Dining Room, Games Room, Retreat, TV Room, Play Room, Home Office, Games Room, Home Gym, Restaurant and Waiting Room are just a few of the possible uses for a modern well designed conservatory.

If you’re looking for extra space within you’re home or to increase the value of your home then installing a conservatory can meet these needs.

Conservatories can be used for a number of different functions and this article seeks to show you some of the things you can do with a conservatory. Keep in mind that some materials will be better suited to uses then others. PVCu conservatories are a less expensive option but Hardwood and Aluminium Conservatories can often provide a better look to suit its use.

1. You could use your conservatory as a child’s playroom. Remember to take additional safety precautions as appropriate for the use of Children. Fit outlet plugs if very small children will be using the room and of course make sure that all glazing meets Safety Glass requirements.

2. If you’re looking for a part of your home dedicated to a peaceful retreat from the children then a conservatory can be used as a second sitting room. This option is ideal for a young family, a place where the parents can talk in peace.

3. If you work from home or you need to a room for keeping together important information for the running of the house then you could use a conservatory as an office.

4. You could install a conservatory close to your kitchen so that you have extra space to eat. A conservatory can make an ideal room for which to eat in as it can receive plenty of light.

5. By having a second room to view television you don’t have to argue over what to watch. A conservatory can be used as a TV room for those times when you wish to watch something that differs to someone else in the family.

6. A conservatory could make a good games room. This room would be more designed for adults with games such as a pool table, table tennis set or dart board.

7. You could use a conservatory for extra space for a restaurant or café.

8. A conservatory can serve as a waiting room for a business such as a dentist or doctor’s surgery.

9. You could use the conservatory as a dining room. A conservatory can provide an elegant setting for special occasions. A hardwood conservatory would have a more elegant look than a PVCu conservatory even though it may cost a little more. An aluminium or steel framed conservatory would also provide a unique look for a formal setting.

Having purchased your conservatory have you thought of how you are going to heat and cool it? During the summer months having blinds fitted is very important but they will only help to prevent solar gain i.e. if you sit below a sheet of glass in the sun you will get hot, solar blinds will help to prevent that, but they cannot reduce the temperature of your conservatory. 

Air conditioning keeps your conservatory cool let me give you an example if the temperature outside your conservatory is 80 deg I would expect the temperature inside your conservatory to be 80 deg plus, that's a bit hot do I hear you say, well with air conditioning you stay cool.

It makes sense to have air conditioning. Due increasing global warming we nearly all work in air conditioned offices or shops, eat in air conditioned restaurants, travel in air conditioned coaches, planes and boats and complain when the air conditioning has not been switched on because we get too hot. So why deprive yourself at home install it your conservatory and be comfortable.

Conservatory air conditioning works hand in glove with conservatory blinds, the blinds prevent the solar gain and the air conditioning keeps your conservatory at a temperature that is comfortable for you, just set the remote thermostat and that it, cool air!

The other side of air conditioning systems is that they also heat that right cold and hot air from the one unit, this is due to a gizmo called a heat pump, which is very efficient and above all cheap to run. Theses units sit on the outside of your conservatory and are whisper quite when running. Therefore you don't have to purchase heaters or extend your central heating system to heat your conservatory; you can have one of these systems installed at about the same cost as extending your central heating system.

Conservatories are becoming an increasingly popular solution to extend your home. The advantages are obvious:

• For a lot of conservatories you don't need planning permission.
• You don't need to move home to get a bigger living area.
• A conservatory adds value to your home.
• A conservatory is a very versatile extra space, as you can use it for almost anything you like, from a breakfast room to an evening entertaining area.

To get the most from your new conservatory, it is important to think before construction about what you will use it for the most. This will not only help establishing the shape and size of your conservatory, but, more importantly, will help you choose which materials to use for construction. For example, if you would use it as a breakfast room, you would like it to be nice and comfortable in the morning, in summer and winter. This would mean that you would want to keep the conservatory warm in winter, but need protection from the early morning sun in the summer.


