Glass Conservatory
Conservatories
Currently popular, it is important to remember that conservatories are more than just a fashion trend in home design. In addition to the numerous benefits associated with living in a home that features a conservatory, it also increases the value of your home.
Read this overview of what goes into planning and executing a conservatory build to ensure that building your conservatory runs smoothly form start to finish, with no nasty surprises.
Build a conservatory!
There are numerous benefits to building a conservatory onto your home. In addition to adding to the resale value of your property, and improving the aesthetics of the house, an attractive conservatory will also increase the pride that you feel for your home. Moreover, should extra living space be a necessity, adding a conservatory is a simple way to double your living space or reorganise your home to ensure a maximum use of space and light. Finally, for those who fancy an outdoors lifestyle, but don't live in a climate that allows for it, installing a conservatory is the perfect compromise; allowing for the outdoors to flow seamlessly into your home without the extremes of temperature.
Find out everything you need to know about building a conservatory.
Planning permission for conservatories
The first thing that it is necessary to do, once you have made the decision to build a conservatory onto your home, is find out whether or not you require planning permission. Often, depending on whether your proposed structure meets certain requirements, this is unnecessary. However, it is always better to be sure, and the best way to do this, is to consult your Local Authority. Get all the information on planning permission here.
Choosing A Location or Direction for Your Conservatory
Seemingly uncomplicated, the position of your conservatory is more significant that many people realise. This is largely as a result of the impact of the sun that dictates the temperature fluctuations inside your conservatory. Deciding between building a north, south, east or west-facing conservatory should depend on the local climate, as well as on the purpose for which you intend your conservatory. There are however, variety of energy efficient glass products that can reduce the impact of external temperatures and the positioning of the conservatory, in terms of which direction it faces. The correctly specified glass product can provide various benefits, such as thermal insulation, solar control, plus additional security
Read this for more information on how to choose the direction of your conservatory.
Main Structural Materials for Conservatories
There are three main structural materials usually used in conservatory building. Each has discernable advantages and disadvantages and each type is suited to a slightly different type of conservatory and home. Timber is high maintenance but aesthetically is the most attractive material. It is however, more suited to older, more traditional homes.
PVCu is a cost effective material that requires virtually no maintenance. Available in a variety of colours and finishes, it is best used in modern homes.
Aluminium is highly regarded for its strength and is often used to build the conservatories' roofs. Similar in appearance to PVCu.
Discover everything you need to know about the main structural materials you will need to choose from here.
Glass Considerations
It is important that the glass in your conservatory is an asset, rather than a burden. Choosing the correct conservatory glass is perhaps one of the most important decisions that need to be made during the planning process. This is largely because glass is so technologically advanced these days that the type of glass you install in your new conservatory can have a significant bearing on how much pleasure you derive from it. Glass can control temperature, improve security, block out solar some solar gain and self-clean. It is up to you to decide what your needs are regarding your conservatory glass and then consult the glass professionals to make it happen.
Read this guide on choosing the right glass for your conservatory.
Cleaning glass conservatories
One of the greatest hassles associated with owning a conservatory is that of cleaning the glass. Fortunately, Pilkington Self-Cleaning Glass is a product that removes the hassle from having glass as a feature in the home. Using only the natural elements, with no effort on your part, this incredible glass product cleans itself, ensuring that it always looks its best. The sun's natural rays break down organic dirt that collects on the glass and when it rains, the loose debris is washed away. The quick drying surface ensures that your conservatory is left streak-free, therefore providing a clearer view.
Read more about why Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass is the ideal glass solution for your conservatory.
Conservatory Design Ideas
With a wealth of different conservatory designs available, making a decision can be somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, the choices are narrowed by the fact that the designs are suited to homes of different ages and styles. It is important to take this into account before making a final decision, because while one design may be your favourite, if it is incongruous with your home, many of the benefits of owning a home with a conservatory will be lost.
Learn more about the various types of conservatory designs.