Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Conservatory Cleaning

To help prevent the build up of everyday grime and pollution, and to ensure their ease of use and maintain your warranty cover, your PVC-u Conservatory, Windows and Doors will need cleaning and maintenance.
When cleaning your PVC-u surfaces with warm water, a specialised mild detergent and a PVC-u cleaner should be used whilst using soft brushes. Never use abrasive or solvent cleaners as these can damage the surfaces. You should never use abrasive cleaners on the handles or letterboxes of your doors.
Conservatory roofs should be cleaned with warm water and a specialised mild detergent to remove grime and algae. As gutters on conservatories are level it is vital that they are empted at leased once a year if not more.
In industrial areas, towns and cities we recommend that cleaning is carried out every six months. In less built up areas, once a year.
Drainage holes, roller tracking and lock pin locations should be inspected regularly and kept free from debris or blockages. Dirt and grit should also be removed from door thresholds and sills on opening windows and any other moving parts.
To ensure smooth operation, all handles, hinges and locks will be cleaned as
recommend previously and lubricated to ensure optimum performance. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7:13:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Monday, January 28, 2008
About Conservatories

 

As we all know, a conservatory could be a great addition to your home, as it will add space and light. But which conservatory has the right shape and is made of the right materials to not only achieve space and light, but also enhance the look of your house? This article will give you a few ideas and tips to help you make the first decision in buying a conservatory: what type of conservatory is right for my house?

The first conservatories were built in the early 18th century and mostly used for storage of potted plants and trees and were called orangeries, after the fact that a lot of people stored their potted orange trees in these heated outhouses. They were situated at the end of the garden or the back of a terrace and were built out of stone, with solid roofs and big glazed windows to allow as much sunlight in as possible.

In the 19th century more and more exotic plants were introduced that needed all year round nurturing in protective atmospheres. Light therefore became the restricting factor and glazed roofs became more and more important.

Apart from winter storage for plants, orangeries were also used as a rest place on summer's garden walks and developed later into an entertaining area in the garden. As a result of this the conservatories moved closer to the house, to make it easier to move between the house and the conservatory. A corridor was often built to connect the two buildings.

Whereas orangeries only had glass in the wall structures, due to developments in building techniques in Victorian times also the roofs were more and more made of glass. Exotic plants and palm trees were the backdrop for entertaining and heating became more and more important to ensure a comfortable setting for both plants and people. Conservatories were considered more to be an extension to the house as an extra living space than a roofed space in the garden.

This use of the conservatory continued in Edwardian times, but in the early Twenties the conservatory became more and more popular as an extension of houses owned by the middle class and its fashionable image gradually declined. Due to the two World Wars and the crisis in between, conservatories became less and less popular, not in the least because of the heating costs of conservatories in winter.

The construction materials for conservatories changed quite a lot through the centuries. Were brick and timber the materials to use for the first orangeries, the production of cast iron in Victorian times made all sorts of elaborate designs possible, with timber as a basic construction material. Nowadays complete timber conservatories and new materials like PVCu and aluminium make their mark on conservatory design, and double-glazing has made insulation problems a thing of the past.

A conservatory should always enhance your home as much as possible, whether it be from the outside or from inside. That's why location and size of the conservatory are very important. A conservatory should fit in with your room plan. For example, if the kitchen is at the back of the house, a conservatory that doubles up as a dining room or a breakfast room is ideal to be positioned off the kitchen area. If your living room faces the garden, a sun lounge could easily be added to enhance the use of the garden and get more light into your living area. A conservatory of a room that is not used much is a conservatory that will not be used much.

One of the most important things to consider is the size of the conservatory. A lot of people, to cut costs, opt for a smaller conservatory. This is usually not a good idea, as it will take away a lot of the comfort that a conservatory can give. A good tip is to lay out the area you want to use for the conservatory with for example twigs, rope or tape measure, and fill it with the things you want in your conservatory, like a dining table, a sofa and plants. Then see if you have as much space as you would like.