You can do a lot about temperature control in your conservatory by heating and using blinds, but have you ever thought about how much your choice of construction materials can help you? Here we will give you an overview on the materials best suited for insulation and construction of your conservatory.


Choosing your materials
As more and more people want to use their conservatory as an all year round, comfortable room, it is imperative to insulate and ventilate your conservatory properly to reach the desired temperature level. And as most of your conservatory will be of glass, it is very important to choose the right type.

Low E glass or Pilkington "K" Glass varies from normal clear glass in that one side of the glass has a special metal coating, technically known as a low emission, or Low E coating. This microscopic metal coating (which is almost indistinguishable from normal clear glass) allows through short-wave radiation, like sunlight, but reflects long-wave radiation, such as heat from fires and radiators, back into your conservatory making it easier to keep warm. As the Low E. coating on the glass actually makes the surface warmer to the touch, condensation is also reduced. The Pilkington K glass has been proven to give up to 30% better insulation than other double-glazed windows. Pilkington K Glass is a brand name for a type of Low E glass.

Argon filled units are the ultimate in glass-insulated units. Argon combined with Pilkington "K" or Low E glass is just about as good as it gets in terms of insulation. We are now talking as good as or better than most brick built extensions in terms of insulation. Not particularly expensive (only £10 -£15 per sealed unit in the UK) and well worth the extra expense. Please note that Argon filled units combined with "K" or Low E glass will give the best results. On its own the benefits are only marginal.

25 mm Polycarbonate provides perhaps the best insulating roof option for conservatories today. Most standard conservatories come with 16mm polycarbonate (a few only come with 10-mm polycarbonate). For a little extra you can upgrade to the better insulating option of 25-mm polycarbonate. With its six skins and reinforcing webbing, it has an approximate "U" value of 1.6 as opposed to 2.3 for 16-mm polycarbonate. It is available in clear, bronze tint and opal options.

Glass Roofs are an essential for those of us who like to see the stars at night! It is, however, a fair amount more expensive and much heavier than polycarbonate. You will also almost certainly need some form of shading. That said, it is no doubt one of the best options - very classy and inspiring. But as with all glass in your conservatory, Low E Glass or Pilkington "K" is recommended. It is also possible to get tinted/anti-sun glassFor even more comprehensive information on conservatories.
 

Nothing beats the satisfaction of a job well done by YOURSELF. These few extra tips may prove useful

1. Try and get used to measuring in millimetres (mm). There are 1000 mm in a metre. There are 25.4 mm in an inch. If you are at all uncertain about measuring in mm then give your measurements in both mm and inches. Your conservatory supplier should check both measurements given to make sure they match. (You may like to confirm this with them). If you are ordering a Bespoke Design then the conservatory supplier should send you an order acknowledgement - so you get an extra opportunity to check everything. When you get this acknowledgement do check it completely. Make sure all your instructions have been followed exactly.

2. Invest in a good quality (large blade) tape measure.

3. Never assume your house wall is plum. Using a line and weight, check your wall for plum (fix line to house wall at ridge level temporally and let weight hang at end of line at DPC (damp proof course) level). If the wall overhangs the base add this measurement to your base dimensions. For instance if you have an overhang of 20 mm and the base has a 3400 mm projection then you would make the overall base projection 3420 mm. The conservatory frames should still be manufactured to suit a 3400 mm projection and you will pack off/make good to conservatory frame.

4. The internal width of a conservatory frame/roof is external width less 200 mm and internal depth is external depth less 100 mm in all "normal" three sided lean to or Edwardian styles with no box gutters etc.

5. If you come across a problem or challenge which seems extra difficult - it is often a good idea to sleep on it. You know more than you think and given half a chance your brain will answer almost all your questions. Failing that - ask an Expert!

