take up too much space in your entire. A conservatory should be treated as a fluid extension to your home - rather than just a "bolt on".

7. Glazing is important.
Think carefully about the type of glazing you'd like to use in your conservatory. Normal glass and polycarbonate allows the sun's heat to penetrate deeply into your conservatory - this will definitely cause the "greenhouse effect", your conservatory will feel more of a sauna or oven than a comfortable place to sit and relax. To avoid the 'greenhouse' effect, whilst reducing heat loss in winter, we recommend you opt for a performance glass such as Celsius.

8. Ventilation.
Adequate ventilation is a must, to help prevent the build of condensation. A K2 roof vent allows in fresh air whilst keeping the elements and insects out. You could also consider roof fans or an air conditioning unit if your budget will stretch to it.

9. Planning permission.
In England or Wales, unless your property is listed or in a conservation area, or has already been extended planning permission is not often necessary. However it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you're in any doubt, check as early as you can with your local authority or your chosen installer about this and any relevant building regulations.

10. Call on the professionals.
Finally, always get your conservatory professionally designed and installed. Also be sure to use vetted installers who offer an insurance backed guarantee. With such a major and prized investment, it's simply not worth taking the risk!