Conservatories and Sunrooms - Upgrades for all year use, security, glazing, Low E Glass.

If you really want to use your conservatory all year round - here are just a few of the enhancements you should consider. Without these additions you will often find that normal double glazing and 16 mm polycarbonate will only give you a "three seasons" room - especially if you are North or East Facing.

Low E glass or Pilkington "K" Glass: This glass varies from normal clear glass in that one side of the glass has a special metal coating, technically known as a low emissitivity, or Low E. coating. This microscopic metal coating (which is almost indistinguishable from normal clear glass) allows through shortwave radiation, like sunlight, but reflects longwave 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.  This diagram illustrates how Pilkington K glass works.

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.

To find out more about Pilkington K Glass click here.

25 mm Polycarbonate: Most standard conservatories in the UK come with 16mm 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 provides perhaps the best insulating roof option for conservatories today. For the technically minded, 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: An essential for those of us who like to see the stars at night! 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. We especially recommend the Low E glass option with this. There is also the option of "anti-sun" glass for that "tinted" effect.

Leaded Lites Designs: Our favourite enhancement. Available in diamond and rectangular lead designs as well as a host of more traditional designs such as Queen Anne or Elizabethan. You can also chose a superb range of "coloured lites" options (stained glass type design). Click here to see some examples of "coloured glass" designs.

Georgian Designs: There are a whole host of "Georgian" styles to fit your conservatory. From the more usual rectangular Georgian bar design to Georgian sweeps (arches), gothic arches, cathedral arches and specialist one-off designs to match listed buildings etc.

Locking Systems: The standard locks on most conservatory windows and doors are espagnolette multi-point locks (including night vent position) on windows and a five point lock for doors. There are many additional options including shootbolt locks, SAC bolt locking, entry guard, hook and shoot locks etc. Just ask your supplier for further information or specify on your quotation request. Note - some suppliers will supply locks to a lesser standard than specified here. Others however may include better locks as standard. You must specify your "unique" requirements to all potential suppliers and most importantly - when comparing quotations - try to compare "like with like".

Coloured Frame Options: What colour do you want? You name it and today you can almost certainly get it. Standard colours for PVCu and aluminium are white, whilst for hardwood it is a natural stain option such as mahogany, walnut or light oak. You can, however, have hardwood already primed in green, cream and teak plus a whole host of options to your specification. PVCu in mahogany woodgrain and cherry oak woodgrain styles is also increasingly popular. Additionally, both PVCu and aluminium can be specially coloured in red, blue, green, black and orange! (and that's just a few of the options!)

The above only really touches the surface on some of the options available. Your supplier will be pleased to give you a more detailed specification.