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Tip on cleaning silver aluminium: use 'Solvol Autosol' aluminium polish, from motor accessory shops.

Tip on repairing damaged white aluminium: I use 'Humbrol' white as a touch-up paint, it's just right.

1. Funding of your conservatory? Approximately 90% of people who purchase a conservatory borrow from a bank, building society or themselves. We would suggest that the building society offers the lowest interest rates for borrowing and are well worth perusing.
2. Always have a look through some of our conservatory brochures to see if you like a design before you meet your conservatory supplier.
3. When considering a design always think width not projection, this will enable you to place a table across the width of the conservatory so you will be able to view the garden or arrange your furniture to take full advantage of the garden views.
4. Before deciding on your supplier it is always a good bet to see some of their previous work and if possible speak to one or two of their clients.
5. Guarantees are always very important. In general your guarantee should be for a period of not less than 10 years and should cover the entire conservatory including locks and handles etc. If you are dealing with a small company this should be underwritten by an insurance company.
6. Setting out your conservatory is is always a good idea to mark out this area with garden canes so you can see how much garden it will take up and this will help you decide on your patio and landscaping arrangements.
7. The cost of your conservatory will be dependent upon size, design and material. PVCuor hardwood, pollycarbonate or a glazed roof. However, purchase the best quality that you can afford as it will serve you well over the year that you own it. That is, you pay for what you get.
8. Position of French doors is dependent upon design of the conservatory however you may wish to consider doors to the side of the conservatory which then allows your furniture to be placed to and around the front of the conservatory. Therefor giving direct access to the patio or garden, should you wish to place the doors to the front or center this may lead to a corridor effect. That is, you may find you have to navigate yourself around your furniture and family to get to the doors. Food for thought.
9. If your conservatory faces north you should be okay during summer but winter it will be cold and you should consider Pilkington K Glass and argon filled seal unit to give a high degree of insulation.
10. Like wise south facing conservatories will require a high degree of ventilation, i.e. roof vents and low level opening windows, air conditioning is well worth considering together with blinds for both roof and panels.
    

These days there are many different types of conservatory furniture and conservatory accessories available, including conservatory blinds, cane chairs and coffee tables, conservatory heating, flooring, ceiling fans, and conservatory plants. Here are a few points to bear in mind when choosing your conservatory furniture:

1. Ask whether the conservatory cane furniture you want is suitable for outdoor use as well as indoor use, as choosing conservatory furniture that can be used in the garden will allow you to get more usage from it. However, when the conservatory furniture is not in use, cover it up to prevent the sunlight from fading the colours.
2. You will not want to replace your conservatory furniture and accessories every season, so choose a pattern and style that you know you can live with for years, and also try to pick colours that complement the rooms around the conservatory.
3. If you have a small conservatory with limited space, choose conservatory furniture that is compact with neutral colours, as this will make your conservatory look larger.
4. Make sure that the cane conservatory furniture and the cushions you choose are all fire resistant and check that you can remove the cushion covers for cleaning.
5. There are many advantages to using conservatory blinds, such as reducing heat and glare, providing privacy, and for decoration purposes. You can choose from a range of conservatory blinds, including rollers, drapes, shutters, pleated, and Roman blinds. The conservatory blinds you opt for will depend on the style of your conservatory and conservatory furniture.
6. You can choose from a wide range of conservatory flooring, including timber, laminate, tile and carpet, and the style of conservatory flooring you choose should reflect the colour and style of your conservatory.

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A uPVC conservatory may also be known as PVC, pvc-u, or a plastic conservatory.

The most used material in conservatory manufacture is uPVC or unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (ridged plastic), also referred to as vinyl in America. The general reason that uPVC is used today in 100,000 of applications including upvc conservatory manufacture, is because uPVC is a thermoplastic a substance that loses its shape when heated and then becomes ridged again as it cools. Heat shapes uPVC into countless useful forms, so is easy to produce uPVC conservatory extrusions, which forms the upvc conservatory on the right.

