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 Steve

We have had 3 quotes for conservatories, all of which were very similar. However each quote was for a different system. The 3 are Rehau, Profile 22 & we think Synseal. What is the difference between them and which would you recommend?

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - The three PVCu Systems you mention are some of the most respected extruders in the UK today. My personal opinion - based on looks - is a preference for the REHAU system. If you go with this then ask for their 70mm extrusion. (They also do a 60 mm extrusion). Profile 22 also has good looks - but its not a system I have had a lot of personal experience with. Synseal have several sizes of extrusions. I would only consider their SHIELD system which like the Rehau extrusion is available in 70 mm sections. In terms of cost I would expect the Rehau extrusion quote to be slightly more expensive. I would also opt for the internally beaded option if available. Finally - I think you would be happy with any of these extrusions. The more important thing is the quality of Fit / Build. That will determine your ultimate satisfaction. Make your final decision based on the quality of the company and evidence of previously completed work.

Ref:29
Question submitted by David

I have recently ordered an 8mx3m conservatory on a south-east facing site. However I am unsure whether I should be opting for a traditional tiled roof with velux windows or a 25mm polycarbonate conservatory roof. The pros for a tiled roof are that it would retain a higher percentage of it's initial cost if I was to sell my house in the future, removes glare and retains heat better than a 25mm polycarbonate roof. The cons are that there would not be the same amount of light as a traditional conservatory. The Conservatory Company is providing 2 No 3 kW heaters. My dilemma is that I would like to use the conservatory all year round could you tell me what would be the best option for all year use?

Also I have asked the company about Pilkington K glass but was told that the finish on the glass is sometimes indifferent i.e. cracks and ripples and it also costs about £25-£30 per m2.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - I describe "conservatories" with solid roofs as sunlounges. They are not conservatories in the normal sense. They do however have the additional advantages you mention. I think you can best decide what is good for you by first deciding what type of appearance you prefer. Do you like the idea of "living under glass" or is what you really want - an extension. Both alternatives can with careful planning be made usable all year round. As you might expect - I'm a "conservatory person". I would not normally make any comparison between a traditional brick built extension and a predominantly glass conservatory. The two types of buildings act / perform and feel quite different. If "living under glass" and adding light to your home appeals then a "normal" conservatory is the only real alternative. Conservatories are in my opinion for people who like the feeling of the outdoors - indoors. If this is not really that important for you a "normal" extension will be more appropriate. For a conservatory I would in the roof recommend the 25 mm polycarbonate alternative as a minimum. (The other alternative being a double glazed glass roof with Pilkington K Glass) You mention "cracks and ripples" in Pilkington K Glass. This is not something I've ever come across. It is true however that Pilkington K Glass is very slightly "tinted". Pilkington mention this in their literature and claim (quite rightly in my opinion) that the effect is negligible. With reference to the cost I think the point you may be making is - whether or not "K" glass is worth the extra cost? From a purely economic point of view it will be some time before the additional cost of Pilkington K Glass is "repaid" by savings in your heating bills. For me the economic savings are not the reason to invest in Pilkington K - rather it is the fact that you will be able to use your conservatory as a four seasons room - remaining comfortable without heating for longer. I sometimes find companies/salespeople try to persuade clients not to invest in K Glass. Why they should do that - especially when all the evidence in favour of K Glass and its extra performance are so great - I do not know. Most top professional companies certainly offer this product and a few now do it as standard. I would be "suspicious" of any company who tried to persuade you against it. Perhaps they are worried that the additional cost of it may lose them a sale?

Ref:28
Question submitted by Julie

What is the best option - toughened glass or laminate. What is the difference. I have a child and am I right in saying that toughened glass is more dangerous if smashed. Is one more secure than the other. Thank you.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - Both Toughened and Laminated glasses are forms of "safety" glass. Quite often I find that people assume toughened glass is some form of EXTRA STRONG glass - perhaps a little like "bullet proof glass". However in my 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 shreds 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 would be likely you need to break the glass in order to escape. (Such as a fire) This is off 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. As you will see ever advantage seems to provide a corresponding disadvantage - especially with laminated glass. This is probably one of the reasons its not so widely specified in conservatory construction. (Although in my opinion it is a perfectly good alternative for conservatory glazing).

Ref:27
Question submitted by Lisa

We are interested in a blue conservatory, please can you tell me if there is a stockist for coloured PVCu or aluminium?

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - Coloured PVCu has started to become more popular. At present however only a fairly small number of companies supply it. I suggest you contact the leading Trade Supplier - KOLARPLAS - who hopefully will be able to point you in the direction of a supplier local to you. You can telephone them on 01235 516703 (Didcot Oxon OX1 7PJ) They have a web site at http://www.ktechl.co.uk Coloured aluminium extrusion is available and is mainly used in Commercial Installations. It will be a little more difficult to locate coloured options for domestic use. I suggest you contact an aluminium window supplier and ask if they could supply. Most can - but I would think it's likely to be expensive.

Ref:26
Question submitted by Jennifer

I saw a TV programme a year or two ago which featured a small company who custom-built "hi-tech" conservatories made entirely of glass panels - ie no wood, aluminium or plastic frames. Do you know about this company?