Another major decision in the beginning of your conservatory building process to decide what sort of design would go best with the shape of your house. It is also important to consider whether the conservatory would be visible from the main road. If it is, it is of the utmost importance not to let the conservatory disturb the symmetry of the house (Edwardian houses especially are very symmetrical). Round the back of the house conservatory design can be a bit more extravagant, as within a private space personal taste can have a bigger influence.

Taking shape and size into consideration, farmhouses and cottages usually have a very low roof. Conservatories therefore cannot be connected in a straightforward way, as the overall roof would be too low. A solution here is to use a box gutter to ensure a higher roof pitch in the conservatory, or to place the conservatory at the side of the house.

Large detached houses have the most scope for conservatory design. Conservatories can either be completely connected to the house or made to look separate from the house by using a little corridor or lobby to connect conservatory and house, whichever design is more appropriate.

Victorian houses are quite different in design. The front shines in bay windows and elaborate cornices and porches. Around the back the walls are quite straightforward and simple, making it an ideal backdrop for great conservatory design. As the ground floor of Victorian houses usually contains high ceilings and big windows, a conservatory will have no problem with blending in. In this type of houses, kitchens are usually in the back, overlooking the garden, so a kitchen-dining conservatory is a great possibility.

Not only the shape of the conservatory is important, also the colour and the materials the conservatory is made of can either enhance or spoil the look of the end result. In both wood and PVCu, a lot of colours are available nowadays, and PVCu can even be made to look as a wood grain, so there is really no reason to choose the wrong colour for your conservatory. You can choose to match it with your existing window colour, for example, or the colour of your house. Especially if you have a white plastered house, a white conservatory will add to the elegance of your home. If your home has timber windows or a thatched roof, it might be worth considering a timber conservatory in the same type of wood as the windows or at least a PVCu wood grain conservatory to match the roof as well as possible. What is also important is to have a look at your home and detect any architectural features that, when copied in your conservatory design, would enhance the look of your property. Examples are unusually shaped or leaded windows, carved bargeboards or finials. All these little details will improve the overall finish of your conservatory, so take the time to establish which details you want to incorporate.

Monday, January 28, 2008 6:52:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Sunday, January 27, 2008
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Sunday, January 27, 2008 5:39:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Saturday, January 26, 2008
Useful Information

 

Here we have outlined some handy background information regarding self build conservatories.

Getting Started - Digging A Conservatory Foundation

The foundation for your self build conservatory will be very similar to that for an extension to your house, and will usually need to be between 650mm and 1000mm deep. Contrary to popular belief conservatory foundations are not dependent on the weight of the conservatory, rather they are more dependent on the type of ground that the conservatory is to be stood upon. Once the foundations have been dug, they should be filled with concrete to provide a solid base. (Remember the foundations should finish about 150mm below ground level)

Damp Proof Course And Dwarf Wall

Once the foundation has been completed, you will need to build up to the damp proof course, preferably using a matching brick to the rest of your property. Install the damp proof course and then continue on with the dwarf wall construction.

The dwarf wall should be built up as a cavity wall, with proper wall ties and cavity wall insulation to ensure that your conservatory is not a heat sink for the rest of your house. If you aren't a skilled brick layer it may well be worth while to to get a local builder in to build the dwarf wall for you, as ensuring that the dwarf wall is level will make the rest of the construction of the conservatory much less problematic.

Panels And Doors

The main part of the construction of the conservatory is actually the fastest part of the whole building process, you will need to connect the panels supplied by the manufacturer and add in the door frame.

The Conservatory Roof

The last part, and often the most tricky part, of the construction of your conservatory is the addition of the roof. The key to getting the roof on easily is to ensure that you have followed your plans properly from the very start of the build. Once your conservatory has been designed, MAKE SURE that, once the conservatory has been ordered to the planned specification, you dont decide to move the foundations a 100mm one way or another or do some other minor changes that 'might' make the conservatory look better. All this will do is make your construction process a nightmare.

