Conservatories, Sunrooms - Your questions Answered
Miscellaneous

Please note: Most of the answers we feature here are from 1999 - early 2002. We endeavour to keep all links etc up to date, however if you spot any errors please let our webmaster know at It should also be noted that some replies may change in light of changes to legislation especially with regards to Planning Permission and Building Regulations. To submit a new question or to query an existing question visit http://www.ask-questions.com/yabbse/index.php.

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Question submitted by Zahir

I am undecided if I should go for a glass roof conservatory or 25mm polycarbonate roof - I have been told as glass roof conservatory is not a good for insulation. The other point is that with a glass roof I inevitably will have to invest in an expensive roof blind system. Is this correct?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - It is true that a "normal" double glazed sealed unit offers less insulation than 25 mm polycarbonate. A typical sealed unit will have a "U" value of around 2.5 whilst 25 mm polycarbonate will be around 1.7. (The lower the U value - the better the insulator). One way to overcome this is to specify Low E or Pilkington K glass instead. Then the materials will have similar levels of insulation. It is also true that with a glass roof you are more likely to require roof blinds. Having said that, it is by no means certain that if you use polycarbonate you will avoid that especially if you are south or west facing. The insulation and shading qualities are only part of the story. The other issue is off course the "looks". For most people, glass roofs look more attractive. Additionally they make less noise in the rain. As you will see there will be some sort of "compromise" no matter which material you use.

Ref:09
Question submitted by Christi

I am mentally designing my proposed new house at the moment. After first thinking I would like to have a courtyard in the center (i.e. surrounded on all four walls by the house), I hit upon the idea of having a center conservatory. In other words, the house would be shaped like a square donut, and the "hole" would be the conservatory-a room with a glass roof. Have you ever seen this done? Is it possible? Or even advisable? Love your website - it has answered many questions I have had.

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Thank you for your kind remarks. What you propose is perfectly possible. You will need to take the advice of an Architect and other professionals when you do this - but to give you a guide for now - this type of structure is created by means of a Box Gutter. Box Gutters (which can often be structural) are either lead lined or made out of extruded aluminium and are designed to take the water run off from the conservatory roof and the surrounding building. You will find some info on Box gutters on the Web Site as they are often used to achieve a pitched roof conservatory when connecting to bungalows or other buildings with low eaves. One or two words of warning - make sure proper arrangements are made for both discharging the water (down-pipes etc) and also for getting access to the gutters in order to clean out leaves and other debris at least once per year. Also if you are supporting a glass roof the box gutters will need to be "structural" and will need additional support underneath them. This can be done with brick piers and brackets.

Ref:08
Question submitted by Paul

Could you advise as to whether it is a requirement to have a concrete floor in a conservatory? Is it not possible to have floor boards as in the rest of the house?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Most conservatory floors are concrete. However suspended timber floors are quite popular especially when there is a lot of difference between ground level and the floor level you require for the conservatory. Most suspended floors end up being carpeted. If you do go with floor boards - just be aware that the heat in the conservatory can be quite intense and this may in certain circumstances cause the floor boards to warp / move. Best to clarify this with whoever fits your floor boards. If you have adequate ventilation and perhaps cover the floor with "scatter rugs" this will be less of a problem. Also less likely to be a problem if you face North or East.

Ref:07
Question submitted by Paul

What is 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?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - You could write a whole book on this - Here however are my short answers. 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 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 maybe even 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 - I do recommend Pilkington "K" glass in all conservatories - no matter the location. Its just more important in North Facing Locations. Additionally if you use Polycarbonate - go with 25mm.

Ref:06
Question submitted by Brian

Very interesting guide. What would be your advice as to the type of lighting to use?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Lighting is essential for creating the "right feel" in a conservatory. I can only speak personally on this subject - it really is a matter of personal taste, but for me I do not like any overhead lighting. I prefer small table lamps (soft tone bulbs) and such like positioned throughout my conservatory with perhaps one reading type light also. A lot of clients also use wall lights - but I don't care for them much. As I say this is very much a matter of personal taste. You can also try candles in the evening - but please remember to take them out during the day - They melt in the sun light! (Oh and beware the fire hazard).

Ref:05
Question submitted by Rose

I want to build a conservatory to the rear of my ground floor maisonette.  How can I do it so that I do not infringe on the upstairs property and still enable them to have access to maintain their property.  I will need a low budget solution please.

