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 Nigel

Is there any difference between PVCu windows fitted in a conservatory and those fitted in a house? I have had different sales people giving different responses to this question; one suggested house windows are not as strong and should not be used in a conservatory. Another said they were identical. Can you help?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - The "base" PVCu extrusion used in conservatory construction is often the same as that used in house windows. That said, most conservatory companies will add to the base spec with better quality reinforcing (say fully reinforced) or thicker framing. For instance some conservatory companies will prefer to use the outer frame section usually associated with door frames for the window framing in their conservatories. (The thickness/width of outer frame in most windows is 50 - 55 mm while the thickness of the door framing is usually 70mm) A thicker frame - fully reinforced will give better structural strength. Also some companies will use more frames to assembly a conservatory than others - often joining these frames with special structural mullions. (By this we mean that some companies will manufacture each section/frame separately while others will make one larger "window" that could be divided into say three sections) Clearly these differences have considerable effects on the prices quoted and you should expect to pay more for a conservatory made up out of individual frames. Please note that having the conservatory made out of a greater number of frames is more important with a glass roofed conservatory than say a polycarbonate roofed conservatory. (Because of the greater weight of a glass roof) While we like using a greater number of frames to construct a conservatory you should note that using more frames will also add to the "bulkiness" of your conservatory and this may not be to everybody's taste. When attempting to compare "like with like" in quotations you receive for your conservatory you should bear in mind the above points in particular. Just because the drawings look similar and the all companies specify PVC-U with say a polycarbonate roof does not mean that the specifications are identical. For this reason we always advise people to be especially careful if they receive one price that is considerably lower than the rest of the quotes received.

Ref:39
Question submitted by Sue

My conservatory leaks. My builder says its the soldier vents in the cavity wall above the window which has been covered by the conservatory. He says there is nothing he can do. Can you help?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - Most homes built with cavity walls will have "cavity trays" inserted above doors and windows. Its purpose is to "deflect" moisture that "transfers" across the outer skin of brick work back out - rather than let it "bridge" across the cavity at lintel level - causing damp inside. In most properties the lintel effectively acts as the "cavity tray" and deflects this moisture back outwards. It sounds to us that the moisture you are experiencing will be coming via the cavity trays rather than a leak in the conservatory. This could have been prevented if a cavity tray had been inserted into your house wall above the conservatory roof at time of installation. Its our experience that very few conservatory buyers opt to have a cavity tray installed (mainly as it costs more) as the "perceived" risk is small and in deed many conservatory companies do not mention this option. (This we think is a mistake on their part) A small number of conservatory owners like you will have problems because no cavity tray is installed. The following link explains more about cavity trays. http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/topconstipsextra.htm It is still possible to insert a cavity tray but it will be more difficult and more costly to do so now. You should enquire of your builder if they can do this and what costs if any would be involved. We have also heard of people with this problem having some success in controlling the problem by applying a clear water proofing treatment (silicone) to the brickwork above the conservatory roof line. This treatment makes the brickwork less porous and as less water makes its way across the cavity the problem is reduced or eliminated.

Ref:38
Question submitted by Gwen

I'd like a very modern conservatory, more like an entire room made out of large sheets of glass with no traditional wood/upvc structure. Is there such a thing??

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - The answer is yes. You are looking for some thing designed in "architectural glass". Web sites and information on this alternative is not that common. Most projects like this are the result of the conservatory being designed by an interior designer or specialist architect. Structural 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.cantifix.co.uk F.A.FIRMAN (HAROLD WOOD) LTD STRUCTURAL GLAZING LTD

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Question submitted by Alan

I'm considering buying a softwood (Baltic Pine) conservatory to add to my victorian house. They supply double glazed 12mm to dwarf height then 12mm plywood panels, together with 16 mm triple polycarbonate roof. I will be adding a central heating radiator. The site is on a north facing wall. On a fairly tight budget what enhancements in order of priority would you recommend to try to bring the specification to '4 seasons' standard?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - In order of priority I would suggest the first upgrade you consider is to choose the option of double glazing to the bottom panels. As this may not suit you with fitting radiators the other option would be to purchase another set of panels for internal use and then use a vapour barrier and insulate the gap. Both these options are a cost effective way of upgrading the unit to give all year use and are recommended by Baltic Pine. If Baltic Pine offer it - I would also suggest you consider upgrading to Pilkington K Glass.