Saturday, January 26, 2008 5:47:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Friday, January 25, 2008
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Friday, January 25, 2008 7:53:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rehau

Rehau Windows Quality Windows
Diy Conservatories

The Pvcu roof cappings are made from the same polymer compounds as those used in the rehau windows and doors ensuring not only the perfect colour match but also the same high quality that you would expect from Europe's largest and most renowned producer of polymer based fenestration systems.

Not only do the roof cappings match the rehau windows and doors in terms of quality but they have also been carefully designed to harmonise aesthetically ensuring that the complete conservatory has a blended overall appearance.

Roof Glazing can be in either doubled or glazed glass or light weight multi chamber polycarbonate. In both cases solar protection coatings can be obtained. Ask your supplier for details. Roof ventilation is another important consideration. Rehau dimension allows the introduction of opening roof vents. We recommend that every rood should have at least one opening vent. Operation can be either manual or automatic.

Windows

 

   

Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:58:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:30:52 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Underfloor eating

Underfloor Heating - Which type should I use?

Using underfloor heating to heat your conservatory / home can prove to be a very efficient way to heat because it's invisible once installed and allows you the freedom to design your interior the way you want.

Basically there are two types of underfloor heating:

Electric underfloor heating and water-filled Underfloor Heating.

Suppliers of each type of underfloor heating method will of course claim that their method is best.

Electric Underfloor Heating is a cable underfloor heating system - its main advantages are that it's easy to install and cost effective.

Warm Water Wet Systems however are growing in popularity. Some conservatory installers we have consulted say that they now only fit / recommend the water underfloor central heating system, as they have found that with the electric under floor heating, you may still need to use additional heaters on the coldest days. Unfortunately however - it's often not really practical to consider water-filled Underfloor Heating in a conservatory - the logistics and space available can make it quite difficult but not impossible. The important point here is to plan ahead - provided the option to add a "warm water wet system" is considered at the planning stage, before the conservatory base is constructed, then this is one of the best ways to heat a conservatory.

Underfloor heating is a great ideWarm water from the boiler system is circulated through continuous lengths of pipe embedded in the floor, each room has its own circuit and all circuits are connected to a distribution manifold. As each room has its own circuit it is a simple process to apply room temperature control, a thermostat is fitted in the room and connected to an electrically operated valve on the circuit serving that room.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 6:36:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Monday, January 21, 2008
Maintenance Guide


 

Gaskets & Seals

A mild, non-abrasive detergent works best here. Once cleaning is completed make sure that all gaskets and seals are in their correct positions around the frames and openers as these can easily become dislodged.

Should any gaskets and/or weather strips need replacing this can easily be done without the need to remove the window or sash. They are easy to put back but care should be taken not to damage them.



PVCu Frames

Effective maintenance of your PVCu profile relies on regular cleaning with a mild detergent. For any difficult to remove marks a mild non abrasive cream cleaner should do the trick.

Steam cleaning is not recommended.

On woodgrain or coloured profile it is important to use only warm soapy water. Any sort of abrasive cleaner is simply not recommended.

As with white PVCu profile, steam cleaning is not recommended for woodgrain or coloured profile.



Conservatories & Porches

We do not advocate the use of cleaning solutions containing organic solvents or abrasive substances when cleaning Polycarbonate and PVCu roofing. Soap and water is most suitable for this.

Take time to ensure that gutters and drains remain rubbish free and wash roof panels every couple of months – or as required – to remove excessive build up of dirt.

Your windows are manufactured with an in-built drainage system and to enable this to work efficiently care must be taken to make sure the slots remain unblocked.

Whilst cleaning try not to disturb the weatherseals. These are easy to put back but take care not to damage them.

 

Doors

All moving areas of the door lock will benefit from an annual oiling as will hinges and letter plates.

The keeps will also respond well to the occasional light coating of Vaseline jelly or similar.

All external metal should be cleaned an oiled annually.

Don’t forget that the locking cams can be adjusted to improve sealing.