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Now that's what I call a question! The simple answer is that there are no easy ways. My quick Tip would be to build the conservatory so that the roof does not "touch" your neighbours "airspace". I'm assuming that you can tell where your property ends and theirs begins. By the way you should also check that their are no special restrictions in your deeds on this type of development and of course discuss with neighbours. When roof of conservatory is being constructed explain to your supplier that you require a solution for maintenance on the property above - two possible solutions are 1- To put special hooks or stepping plates on the roof rafters so that "crawler boards" or similar can be attached to the roof when doing maintenance. This can be done on both leanto roofs and pitched roofs. The second approach which works if your conservatory is not very wide is to "Bridge" the roof across the width by means of metal towers either side and connecting the towers by means of scaffold boards across ways. Obviously care has to be taken for the safety of workers with both alternatives. Best advice of the lot is to consult "specialist" companies and ask their specific advice - bearing in mind they can see the "problem" and I cannot.

Ref:04
Question submitted by Dave

How practical is air conditioning for conservatories? And what sort of costs would it introduce?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Air conditioning for conservatories is certainly growing in popularity. Mobile Air conditioning units are available from £350 - £450. However the more comprehensive fully installed versions average out at about £1500 depending on the size of conservatory. I have noted some companies including air conditioning units in the price of their conservatory - free air conditioning - so to speak. I'd just say - remember there is no such thing as a Free Lunch. The cost is included somewhere in the overall price.

Ref:03
Question submitted by Numan

I only have a small house (approx. 13 ft across). At the back I have a flue for the central heating. Leaving space for painting the side fences (2 ft each side) Will it be worth building a conservatory that will measure about 9ft X 9ft? Also how much space will I need to leave from the flue with PVCu panels?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - For questions on Gas Flues you should speak to your gas supplier or other heating professional. I believe the general "rule of thumb" is that you should leave at least a gap of 300 mm (1ft) between your frame and flue exhaust. However I must caution you to check personally - do not let anybody other than the relevant professional advise you on this. In my opinion most conservatory companies salespeople would not be able to answer this for you - so as I say, make your own checks. 9ft x 9ft is a small conservatory. However lots of people find this size perfectly OK. It really depends on what you wish to use it for. Not really any good for a dining room - but perfectly OK for occasional sitting/morning coffee etc. Do you really need to still access the fence? - maybe there is way round this from your neighbours side. Also you may consider PVC infill panels or obscure glass in the sides to disguise the fence.

Ref:02
Question submitted by George

I have heard that the mahogany PVCu is not as durable as the white. Is this true?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - It is true to say that within the "trade" you will find people/companies who do not like using Woodgrain style PVCu for conservatories. The main "gripe" is that woodgrain style conservatories tend to "expand" more when subjected to direct sunlight. This causes "sticking" on doors etc. (When we are out in the sun most of us wear light coloured clothing as this is cooler.) Having said that, a large number of companies including some of the most reputable do supply woodgrain style conservatories. Personally speaking (and that's all I can do!) I would not have too much trouble using woodgrain for a conservatory - provided it's a complete woodgrain option - i.e. woodgrain inside and out and ideally not south facing. Make sure your supplier provides their frames "fully reinforced" - this will help reduce "expansion". Also it's a good idea to use heavy duty/flag style hinges on the doors. What I would not recommend is woodgrain on top of white PVCu - with this option you would have woodgrain outside and white inside. This is not a good option due to varying expansion rates etc. (This is, of course, only my opinion!)

Ref:01
Question submitted by Peter & Carolyn

We are considering adding a 4x5m conservatory to provide an all-year living room as the current living room is an odd shape. What kind of value would this add to the property? This will be an important part of our calculations.

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - As with a lot of property issues the answer depends very much on where you live. Here is my answer(s) - but bear in mind there are some generalisations. Any good, well built and sturdy Conservatory is always a good investment - firstly for the extra living space it adds - and secondly for the addition to the quality of life it makes. As regards a financial investment I would not invest solely in a conservatory because I thought it might add a great deal of value to my home. In some areas - such as London - you will almost certainly get your "money back" and may even make a profit. Most Estate Agents I have spoken to seem to feel that in a best case situation you will add half your purchase costs to the value of your home. Of course a conservatory will also make your home easier to sell. You should also note that the better the quality of conservatory - the better the "investment". A well built conservatory - double glazed with "K" glass (Low E glass) plus a glass roof with argon filled units (providing all year round living) will always do better for you than say a simpler (cheaper) conservatory featuring single or normal double glazing with 16 mm polycarbonate in the roof.