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Question submitted by Marcus

Some suppliers say that internal glazing is more secure since there is no beading on the outside. However other suppliers say that external beading is more secure because the fitter will push the glass against the beading from the inside which effectively locks the beading onto place. One supplier says that it is possible to simply "kick" out internally fitted glass panels. They also say that they are more prone to leaking since during wind loading, the flex of the glass is being pressed against beading rather than a moulded recess. I have contacted my insurance company and they have no preference. What is the truth? Which is more secure?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - There are "elements" of "truth" in both "arguments". It is difficult to argue against internal beading being the more secure of the two glazing methods and on most occasions we would favour this option. However it is also true that some externally beaded systems (especially when combined with a double-sided security tape) are just about as secure. It is also true that an externally beaded window is less prone to "leaks" through the beads as there is effectively a PVCu upstand on the inside of the window which any water would have to rise above before showing on inside. However leaks of this type are very rare and only happen in the most extreme of conditions (for instance if you had a coastal property or a property on the top of a hill with little or no protection.) In any case no matter what method of glazing is used your supplier should be guaranteeing against leaks. (The PVCu has drainage channels installed at time of manufacture to cope with this). With regards to the glass panels being easy to "knock out" - its more likely the glass would break prior to being "knocked out" of the retaining beads. We suggest make your choice based on the caliber of the company and your belief that they will be around to honor 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. Unfortunately its often the case that the more you investigate a product and the more opinions you get - the more confused you will be. We appreciate we may not have given you the definitive answer you have expected - but hopefully this is some help.

Ref:35
Question submitted by Sandy

What advice can you give regarding guarantees from conservatory installers? Some may be totally worthless if the firm fold up after completion or even half way through the work! I have heard of "insurance backed guarantees" what are these and are they best. Does using an installer who is part of the GGF give any better protection in the event of problems?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - Most companies now offer some sort of insurance backed guarantees. Please note however that a better description of 'insurance backed guarantees' would be 'insolvency' guarantees. In other words they do not come into effect until such times as the company supplying the guarantee goes out of business. (i.e. they are not like extended warranties where the insurance company carries out repairs) Wherever possible do try and deal with a company offering some sort of additional 'insurance backed guarantee'. When reviewing these guarantees its worth asking if the 'insurance backed' element also covers the base and walls and what restrictions may apply. The small print on their documentation does make interesting reading and you will probably find that most 'insurance backed guarantees' have a limit on the amount of money they will pay out. (Typically £2500). Additionally most will have a limit on the amount they will pay out on the bankruptcy of any individual company. (Typically £100000 - £250000) The GGF, (Glass and Glazing Federation) is a trade association funded by their members and whilst arguably they must have their members interests at heart they do provide customers of their members some additional benefits. For instance: The GGF also provides a free conciliation service, should a customer and a member company not see eye to eye over work carried out. In the rare cases that this does not work, the GGF has an independent arbitration scheme run by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Deposits placed with GGF Members are protected by an indemnity scheme, backed by Commercial Union, which safeguards deposits up to £2,500 or 25% of the contract price, whichever is lower. We would not suggest you consider GGF members exclusively - just that they do in our opinion offer some additional benefits that you should consider when comparing the various quotations you receive.