Where additional strength is required the uPVC is reinforced with aluminium or other metals e.g. an upvc conservatory roof, upvc conservatory frames or doors. In some non-structure areas the uPVC is strong enough to support its weight e.g. some window frames.

When considering a design always think width not projection, see the conservatory below, this will enable you to place a table across the width of your upvc conservatory so you will be able to view the Garden or arrange your furniture to take full advantage of the garden views. To see the latest conservatory designs just visit our conservatory design page. The Position of French doors is dependent upon design of the conservatory. French doors positioned to the front of the conservatory work very well especially when fully open on a sunny day when the lawn has just been cut, better than any Airwick! However, you may wish to consider doors to the side of the conservatory allowing furniture to be placed around the front of the conservatory therefore giving access to the side path or patio the choice is yours.

Conservatories and Sunrooms are without doubt the ideal methods of adding "light and space to your home". That said "glass enclosures" of this type are not fully complete without some form of sun shading or blinds. In this section we introduce you to some of the alternatives available. Conservatory blinds help you control heat and glare, so that you can enjoy the extra space your conservatory gives you all year round.

Why have Conservatory Sun blinds?

Types of Blinds / Shading

Pleated Conservatory Blinds are probably the most popular alternative for Roof and Window Blinds today. They are available in many different colours / patterns and are easy to maintain. They can also be "automated" if you like the idea of "remotely" operating the blinds. Pleated blinds can also have special SOLAR finishes for even better performance. 

Roman Conservatory Blinds which are usually made with "Original French Pinoleum" are arguably the most traditional blinds alternative. Composed of thin strips of woven wood, Pinoleum has been manufactured in France for over 100 years. Its style compliments the traditional conservatory furniture materials of Rattan and Wicker. Roman Blinds can also be "automated" if you like the idea of "remotely" operating the blinds. 

Roller Conservatory Blinds can be produced in many different fabrics but the most popular for Conservatory Blinds feature special SOLAR reflective aluminium backing. The theory is that the sunlight literally "bounces" back of the blinds, giving really effective control over temperature and glare. Whilst aesthetically speaking these blinds are perhaps not the "best looking" alternative in most peoples minds, there is not much doubt that they do provide some of the highest degrees of performance in terms of managing heat build up and glare. 

DIY Conservatory Drapes or Shutters. As an alternative to professionally installed Sunblind's you can consider installing your own drapes using a variety of fabrics. Whilst this may not be as complete a solution as calling in the professionals they can be quite effective at softening the light and cooling the atmosphere. Another alternative is to hang soft muslin at the windows to diffuse the light. Tall timber shutters can be bought at most DIY stores and positioned free standing in order to reduce glare coming through the windows. (Allowing you to watch TV etc) Alternatively smaller shutters can be fixed to the windows externally. (Requires the services of a competent carpenter). 

What is Toeing and Heeling, and why do it anyway?

PVC-U doors are heavy, and although the dead weight is supported on the hinge side when it is opened, there is nothing on the lock side to support the weight, and without the procedure of toeing and heeling the door will drop on the handle side, sooner or later. To stop a door dropping the glass itself has to be braced diagonally corner to corner by the insertion of plastic packers slipped in the gap between the glass and frame, under the beading. On the hinge side the packers go at the bottom corner, whilst on the lock side, the packers go at the top (opposite) corner, get it?

To explain further:

To picture this in your mind more easily, look at or visualise the back of a normal wooden side gate and you will see three "ledges", that is horizontal planks - one top, one middle, and one bottom. These ledges are used for the diagonal planks of wood to sit on so as to brace across, and therefore to stop the gate dropping on the lock/handle side.

So does my door need toeing and heeling?