 

Glass & Glazing

To keep your glass units in sparkling condition, use a soft cloth and wash only with warm, soapy water. This should be sufficient to remove any dirt from the surfaces.

To avoid any accidental scratching against the glass we recommend that you remove all hand jewellery before cleaning or use a suitable pair of gloves.



Condensation

The most effective way of combating compensation is to ensure there is some natural ventilation in the room wherever possible. This could be by opening a window or by fitting an extractor unit, especially in the kitchen and/or bathroom.

During the colder months it would help if you could leave some permanent heat on in the rooms, however low, as this will also prevent excessive build up of moisture, as well as keeping bathroom and kitchen doors shut when cooking or bathing.

Finally, take care to close All opened windows/doors when vacating the property, for security purposes.


 

Sliding Doors

The main importance here is to keep the bottom track of the door free of dirt. Lubrication this area is NOT advisable.

The lock cylinder will also not require additional oiling as this already contains a special greasing agent. The only part we recommend for a light oil here is the locking cam slots.

 

 

Locks & Hinges

To ensure locs and hinges are kept in good working order we recommend a regular 6 monthly programme.

Nothing too strenuous – just a drop or 2 of oil on all locks and hinges using a light machine or any light 3-in-1 oil will work best. Make sure that all parts are clean before applying the oil and wipe any excess away with a clean cloth.

We would advise against using brass polish on any of the brass fittings without first protecting the surrounding area.


 

Window Maintenance

An annual lubrication of light oil is recommended on all hinges, locking and pivot points and the moving of parts of espagnoette locks. Periodic oiling to the scissor mechanism of all friction hinges is also advisable. The hinges and locking points in particular should be kept clean and free of dirt and regular attention to these parts would be worthwhile.

Monday, January 21, 2008 7:01:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Roofing Systems

 

The roof of a conservatory is vital to help keep the building weather-tight and it is often an important feature in the external look of the extension.

A conservatory should have a proper roofing system, which is purpose-made. Most companies offering good quality uPVC and aluminium products buy in their roof systems from specialist companies. Don’t be fobbed off with a roof that is just made of window frames, which will not have the strength needed and will run the risk of leaking.

Give the following points some thought and check them out:

A good quality uPVC conservatory roof will have aluminium used within the roof frame to add extra strength.

Can the roof can take the weight of the glass or polycarbonate panels to be used?

What makes it weather tight?

What are the insulation properties of the roof? Will it provide good insulation?

Does it have special glass to protect against bright sunshine and the effect of the rays on furniture?

Will guttering be attached?

Are the installers qualified?

How good is the guarantee and does it run for the same length of time as the rest of the conservatory?

MATERIALS USED

The two materials mostly used in a conservatory roof are glass and polycarbonate.

Glass, while more expensive, is often the preferred roofing option. It provides a better match for walls, is clear, and can provide better sound insulation.

The glass must be toughened or laminated to give extra strength. It is also worthwhile checking out the options that can help protect against the glare of the sun, combat damage from the sun’s rays, and/or offer protection against heat.

There is even a glass with a coating which helps the sun to break down dirt which accumulates on the roof and it is washed away by the rain.

Polycarbonate is more cost-effective than glass. It is lightweight, hard wearing, with good insulation properties and again has the option to provide extras which prevent glare and reduce heat.

Although the roof can have clear panels there are other choices available including an opaque finish, and a bronzed finish which can blend well with a wood-effect uPVC frame or of course timber.

Often conservatory owners find that the temperature in the conservatory is better controlled with the installation of blinds. Several companies provide a service which includes measuring and fitting.

