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If you’re worried about your conservatory being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, you can insulate it. Older conservatory roofs are made from inefficient polycarbonate, which means that up to 25% of all the heat lost in a conservatory escapes from the roof.

To insulate your conservatory roof, you can install blinds or curtains – but they can go mouldy from condensation. There are two other options that are more long-term that could be better: upgrading the polycarbonate in the roof or opting for a solid conservatory roof.

You can add a thicker polycarbonate roof panel with better thermal efficiency if the glazing bars on your conservatory will expand to fit. This will offer better insulation, but may not last very long – maybe less than 10 years.

A solid conservatory roof is a new way of making your conservatory usable all year round. Most existing conservatory frames will be able to support a lightweight metal structure and slate-like tiles to match your home’s roof. Or you can opt for a hybrid option where the solid and glass parts are merged together. This will insulate your conservatory roof so it never gets too hot or too cold.

A polycarbonate conservatory roof is made using a polycarbonate which is a contemporary plastic material that features several beneficial properties which gives it a high optical clarity as well as a good durability. Visually, it’s very similar to glass but its a lot more resistant to impact  which makes it just as strong as some metals. As a result, there are a lot of cases where polycarbonate is used as a replacement for security windows and more. If you happen to possess a polycarbonate conservatory, then you’d probably like to know how you can fix it in case of any damages. In this post, we’re going to consider how to repair polycarbonate conservatory roofs. Let’s take a look!

There are a bunch of effective methods you can consider for fusing or gluing polycarbonate plastic. Glues will leave an adhesive behind, while fusing results in a chemical reaction which enables the material to melt back together. Here is a great method you can use to repair polycarbonate plastic:

• Use of methyl methacrylate. Due to the fact that this creates a strong, resilient bond, methyl methacrylate is the best way to fuse polycarbonate. According to some of the users, if they try to pull the polycarbonate apart the unaffected part will break before the bond does. During the application of methyl methacrylate, you’d have to ensure you’re in a well ventilated area or outdoor. This is because the fume generated from methyl methacrylate can be toxic if it’s inhaled in a high concentration.

First and foremost, a conservatory or a sunroom is a structure attached to the sunny part of a house which possess glass walls and roof which enables the sun’s entrance into the space. Conservatories happen to be a very popular structure in the UK as home and property owners are able to subject it to wide variety of uses such for relaxation, entertainment, hangouts with family and friends, reading and lots more. Therefore, when the conservatory roof is leaking a lot of activities could be affected. Hence, the more reason why you should know hoe to repair this kind of issue by yourself. However, if you’re not confident enough to carry out this task, we’ll recommend you call in a professional who can guarantee the best output the first time. In this guide, we’re going to look at the conservatory roof leak repair process.

• Spot the leak. The first line of action is to examine the conservatory’s roof to identify the leaking part (tip - most leaks takes place around transparent roof panes edges). If you have a slanted roof, you’d have to look carefully. The spot where it drips may not necessary imply that its the leaking spot.
• Remove the old seal. Climb a ladder to access the leaking pane. Then, with the help of a utility knife, lift out the panel and clean all traces of the old sealant. Once done, simply lay down a bead of the new sealant in the frame, press the clear panel back in place and apply sealant to the outer edges.
• Cracked pane. If the existing pane is cracked or broken, simply hold the pieces tightly together by applying tape across the pane in various directions
• Leak sealing. Another option to fix leaks is by applying a sealant around the leaking pane without having to remove it.

There several benefits to be derived from constructing a wooden conservatory. Not only do they have an immense visual appeal that’s difficult to rival, but also offer a plethora of other benefits as well. You get to choose from a variety of styles, wooden conservatories are versatile as the wood can be carved to your taste, they can come with a warranty between 10-25 years, they are strong and durable, and finally, they go a long way to increase your property value.

With that in mind, there are a wide range of wood types that are available in the market which you can choose from and the best option largely depends on varying factors. These includes your preference, budget and many more. Below are some types of woods you can consider to construct your new extension.

• Oak

This is a very popular wood type ( especially in the UK) when it comes to constructing wooden conservatories, thanks to its top notch hard wood.

• Iroko

This is a special type of hardwood that possesses a very lengthy lifespan, just like an oak. Due to its extraordinary quality, this wood type can be very rare to come by which implies a really costly price tag.

• Sapele

This is a type of wood that is widely known for its strength. It is very durable and comes with a great finish.

• Mahogany

Mahogany is an exceptionally strong wood that’s a lot resistant to warping than most of the other woods. It possesses a red colour which will turn to grey overtime.

• Idigbo

Only top wood experts can actually differentiate between a stained idigbo and an oak. Being a light wood, idigbo is usually a cheap option and absolutely very easy to work with.

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If you are considering building a wooden conservatory in your home, it’s normal to be curious about whether or not the home improvement effort is costly. Basically, wooden conservatories are ones that have been constructed using a wooden structure. There are options to choose from which timber and this can also play a part in the amount you’ll have to pay. Conservatories using hardwood, which are more durable and requires less preparation, are also considerably costlier than the softwood counterpart.

For just the timber in a kit build your own conservatory you would be looking at around £10,000 to £20,000. Generally, a wooden conservatory built for you will cost you a range between £20,000 to £50,000 based on the type of wood, the size as well as the style you opt for.