When a PVC-U door has "dropped" the first thing people usually notice is that the lock is not working as easily as it did, or will not lock all. The door may also possibly rub on the bottom as it is closed. Closer inspection may reveal that the mitred welds do not line through at the top and the bottom of the lock side of the door to its framework. If this is the case on any door, then the door will need bringing back to square (called "jacking" in the trade) and it will then need "toeing and heeling" to prevent it from dropping again in the future. If you suspect that your door may have dropped, then the easiest way to check is to measure corner to corner across the diagonals of the door, and verify that the measurements are near enough the same, or to within a couple of mm or so. A quarter of an inch difference in measurements is too much!

Are dropped doors a BIG problem?

The dropping of PVC-U doors is the most common complaint by customers after they have had a new PVC-U door installed, even when the rest of the installation seemed "perfect". Part of the reason why so many doors drop is laziness, and that fitters are insufficiently educated and aware of how imperative it is to get the toeing and heeling right the first time. The best way to educate fitters is for their boss to send them out in their own time to do a free of charge service call on a dropped door that they fitted! Mind you, it has often been pointed out that all fitting problems can usually be traced back to management, and that could just be true, as most fitters are animals that need to be trained (that statement - although more or less really true - definitely did NOT come from the book: "how to win friends and influence people").

Also, just maybe the management is buying in a cheaper alternative packer to the one the system supplier recommends and specifies. To put that comment in perspective, the correct Eurocell system bridge packers for example are something under 10p each, whereas flat generic packers of the same width, length, and height build, and "they do the job, don稚 they" are around say 2p each. Multiply the pence difference by the many thousands used a year by just a small outfit, and you get the idea!

How to Toe and Heel a door, properly:

OK, so we used the word properly, and this, although maybe a provocative statement, hopefully will not only instruct but also be helpful in training up any double glazing fitter, or fitters mate reading this.

1. The glazing beading must be removed first, and the double glazed sealed unit must be in its place, and resting on its plastic setting blocks, for correct drainage to work properly before beginning the procedure.

2. The opening door leaf must be raised on the lock side to the desired height, to square it up again. For one person to do this on their own; open the door slightly, place a small piece of wood on the floor to use as a fulcrum and in line with the door.

3. Next, place a plank under the lock side of the door to push down on with your foot to raise up the side of the door that has dropped. A word of warning: Some doors will rise up and come off of their hinges, and these are harder to "jack".

You should notice a gap between the sealed unit and the door, and this is where the packers are inserted to achieve your toeing and heeling correctly to brace across the glass to stop the lock side of the door dropping out of square.

A conservatory pretty obviously provides more living space, especially useful for those who wish to remain living in the same property but find they need more room, perhaps those with children on the way or growing up.

A conservatory is often a vastly cheaper alternative to moving home into a bigger property, especially when considering the costs associated with moving. These will inevitably include legal and surveying costs, stamp duty if payable, removals and decorating along with other costs you may not have thought about. For a similar outlay, you could purchase a conservatory and add value to your existing home.

There's nothing like the natural sunlight conservatories benefit from to lift your mood.

A conservatory can bring the garden into the house especially if combined with a complementary patio area.

Cozy and relaxing, especially on a wet and windy day, the soothing sound of rain on the roof can cause small children (and adults) to fall asleep easily, great if you have a small child with sleeping difficulty.

Dining in a conservatory is fun too - natural light, great views and a wonderful ambience in the evening.

But there must be a downside you might ask.

Well, a conservatory is not the cheapest of items to buy of course. However it will normally add a similar value to your property.

Obviously a conservatory takes space at the expense of some of that in your garden. In contrast it could make that part of your garden more useful.

Once built a conservatory will need furnishing and heating, though it can help to improve the heat retaining properties where it is built of course. We'd advise carpeting rather than a vinyl or wooden floor if young children or elderly people are to use it to prevent injury by slipping.

A conservatory can be unbelievably hot in the summer and heat the adjoining room too, so a south facing wall should be avoided if possible, unless of course there is natural shade from nearby trees etc. You could though fit blinds, or invest in air conditioning.