Monday, January 21, 2008 6:55:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Conservatory design and styles

 

The reason for making the addition of a conservatory to your home is to compliment your house and extend the usable living space out into your garden. It is important to keep this basic goal in mind when planning your conservatory as well as when you design it after construction is completed. While utilizing the services of a professional design expert - particularly one that is well-versed in conservatory design – is helpful, the final product will be much more comfortable for you and will accomplish your goals while suiting your tastes if you familiarize yourself with the important aspects of the conservatory and consider the primary and secondary uses of the space. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Before you even begin the conservatory ordering process, consider the space that you want the conservatory to include. Consider the types of furnishings that you want included in that space as well. It may help to use string and stakes to mark out a rough area where you want it to be so that you can get a more accurate visual representation of how large the external and internal areas will be. You can also use this tactic to see what sizes of furniture you will be able to fit in the conservatory after it is completed.

Always make the entrance to your conservatory from an area of your home that you use most often. This is usually the kitchen or a room adjacent to the kitchen. This will allow easy access to and from the oft-used portions of your home without confusing your guest traffic by diverting them through other areas. Additionally, it makes carrying things to and from the kitchen much easier when you are dining in your new conservatory.

If you can, try not to place the door that goes out into the garden directly across from the door that leads into the home from the conservatory. This will create a corridor effect and will make placing furniture less simple. You want your conservatory to be a place for comfortable gatherings, not a hallway to the outdoors.

Don’t build a smaller conservatory that you believe that you will use. If you are able to afford it and the area in your garden permits it, you may want to consider actually constructing your conservatory at least a few square feet larger than you originally intended. This way you will not be caught with a much smaller conservatory than you planned and will save you the potential trouble of building additional room later on.

Do your best to select materials that will compliment your home. If at all possible, match the exterior materials of your home with the exterior materials of the conservatory. This way, the conservatory will look much more like a natural extension of the house than an afterthought. Additionally, ensure that the shape of the conservatory doesn’t disrupt the exterior aesthetics of the home. Your home was designed in a particular manner and you want to compliment that design rather than hinder it.

 

As you look around it may seem that there are many conservatory styles to choose from. But the majority are based on Victorian, Edwardian, or a modern lean-to style. There are some exceptions with companies offering Georgian or Regency conservatories for example.

Many bespoke conservatories are made up from the basic styles, using the lean-to to link units or adding several Victorian or Edwardian bays to give a conservatory its own unique look. Don’t be surprised that what one company calls a Victorian style, for example, is referred to as something else by another firm.

If you aren’t sure what you want - get brochures from several companies, surf the internet, and visit sales rooms to look at the variations of styles offered.

Make a sketch of what you would like and see how different designs best fit this. Ask a salesman to come up with a design, sketch or a computer drawn image so that you have a better idea of what you are buying.

Don’t be put off by sales talk. If one company talks about bays and another splays, ask what they mean. You won’t look silly, you will just be ensuring that you know what you are paying for.

The same applies when it comes to the number of walls - would you believe they can even be counted differently - that’s where a sketch or design is so valuable.

If a salesperson isn’t prepared to ensure you know what you are buying, then it is probably a sign that the service given by the company won’t be very good either.

If you are bowled over by the look and style of something in a brochure, take the time to look at the materials used and if they suit the style of the conservatory and how they will suit your home.

And just remember that you are the customer. You need good service, sound explanations and to be absolutely convinced that you are making the right choice for you and your home.

Monday, January 21, 2008 6:46:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Sunday, January 20, 2008
Financing Your Conservatory

The most basic, professionally-installed conservatory will set you back at least £5000, while even a DIY kit comes with a £1500 price tag. The cost of a larger, more extravagant conservatory can easily mount up to around £30,000.

As a general rule, you can expect to pay £500 for every square metre of a standard, no-frills conservatory. Expect this figure to double if you opt for a high-spec design with top quality materials. Beyond the basic installation, you will also have to consider the furnishing, decorating and heating / ventilation of your new conservatory, which can add up to several thousand pounds in itself.

Most of us don't have that kind of money lying around, but this has not prevented an annual 200,000 UK homeowners achieving their dream of a sunshine-filled domestic haven.

So just what options are available for financing your conservatory in the United Kingdom?

