Ideal conservatory specifications

June 16, 2010

The ideal specifications for a conservatory is really dependent on it’s location, intended use and of course personal preference, however in general, the following guide provides the most important factors to consider.

Style – Choose a conservatory style that most suits your home and try to avoid any over-the-top design that doesn’t fit in with your property.

Size – Make sure that your conservatory is large enough to serve it’s purpose but not so large that it looks out of proportion on your home.

Colour – Choose a colour that closely matches your existing or proposed new windows and doors.

Frame Glazing – There are now many different glazing types to choose from. For convenience, consider self cleaning glass and for comfort and energy conservation, consider thermally efficient and solar control glass. This will help keep your conservatory more comfortable all year round.

Roof Glazing – Again, consider thermally efficient, self cleaning and solar control glass or polycarbonate. Remember, a glass conservatory roof will normally allow more glare than most polycarbonate roofs.

Heating - Due to the proportion of glass in the typical conservatory, adequate heating during cold spells can often be more difficult than with other rooms in the house. Often, a single radiator or heater is not enough and should be aided by a secondary heating source such as electric underfloor heating for example.

Blinds - Fitting blinds provides privacy, helps reduce heat loss through the windows and guards against heat and light which can damage furniture.

Furniture - If your conservatory is to be used as an additional living area, then you’ll need to furnish it. Choose comfortable furniture for relaxing, socialising or watching TV, just as you would in your main living room.

If you follow this guide, you’ll not go far wrong and it will enable you to get the very most out of your conservatory.


Conservatory glass roofs increase in sales

March 9, 2010

Just a few years ago, conservatory glass roofs were virtually unheard of but have become increasingly popular over the past two or three years.

It is estimated that at least one in three conservatory roofs are now manufactured to accept glass rather than polycarbonate.

Conservatory roofs that are manufactured to accept glass units are normally ‘beefed up’ with heavy duty rafter bars, steel reinforcing and bolster support bars, depending on the size and shape of the roof and the roof system being fabricated. Typically, tie bars are also supplied to provide additional support.

Conservatory glass roof technology has come a long way recently with thermally efficient, solar control and self cleaning options.

One of the most popular examples is Pilkington Activ Blue Solar Control, Self-Cleaning glass which has a subtle blue tint for solar control purposes and a self-clean coating which reacts with day light to break down dirt which is then washed away with rain or by hosing down. Another version of this is Activ Neutral which has a slight tint but without the blue colour.

Glass roofs make conservatories substantially more expensive, not just because of the increased cost of the glass itself, but also with the addition of the extra steel reinforcements, bolster bars and tie bars that are often required to safely support the weight of the glass units.


Pilkington Activ Blue Self-Cleaning, Solar Control Glass

April 14, 2009

Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass

April 14, 2009

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