I don't know who the company was - but I did see the programme. What they used is called "structural glazing". This type of glazing is mainly used in "commercial" applications so a lot of the information available will be related to office glazing and such like. I'm not sure the following web sites will be able to help - but they should be a good starting point.  http://www.f-a-firman.demon.co.uk - F.A.FIRMAN (HAROLD WOOD) LTD and http://www.structuralglazingltd.co.uk  - STRUCTURAL GLAZING LTD

Ref:25
Question submitted by Gemma

I'm thinking of getting a conservatory built but would like to know approximately how many conservatories are built each year in the UK.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - Michael Rigby Associates (MRA) have produced 'The UK Conservatory Report 1999" This report showed that 180,600 conservatories were made in 1998. They estimate that in 1999 that grew to over 198,000. This includes commercial and domestic conservatories. Michael Rigby Associates (MRA) specialises in research based marketing and consultancy for the home improvement, window and building materials markets in the UK and Europe. Their web site can be found at http://www.rigby-research.co.uk.

I am a bit confused about the different type of frames available on the market. Whereas hardwood is pretty self-explanatory, aluminium and PVCu are more confusing. For example, we have seen frames, which are aluminium on the outside and PVCu on the inside. The salesman says they are good in terms of insulation and the inside does not get too cold, thus making it less susceptible to condensation but in your web site and other brochures we have seen always give the option of either aluminium or PVCu. Can you clarify this point please.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - About 10 - 15 years ago the "thermal clad" option - combining both aluminium and PVCu was quite popular. Today only a few companies still do it. The reasons for this are most likely both "political" and "economic" in that most Aluminium Extruders didn't particularly want to promote PVCu as an alternative (preferring to promote a thermal break option) and PVCu extruders did not particularly want to promote Aluminium. Speaking personally "thermal clad" aluminium framing would not be my preferred option. This does not mean you should not consider it - especially if you like its looks. It's a perfectly good option to consider along with PVCu, Hardwood and Aluminium. Like all the material options - it's a matter of personal choice. It might also be worth remembering that quite a number of the conservatory roofing systems use a thermal clad system for the roof rafters - i.e. Aluminium Roof Rafters - Clad in PVCu - so at least in terms of roofing it is not unusual. What really matters is finding a reputable supplier and installer who can do "justice" to whatever material is used. Your experience is quite unusual in that you have come across this product. As you say few brochures and this web site did not even mention it as an alternative. At least your question has corrected that omission on this web site. Thank You.

Ref:23
Question submitted by Cathy

Please tell me what the best PVC product is i.e. should it be reinforced with steel or aluminium? Any tips would be helpful.

I was also told that the foundations needed to 'rest' for about 10 weeks before adding frame etc. Is this correct? Another supplier said the job could be completed in 3-5 days.

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - In my opinion - there is really not much to choose between Galvanised Steel Reinforcement or Aluminium Reinforcement. Both do the job and leading companies uses both alternatives. What I do find is that "salespeople" will often make exaggerated claims one way or the other in an attempt to sell their product. Typically the arguments go as follows - Steel is stronger - but more likely to rust if the galvanisation is removed and Aluminium is not quite so strong - but will not rust! (That's the simplified arguments!) As an example of the "exaggeration" that can go on - I have know of companies to show photos of windows with rust coming from them! What is not explained is that when screws are inserted into galvanised steel is that a small amount of "swarf" is removed and with that the galvanisation. It's possible for the swarf - which will always drop down to the bottom of the frame to "rust". The evidence of this quickly disappears as the swarf oxidises. This rusting is "not catching" and will not pass to the rest of the reinforcing. Sorry if my answer is not "conclusive" - but I feel the more important consideration is the overall calibre of the company you chose and the quality/looks of the PVCu system - not whether Steel or Aluminium is used for reinforcement. The only other question I would raise with a supplier is "if the frames are fully reinforced"? - In my opinion they should be. Some suppliers will use terms such as "reinforced where necessary" - this is clearly not the same as "fully reinforced". With regards to a "rest" period between the base going down and conservatory being erected - seven working days is usually considered fine. Imagine what would happen to the building industry if you had to wait 10 weeks for base/walls to rest before going on with the rest of the building!

Ref:22
Question submitted by Keith

I have a conservatory which I would like to renovate. It currently has a polycarbonate roof which i would Ideally like to replace with Glass. However, I suspect this would be expensive and not something i could do myself. Is there any alternative plastic product to polycarbonate which would give a transparency more like glass?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Yes, glass may prove expensive. Also as your original roof was polycarbonate, the support structure may not be strong enough for glass. However, yes there is an alternative plastics solution with the clarity you are seeking - A twin-wall acrylic called PLEXIGLAS ALLTOP SDP. This sheet has excellent clarity with 91% light transmission. Special 'NO DROP' coatings ensure that the clarity is maintained by making the sheet readily washed down by the rain and dispersing any interior condensation. Acrylic sheet withstands long-term weathering very well, having excellent UV resistance. This product has good impact resistance and offers excellent sound reduction properties. For more information, prices, etc please contact your nearest branch of Amari Plastics, or their specialist building products unit on tel no. 0115 928 6550.  They have a Web Site at www.amariplastics.com - however there is not a lot of information on PLEXIGLAS there.

Ref:21
Question submitted by Paul

I have a south-facing conservatory full of plants and it gets too hot. (50 c) I want a glass roof, and presume I will need blinds. Will anti sun/Pilkington K preclude the need for blinds, while NOT darkening it on dark days?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Anti-sun and Pilkington K Glass are great products - but will not in my opinion give the "shading" effect you require for plants. You could consider putting Anti-sun glass in the side frames - but I would consider it best to have Blinds or some other method of shading in the roof - especially on the hottest days of summer. (You can have both Anti-sun and blinds together) I would suggest you obtain a sample of Anti-sun glass from your supplier before you buy - at least then you can decide if its effect would be to "darken" too much on cloudy days. Speaking personally I would not say that Anti-sun darkens very much at all - basically its best for reducing glare.