Supplier Schemes for Conservatory Financing

One of the more popular ways to fund a new conservatory is through a supplier's own financing scheme. The principal advantage of this method is convenience, offering as it does a "one-stop shopping" experience. It may also prove beneficial in the long term should problems arise down the line. For example, the suppliers are likely to be more flexible in the case of payment delays or problems with the conservatory itself. The downside of such financing schemes are the relatively higher interest rates and charges incurred by the borrower.

Bank Loans for Conservatory Financing

Another option for financing your conservatory is to take out a personal loan from your bank. Bear in mind, however, that banks tend to be much more selective when it comes to offering credit, since they operate according to much stricter guidelines. Nevertheless, if you can convince your bank to give you a loan for this purpose, you will likely benefit from a much lower interest rate than a supplier could offer. Many people also find they are more comfortable borrowing from a traditional, trusted source such as a bank.

Building Society Loans for Conservatory Financing

Although they are financial institutions offering similar financial services, building societies differ slightly from banks in that they are owned by members and often do no not determine interest rates based on credit ratings. As such, they usually provide the best value for borrowers. Even if your credit is not so hot, you should still be able to secure a great value loan from one of the 60+ building societies operating in the UK.

Using a Credit Card to Finance your Conservatory

Credit cards provide a further financing option for those with a sufficiently high credit limit. If the opportunity arises, it may be worth applying for a new card in order to benefit from a 0%APR introductory offer. This will allow you to finance your conservatory interest free! Most cards don't have such attractive APRs, however, and it will usually prove more economical to opt for an alternative financing method.

Whatever you decide, be smart about your financial choices. Always opt for the highest quality to which you can aspire in order to ensure that your conservatory is a long-lasting and profitable investment.

Sunday, January 20, 2008 3:05:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Planning Regulations

But where do you go from here? What practical matters do you need to consider and how do you go about setting your plans in motion.

We've taken advice from a range of industry professionals and put together this detailed guide to help turn your dreams of a conservatory into a sunshine-filled reality.

Funding your Conservatory

Statistics indicate that 90% of people who buy a conservatory do so with the assistance of a bank / building society loan, or else dip into their savings in order to fund its construction. The majority of experienced industry insiders suggest that building societies offer the lowest rates for borrowers and as such provide the best option in most cases.

Costing your Conservatory

Conservatory costs vary considerably according to the size, design and material chosen. Whatever you opt for - UPVc or hardwood, polycarbonate or glass roof - make sure you buy the best quality you can afford. With conservatories, as with so much in life, you get what you pay for. Quality products will serve you well over the years.

Deciding upon the Size of a Conservatory

The first question you need to ask yourself here is "What will my conservatory be used for?" If you intend it to serve as a dining room, you would be wise to consider a wide structure that allows enough room for a table to be placed across the conservatory, offering attractive garden views to diners. 5m x 3.5m should be sufficient. A smaller 3m x 3m construction will leave plenty of room for some comfortable furniture, creating a relaxing environment in which to enjoy the Sunday papers or a leisurely post-work drink.

Try marking out the walls of your proposed conservatory to get a sense of just how big it will be. Use string or garden canes to create an outline and test combinations of furniture within this area. This exercise will also be useful for deciding upon related patio and landscaping arrangements.

Getting Design Ideas

Before calling or meeting representatives of a conservatory company, spend time browsing specialist brochures and websites such as ours. This will help you get an idea of the sorts of designs that are available, and hopefully provide inspiration for your own project. Bear in mind that your conservatory will have to blend in with the style, size and structure of the existing building. It is important that it does not dominate the rear of the house. Current design trends point to the growing popularity of Victorian, Gable, Hip-back, Crown Top and Combination conservatories. UPVC and hardwood structures remain equally sought-after.

Positioning your Conservatory

There are advantages and disadvantages to both North and South-facing conservatories. Those facing North will offer welcome shade in the summer, but the lack of solar gain in the winter will likely lead to their being somewhat cold, thereby necessitating expensive insulation measures such as argon-filled seal units or extra-thick glass panels. Conversely, south-facing conservatories often suffer from excessive heat and brightness during the summer months. In this case, ventilation becomes all-important, with possible solutions including roof vents and low-level windows. Conservatory blinds can also be useful for cooling the room and preventing the sun's glare.