Ref:34
Question submitted by Rob

I am designing a free standing cedar framed gazebo (3.5 x 5.5m) that will have a hot tub sited within it. The structure will be built adjacent to my lounge (which has a flat roof). It will have a low pitched (~20 degree) hip roof with the lower half clad on three sides with cedar shingles. I would like the top half of the roof to be constructed with a clear polycarbonate using a cedar or matching frame. The challenge is to design and build the upper section of the roof so that it can slide open (on some kind of tracking) to lie over top of the adjacent flat roof of the lounge. Can you advise me of a supplier that may be able to help with this project.

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - We like your idea - however your request is quite unusual. It may be difficult to get exactly what you want. Try this web site http://www.livingdaylight.co.uk - they do offer a 'sliding roof' system. Also have a look at a company called Aliplast http://www.aliplast.com.

Ref:33
Question submitted by Gary

Where would I get something to keep the French doors of my conservatory open, to stop them blowing to & fro in the wind, & to stop my little boy from trapping his fingers in them?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - Some suppliers will supply (or you can purchase separately) special 90 degrees restrictor stays (hinges) that are fitted to top of door. These limit the amount of opening to 90 degrees. In my opinion they are not the best solution as you may wish to open by more than 90 degrees. A better alternative in my opinion is to fit "cabin hooks" (as often seen on ships). These are easy to obtain from hardware stores. Attach the "eye" to the French Doors by means of "self taping screws" - then attach the "hook" to the wall next to the door. With this method you can secure the door open in an open position and protect your child's hands.

Ref:32
Question submitted by Simon

Is the GGF actually customer orientated. We have had several suppliers say it is a must and others say that it supplier orientated and does nothing for the customer.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the trade association for companies involved in the flat glass industry including companies that manufacture and install windows, doors and conservatories. I would not go as far as saying its a MUST - but all other things being equal I would prefer a GGF member. The GGF is the premier and longest established trade association in this industry. Whilst they are funded by their members and must have their members interests at heart they do also offer clients of their members some additional "safe guards" I asked the GGF to comment on your question and this is what they had to say. The GGF has two specialist groups dealing with these areas, the Window and Door Group and the Conservatory Association. The Federation represents more than 60% of the industry's turnover. Membership of the Federation is not automatic. Companies must have been trading for three years; and we have a strict vetting procedure that includes looking at company accounts and site visits. GGF Members work to a Code of Ethical Practice that was produced in consultation with the Office of Fair Trading. The GGF also provides a free conciliation service, should a customer and a member company not see eye to eye over work carried out. In the rare cases that this does not work, the GGF has an independent arbitration scheme run by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Deposits placed with GGF Members are protected by an indemnity scheme, backed by Commercial Union, which safeguards deposits up to £2,500 or 25% of the contract price, whichever is lower.

Ref:31
Question submitted by Trevor

We would like to put a 24ft x 10ft lean-to style conservatory on the back of our bungalow but have been advised against PVCu because of roof loading e.g. snow etc. The roof pitch will be shallow because of the soffit height. We have also been told there could be expansion problems with a building of this size in PVCu. Please can you advise us?

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - Provided you have at least a pitch of 2.5 degrees it will be possible to fit a lean-to PVCu conservatory using the ULTRALITE 500 roofing system. (Ultralite 500 is an Ultraframe product and is available from a lot of conservatory suppliers - ask for it by name) I think it unlikely that you would not have a pitch of at least 2.5 degrees - but if you really have a problem you can always make the projection less (say 8ft instead of 10ft) - which in turn will give you an opportunity for a greater pitch. If polycarbonate were used in the roof I would suggest a pitch of 8 degrees although some companies will go down to 5 degrees. There is not reason why you should not consider PVCu for your lean-to conservatory - even at this size. Provided it's constructed correctly and uses fully reinforced frames I would be happy to use. Sometimes I find that companies who cannot offer a particular product or who prefer to promote one particular product will suggest something is wrong with the other alternatives. Very rarely is this the case. The more important point is the "quality of fit" - no matter whether you use PVCu, timber or aluminium.