For these reasons although the conservatory is an addition to the house space it will not be used unless you budget for the extra cash need to furnish it, heat it, cool it and make it safe for all to use.

So, is it worth while?

We think so, if you make the right decisions when you buy. Try to find a reputable firm and ask of them the questions you'll find on this website, if the company you choose to quote doesn't bring up the subject themselves.

Literally thousands, but you must remember that some DIY conservatories may not have the same specifications as a company who only supplies and fits. Remember you get what you pay for. Our advice is if possible purchase the highest specification you can afford, as this will service you well.

You can purchase many types of DIY conservatories from under a thousand pounds to as much as you wish, dependent on size and specification. But remember this will not include the base or base materials and this should be added in when budgeting for your conservatory.

Q 1. Do I need planning permission?

In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres, depending on where you live). Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has been extended in the past - you will have used up some or perhaps all of your "permitted development" area and may need permission. Its also worth noting that occasionally "permitted development" rights may be withdrawn from a property and any extension however small needs planning. If in doubt check.



Q 2. Do I need Building Regulation approval?

Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations. (England and Wales) Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:

a) The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.

b) The extension walls are substantially glazed. (Should not have more than 25 % of its wall area as brickwork)

c) The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m squared.

d) The extension is sited at ground level.

e) The extension is permanently separated from the remainder of the property
by means of a door.

f) Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).

g) The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass).

h) The extension does not contain any drainage facilities (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).



Q 3. What is the best option - toughened glass or laminated glass? What is the difference? I have a child - am I right in saying that toughened glass is more dangerous if smashed? Is one more secure than the other?

Both Toughened and Laminated glasses are forms of "safety" glass. People often assume that toughened glass is some form of EXTRA STRONG glass - perhaps a little like "bullet proof glass". However in our opinion "break safely glass" would be a better description of toughened glass. Sure it is quite difficult to break - but not impossible. When it does break it will break into very small sections. These small sections may, if you are unlucky, give you some scratches or minor cuts but will not pose the danger created by large glass shards when "normal" float glass breaks. Toughened glass is the most widely specified safety glass in conservatory construction. Laminated glass will, when hit with force "crack". However it is unlikely to smash. Being very difficult to break means that it can be dangerous in any situation where it is likely you may need to break the glass in order to escape (such as a fire). This is of course an advantage if security is a major consideration. Laminated glass is also "thicker" - usually 6.4 mm - and as such will offer better insulation. However this thicker glass is also "heavier" which will in turn mean greater "wear and tear" on opening windows / doors. It is also more expensive than toughened glass. This is probably one of the reasons it's not so widely specified in conservatory construction. (Although in our opinion it is a perfectly good alternative for conservatory glazing.)



Q 4. At the rear of our house there are two inspection covers, which not only serve our house but the other people in our close. The question is, can we put a conservatory over these inspection covers and will we have to get planning permission to do so?

Lots of people do place conservatories over inspection chambers (manholes) and therefore avoid moving them. To do so you will need to use double-sealed manhole covers. (To stop that smell!) You also need to realize that there may be occasions when either you or your neighbours will want to access the manhole. Whilst this may be rare you should be aware of this potential inconvenience of lifting floorboards, carpets etc. You will not need planning permission in England/Wales for this specific issue. However you will need Building Regulation approval if you decide to move the position of the inspection chamber. You may also need to check local Bylaws and restrictive covenants in your property deeds.



Q 5. What are the differences between North, South, East and West facing conservatories? What are the usual traits of conservatories with these aspects and what are the recommendations?