Selecting a Conservatory Design

When deciding upon a design, focus on width rather than projection to consider how best to fit in all the furniture you would like and arrange it so as to take full advantage of the garden views. It's worth bearing in mind that the design of your conservatory will determine the position of the French doors. Conservatory designers tend to be very keen on doors positioned to the front of the structure. Certainly, these work particularly well, especially on a sunny day. However, there may be other factors you need to consider, such as access from a side path or patio. Side doors will also allow for furniture to be placed around the front of the conservatory.

Selecting a Conservatory Company

Before hiring any contractor to work on your property, it is always important to inspect examples of previous work and consult a handful of former clients to get some assurance as to the firm's reliability and quality of workmanship. Find out whether the job was completed on time and on budget, and ask how the workmen conducted themselves on site. As with any construction or maintenance project, it is wise to get a variety of quotes prior to choosing a supplier.

Doing It Yourself

A DIY conservatory is a more affordable proposition for those on a budget. If you have some aptitude for DIY, you may find that you could make a saving of thousands! The conservatory base is relatively easy to construct, while the conservatory itself will be delivered with comprehensive installation instructions. Additional post-sale support is usually available via a customer helpline.

Choosing the Flooring

Plastic laminates have traditionally been used for this purpose, although the current fashion is for real wooden flooring, whose appeal derives largely from its warmth and durability as well as its authentic, natural quality.

Conservatory Guarantees

This is an aspect of buying a conservatory that should not be neglected under any circumstances. You should expect a guarantee to last for at least 10 years, covering the entire structure including any locks and handles etc. If your supplier is a smaller, less established firm, it is advisable to have the guarantee underwritten by an insurance company.

Sunday, January 20, 2008 3:03:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Conservatory Furniture

The distinctive look of standard conservatory furniture is provided by the material from which it is made. Reminiscent of bamboo, it is usually labeled as "cane" although in fact it is most likely to be a material called "rattan". Rattan is extremely robust. The thick stem of a vine-like palm, it is sometimes used for structural scaffolding in areas of South East Asia. Its flexible sections can be woven into mats and baskets or bent into furniture, much like bamboo. "Wicker", derived from "wickerwork", is a generic term describing all furniture woven from natural materials such as rattan, reed and willow.

If you're inclined to push the boat out, the next step up from rattan is hardwood. Hardwood conservatory furniture offers a more traditional, authentic feel and is currently enjoying considerable popularity in line with the fashion for hardwood conservatories.

Conservatory furniture prices vary wildly according to the source and quality, but on average you can expect to pay from around 250 online for a basic suite comprising a two-seater sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table. A higher quality version of the same suite will cost roughly double that amount, while hardwood conservatory suites come with an even higher price tag, sometimes as much as £1000. Top-end conservatory furniture  surprisingly often made of synthetic cane  will cost upwards of £1500 per suite.

Bear in mind that conservatory furniture prices are subject to seasonal variations. DIY stores start their end-of-season sales around mid-autumn, and this is when the best bargains are to be had on items such as suites, heaters and other conservatory essentials. Cost savings are generally in the range of 20-50‰, which can mean as much as £750 if you're in the market for a suite.

As well as the major DIY chains, don't forget to check out the vast range of independent retailers, many of whom offer great deals on conservatory furniture through their websites. It's worth surfing around to find out more.

Sunday, January 20, 2008 2:59:58 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Conservatory Flooring

The potential for heat build-up in a conservatory prevented solid wood being used for this purpose, given that there was a constant risk of the timber twisting and warping.

In response to consumer demand, considerable resources have been devoted to developing a new wood flooring product that can withstand the unique climatic conditions found in conservatories.