In addition, wooden conservatory prices are also determined by the supplier you’re dealing with. As a result, it’s advisable to conduct a proper and detailed market research about the available suppliers and identify the one who truly offers quality materials at an affordable rate. If you wish to go for an Oak frame, the price will typically be higher.

To give your house a more traditional look, you can go for a timber conservatory rather than a uPVC one. However, it requires more maintenance than the uPVC as well as regular weatherproofing to prevent it from warping or rotting as a result of changes in humidity or temperature. If you want the timber look there are options with modern uPVC which can give a similar style but at a lower cost.

Lean-to conservatories are often known as Mediterranean conservatories or sunrooms and are a great way to add more living space when you’ve only got a small amount of room to work with. They usually have clean lines, a rectangular shape and attach to the side or rear of your home, which makes them one of the easiest conservatory types to build yourself.

So how do you build a wooden lean-to conservatory? The first step is to decide what you want it to look like. Most lean-to conservatories are constructed of glass and the wood frame, but you can choose to have dwarf walls too. Dwarf walls are low brick walls that are useful if you’re planning to plumb in radiators, have air conditioning installed or put plug sockets in the conservatory.

When you’ve decided what your wooden lean-to conservatory is going to look like, you’ll need to get the materials. You’ll need to choose a hardy wood – oak is the most expensive but also the most durable – and source glass for the windows. You’ll also need to decide on a roof material and work out the correct pitch.

The first step to building your wooden lean-to conservatory is to dig the foundations. You’ll then need to level the earth, then add concrete to the correct height, which should be lower than your property’s existing damp course. Then, you’ll build up to the damp course, which will be your conservatory’s floor level. Don’t forget to make sure it’s even.

If you’re building a dwarf wall, start it from the base and build up to no more than 1 metre high. Once the cement is dry, place external sills on top of the dwarf wall. You’ll then need to secure the frames; start with the one that secures to your property, then do the same for the rest, connecting outwards until they meet from the two sides. Then put up your doors.

Now it’s time to build the roof. This should be simple if you’ve bought your own custom-made kit. Place the roof ridge on top of the frames, then add the roof rafters between the roof ridge and hip bars. Fit your glazing sheets and guttering – it’s important that your wooden conservatory roof has guttering just like your house, otherwise your conservatory roof won’t last very long and could even cause rainwater to rot your wooden frames.

Once you’ve built your wooden lean-to conservatory, all that’s left is to decide on how you want to decorate it. But if this all sounds like too much, get in touch with specialist wooden conservatory installers who will be able to give you a quote for building you a lean-to conservatory.

Generally, if you want to do a job, you can as well ensure that’s done properly. You may be considering building a small base for an orangery, but no matter how small it is, it just shouldn’t be done to any other than a compliant standard, and that’s whether or not an approval is needed. When it comes to building work which is covered by Building Regulations, you are required to comply (by the law) with the regulations and to make use of one of the two types of Building Control Service available. These includes the Building Control Service given by your local authority or the Building Control Service given by approved inspectors.

Regardless of the service you opt for, you’re going to pay but the preferred service may offer an advice before commencement of the project. The individual carrying out the building work is charged with the responsibility of ensuring total compliance with the regulations. Therefore, if you select to undertake the project by yourself, the responsibility is primarily on you. In the same vein, if you opt for a building company the responsibility would be the company’s, but you should always ensure to confirm this position before commencement of the project. You must also take note that you may be served with an enforcement notice if you fail to comply with the regulations as the owner of the building. So it’s advisable that you choose your builder very carefully.

There are a bunch of elements you may require approval for like the structural integrity, appropriate insulation levels, or the construction of a building over drainage or sewage. In cases where it’s obvious that you’d need building regulations, you can simply submit the building and planning application together at once.

Are Solid Roof Conservatories Any Good?

If your old old glazed conservatory roof is starting to yield to the elements, perhaps it’s time to starting putting your money where your roof is. In recent times, most homeowners in the UK are now opting for the solid, tiled conservatory roofing alternative and for a good reason. If you’re also wondering if solid conservatories are of any good, then you’ve come to the right place! In the article, we’re going to discuss whether or not solid roof conservatories are a solid worthwhile investment and reasons for the stand.

Firstly, let’s look at what wrong with the normal conservatory roofs. Despite the fact that these are the cheaper alternative, it must however be said that they’re lacking in terms of insulation. A bad insulation can only mean discomfort all year round - winter will be cold and draughty and summer, stuffy and baking.

Solid roof conservatories, on the other hand, are made from special material that resembles traditional roof tiles but will only have a fraction of the weight. They’re able to deliver a much better insulation than a glazed roof which implies comfort all year round. What’s more? They’re very easy and quick to install, and as a result of their lightweight, you can easily transport them and use them for an underlying structure. The solid roof conservatories are a worthwhile investment which also provides the following advantages:

✓ It helps you save money. If they actually cost more, how can they save money? The solid roof conservatories provides many benefits but the most obvious one is improved insulation. And when a space is properly insulated, your heating bills will be significantly reduced. Hence, saving you some money.

✓ It also improves the safety of both you and your loved ones.