North Facing - Coldest - least sun. Less likely to need blinds in roof - especially if you use tinted opal polycarbonate. Strongly recommend use of Pilkington K Glass (or other form of Low E glass) in frames for extra insulation. Will need heating - especially in the winter and evenings. Please note that with bronze tinted polycarbonate the tint reduces the amount of light that can enter the room your conservatory is attached to. This results in a darker room - often requiring lights on during the day! South Facing - Hot - Very hot - so essential to have adequate ventilation. Go for plenty of opening windows and roof vents. Will almost certainly require blinds in the roof. You may also consider anti-sun glass (tinted) in the roof. Other options include air conditioning. East Facing - similar to north facing. You have the morning sun and conservatories in this location make great breakfast rooms. West Facing - similar to south facing. However you do have the benefit of evening sun. Wonderful to relax in at the end of the day. As a generalisation we do recommend Pilkington "K" glass/ Low E glass in all conservatories - no matter the location. It's just more important in north facing Locations. Additionally if you use Polycarbonate - go with 25mm instead of 16 mm.



Q 6. I have a conservatory supposedly made with Pilkington K glass. I am unsure about this. How can I tell?

The best way to tell is to use a coating detector. This is a unit which manufacturers and installers should have available. A detector costs about £60 and it's quite easy to use. You simply press it against the glass with the "K" installed and it either turns a red or green light on to confirm installation. A detector can usually be bought from specialist glass merchants or glass wholesalers. Frankly it is rare to use a detector as the glass will usually arrive on site with Pilkington K Glass "stickers" on the sealed units. These "stickers" also tell the installer which side of the glass unit should face inwards. Some installers will give you the "stickers" as proof (this we recommend). We suggest they are kept safe and given to any new owners of your property as proof also. Sometimes you can visually detect the K coating but this is more difficult. We quote below what Pilkington themselves have to say...." Pilkington K Glass has high light transmission and appears virtually the same as clear float glass. However, in rare instances of strong oblique lighting, the coating may be seen as a transparent film. This is simply a transient visual effect, which can be considered positive evidence of the coated surface being present. Further evidence of the coating's presence is through the very minor effect it has on white light transmission. This effect is so small as to be generally unnoticeable However, when a light coloured object or material is in close proximity to the glazing, dependent on local circumstances and conditions, a slight darkening can be noted."



Q 7. Is it better to have the UVPC frames reinforced with galvanized steel or aluminium? One conservatory salesman told me today that galvanized was better because it has been proved that upvc causes aluminium to corrode - crumble after 10 to 15 years. I have been told that galvanized can rust at the cut ends. What is your view please?

Both Galvanized Steel and Aluminium are perfectly good materials for frame reinforcement. We would not say there is much to choose between either material. Some of the best and most respected names in the industry use these materials in approximately equal measure. Unfortunately "salespeople" will on occasions exaggerate potential problems as they try to persuade you to choose their company over another. We have never heard of the problem referred to by the salesperson that visited you. It is true that when you drill into galvanised steel some of the galvanized "coating" will be removed. Sometimes the "swarf" created does rust because the coating has been removed. (The evidence of rust soon disappears.) This is considered perfectly normal and it's a complete exaggeration to suggest that the whole galvanized steel reinforcement will suddenly deteriorate and rust also. We suggest, make your choice based on the calibre of the company and your belief that they will be around to honour their guarantees in the future. Most companies (including the not so great ones) offer perfectly good products with optional extras such as Pilkington K Glass and better security locking. Base the majority of your "decision" on this aspect of the buying equation.



Q 8. I have recently had a 8ft x 6ft all white PVC-U Lean-to conservatory built to the rear of my house. I intend to use it as a study. It is built on a dwarf wall concrete base. It suffers from condensation on roof supports and floor level joints. I am using a fully controllable oil filled radiator for heat, as main wall, not sufficient for a radiator. Could you please offer some help to my problem?