The result of this investment is Engineered Hardwoood Floor. First developed in Sweden, this revolutionary flooring product benefits from a multi-layered design that prevents heat and humidity-related expansion / contraction. A 4mm hardwood top layer is supported by a central core of fast-growing soft wood, with a back capping of spruce peel veneer. The unique structure of Engineered Hardwood Floor all but eliminates movement, promising the ultimate in stability and durability. Quality oiled finishes help to ensure a life expectancy of some 60 years, with oil, beech, cheery, maple, ash, aloma and mahogany among the many types of wood available for this purpose.

Regardless of its pioneering properties, hardwood floor remains vulnerable to misuse. As a natural product, it requires good care and attention to keep it in pristine condition. The key to achieving this is to avoid excessive moisture. Try also to prevent gravel, grit and any sharp objects coming into contact with the floor.

Carpets, Tiles and Stone are among the other (less common) flooring choices available to modern-day conservatory owners.

Sunday, January 20, 2008 2:49:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Saturday, January 19, 2008
Conservatory Uses

 

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.

 

Saturday, January 19, 2008 8:18:27 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Friday, January 18, 2008
Conservatory Air Conditioning

 

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.

Friday, January 18, 2008 7:51:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Thursday, January 17, 2008
Get the most from your conservatory

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.
 

Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:50:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Doing it yourself



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!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 8:31:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Conservatory

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008 8:00:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Tuesday, January 15, 2008
General advice for all makes and types


 

Do not use oil to lubricate squeaky hinges (or any nylon moving parts), use a furniture aerosol wax spray instead, which contains silicone.
Once a year clean and light oil visible moving metal parts, particularly door locks and 'friction stay' window hinges.
Never allow the use of washing up liquid in the water when your windows are cleaned - it attacks and degrades the seals.
Use a generous squirt of cream cleanser in warm water to spring clean white PVC-U, (no abrasives should be used on woodgrain).
Keep sliding Patio Door tracks brushed clean of mud, grit and dust. Do not lubricate the track.
Make sure there is a key in each room for undoing security-locking windows in the event of an emergency.

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.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 7:58:46 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Saturday, January 12, 2008
Good Idea Guide
  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.


Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:19:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Friday, January 11, 2008
Conservatory furniture

 

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.
Friday, January 11, 2008 8:59:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Thursday, January 10, 2008
Other product ranges

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Thursday, January 10, 2008 8:35:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
Steps to Installations

 

Before you have got your conservatory ordered, it is time to assess your site and make sure that every you have chosen is practical, if you do not want to do this a surveyor can do this for you, they will check everything from drainage on site and style/size of the conservatory, through to access for the delivery of materials.

Once you have decided on your conservatory style and planned all of the features and your conservatory has arrived it is time to get started.

There are seven main steps involved in the construction of a typical conservatory - here's what usually happens during the process.

Step 1 - The site is prepared: foundations are dug out and concrete is poured into the foundations.

Step 2 - Construction of the dwarf cavity wall begins (if you have chosen to have a dwarf wall in your conservatory style).

Step 3 - The floor slab is prepared. It is recommended that insulation is added to the slab and / or cavity walls at this stage.

Step 4 - Both the inner and outer walls of the cavity wall are now completed. Pvcu windowsills and frames are fitted onto the top of the dwarf wall and then its time to fit the roof.

Step 5 - The aluminium glazing bars and ridge are installed first, followed by your chosen glazing material (either polycarbonate or glass).

Step 6 - Glass sealed units are fitted into the side frames to complete the structure.

Step 7 - Your conservatory is ready for you to furnish and enjoy for years to come.

Through your whole process of building your diy conservatory we are ready to provide expert advice if you get stuck on a part of the project. We can also give advice on aftercare of the conservatory so that you can enjoy your conservatory for as long as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, January 10, 2008 8:23:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Wednesday, January 09, 2008
UK Conservatory

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008 8:12:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #    Disclaimer  |   | 
 Tuesday, January 08, 2008
What is uPVC?

 

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.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:56:51 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)