The good news is that your levels of condensation are likely to reduce as the "building works" dry out. It is not uncommon for conservatories to take as much as 6 - 12 months to dry out once built. During this period condensation will be particularly bad. However there is no guarantee that you will not have condensation after this period - especially if you have "only" used normal double-glazing and 16 mm polycarbonate. Our best suggestion is to install a dehumidifier (you can hire this) for a few weeks - this will remove a lot of the moisture. Also continue to vent the conservatory - a lot of people keep the windows closed believing this will help - it is far better to let the air circulate. You may also find it beneficial to install "trickle vents" in your framework - which allows you to have some ventilation without opening your windows. Trickle vents are available from most double glazing suppliers at £15 - £20 each. We recommend at least 25 mm polycarbonate in the roof and Pilkington "K" glass (low E ) for the frames in conservatories. This gives some of the best levels of insulation and helps reduce the risk of condensation.


Q 9. Tell me what type of other furniture can I use in my sunroom - we now only have a patio table and chairs, but we are going to be using this room year around so we want to be comfortable.

Wicker is the natural choice for conservatories and sunrooms. Being a natural product you can leave it untreated if you wish or paint to suit your colour scheme. It is also both strong and lightweight. Wrought iron chairs and tables are also popular - often combined with glass or slate tops. The most important consideration with all materials used is - how well will they perform in the sun and heat? I suggest you ask the retailer who supplies for specific advice on this - you don't want to find you have a problem with fading in the bright sun. For a bit of colour you may like to add some soft furnishings such as throws, rugs or cushions. We like to brighten things up with florals or chintzes. Another thing you could add are window treatments such as painted shutters and sun blinds.

A conservatory is like a room without a roof, allowing you to enjoy everyday living in a new light.

Of course, a conservatory is a bright, airy environment, but did you realise that the adjoining room in your home will also benefit from extra light? This effect can be maximised by choosing a conservatory featuring a glass roof such as the one shown on this page. This will allow the maximum amount of light into your home, adding to the sense of space.

Firstly what do you require the conservatory for? Perhaps a dining room where you may wish to consider a wide conservatory of an approximate size say 4 m x 3.8 m so you can place a table across the conservatory and enjoy the garden views when entertaining, or something smaller say 3 m x 3.5 m with some comfortable conservatory cane furniture to relax to read the Sunday papers and having an afternoon nap.

Marking out the outside of your conservatory is always a very good idea so you can see how big it will be. Set out this area with garden canes or string lines, then put some garden furniture in this area to represent your proposed furniture layout, this should give you some idea of how big the conservatory will need to be and you can see how much garden it will take up. This will help you decide on how big your conservatory will need to be. Also it will help you deciding on your patio and landscaping arrangements.

As conservatories become more and more popular, not only as a beautiful light-filled room to relax in but also as an investment which can add significant value to your home, we outline why conservatories are becoming “hot property.”

A conservatory can be an invaluable improvement to your home, enhancing the quality of your lifestyle and allowing you to explore a whole new way of living. By creating an extra room which can be used all year round, a conservatory brings the outdoors indoors, offering a whole new perspective to your garden and exterior surroundings.

Extremely flexible and versatile, Prior Conservatories enable you to design a conservatory to suit your lifestyle. Whether it is an extension to your kitchen for entertaining, a dining room to provide the perfect setting for a dinner party, a light airy study or even an office for those who work from home, a conservatory is a stylish and elegant way to add more space and flexibility to your home.

Adding a conservatory to your home provides an additional room to enjoy with family and friends

In today's overcrowded world, light and space are precious and yet minimal in many of our homes.

Adding a conservatory onto your home immediately offers the extra room, light and space you have always dreamed of, as well as being both practical and enjoyable.

A conservatory will provide a versatile space that can be used in so many ways and can also be the least expensive and easiest way of adding space to your home. Incredibly versatile, a conservatory can be anything you want it to be - create a relaxing living area where you can shut off from the hustle and bustle of family life; a dining room to entertain friends and family; a play area for the children; a private home office or even a luxury kitchen.

And don't forget the outdoors - a conservatory can also allow you to get the most out your garden. Even on a cold day you can still enjoy being closer to natur