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How Long Do UPVC Conservation Last?

UPVC conservatories are common features on residences across the UK for a good reason. Not only do they give you the extra living space you so much desire within your home or property, but they also go a long way to add value to your property. So if you’re also thinking about constructing a UPVC conservation within your home, you’re probably not alone! One of the several benefits of the structure is also its longevity, however this is dependent on a number of factors. Let’s take a closer look!

Modern UPVC windows will normally last between 20 to 25 years, however some are able to last much longer provided they’re properly maintained and top quality materials are used. And thanks to improvements in colour technology, the finish on UPVC tends to last much longer too.

Some of the factors that can go a long way to determine the longevity of your UPVC conservation includes the type of roofing materials used, how well it’s being maintained, the location or placement of the structure, replacement of individual conservatory parts, as well as insulation.

The type of roofing material for a UPVC conservation can either be glass, polycarbonate or tiles. The glass and polycarbonate roofs usually lasts for a minimum of 20 years when it’s properly installed and provided with the necessary upkeep. Meanwhile, tiled UPVC conservation roof are generally expected to last up to 50 years which is significantly longer than the counterparts - glass and polycarbonate. Interestingly, they require little to no maintenance and are also very unlikely to get damaged during the upkeep.

It’s also very important to make use of a reliable and reputable company to have your UPVC conservatory installed. This is because your structure can only be as good as the company responsible for its installation. So if you require a structures that will last for decades, you should pay great attention to the company you’ll hire.

No matter how small or little your lean to conservatory is, the benefits that can be derived from it remains immense. Not only does it add to the value of your home by making it more attractive to potential buyers and securing you a long term investment, but it can also serve as a relaxation or hang out spot with family and friends. In fact, with the lean to conservatory’s simplistic design, it happens to be an economical way to extend your home and also to maximize your living space. If you’re considering to build a small lean to conservatory on your property, then you’d probably want to know exactly how much this is going to cost. In this post, we’re going to look at the price involved in constructing a small lean to conservatory.

When it comes to building a lean to conservatory, there are a bunch of factors that’ll play a key role in the final cost of the project. For example, you’d have to make a decision on the glazing options, roof type, size and more. All these factors will have a huge impact on the final cost you’re going to incur to complete the project. For instance, a polycarbonate roof material lean to conservatory with a size of 3500mm x 2000mm will cost within a range of £7000 to about £8000, while a glass roof material lean to conservatory of the same size will cost within the range of £7500 to about £8500. In order to get a more accurate cost estimate for your small lean to conservatory project, there’s the need to call in a professional to discuss your specific requirements as well as budget.

There are several reasons why an aluminium conservatory installation is a great way to expand your home.

Firstly, it’s strong and durable. This means that as well as providing you with a conservatory that’s more secure, this frame material will also last longer and cope with harsher weathering that wooden or uPVC conservatories.

Aluminium also offers more design possibilities. It can be bent into custom shapes, making it ideal if you want to create a unique, stylish home extension. It comes in a wide range of colours, so you can coordinate it with your existing property.

An aluminium conservatory installation can also help you maximise light in your home. They have very thin frames compared to wood and uPVC, so they’re a great choice if you want to let in as much daylight as possible.

What Is A Conservatory?

A conservatory is basically a structure constructed on a property that’s usually attached to the side of a home. It’s a room as well as a greenhouse that’s constructed with the help of a wide range of materials which includes bricks, wood, glass and polycarbonate. A conservatory is typically built with a great amount of glass which enables it to offer huge amount of sun and light. During construction, the idea is always to muster sufficient sunlight for the plants while also enabling a cosy room within the structure especially during the cold months. Generally, conservatory extensions’ walls are made of over 50 percent of glass, while their roofs are usually made up of more than 75 percent glass.

Thanks to the advancement in technology, conservatories have also greatly developed over the years. They’ve significantly evolved from the usual luxury greenhouses to normal and everyday home extensions. Conservatories have also grown to become very energy-efficient while also providing super comfort to the extent that they’re now being used throughout the year. And while it’s formerly known to be an occasional room, it’s now more of a home’s extension.

Legally, conservatories are usually covered by what’s called the permitted development rights which exempts them from both planning permission and building regulations. The conditions below form the legal definition of a conservatory to differentiate it from an extension.

✓ Below 30 square metres in size

✓ Constructed at ground level

✓ Separated from the main building by external walls, doors or windows.

✓ Possesses its own stand alone heating system

✓ The glazing as well as fixed electrical fittings are in compliance with the relevant building regulations.

Does A Conservatory Add Value?

if you’re looking to get a new conservatory built in your home or you’re moving into a new home that features a conservatory, it’s understandable if you’re wondering whether or not a conservatory adds value to a property.

Adding a conservatory to your home will not only create additional space, but it’ll also add value to it. When the right style, fit and shape is chosen, your conservatory can become an asset that’ll be well worth the investment when you want to dispose your home or property. Generally, a conservatory is estimated to add about 7 percent value to a home as stated by a popular property personality Phil Spencer. However, the correct level of the value it adds will be based on how well your conservatory is built as well as well it matches with its surroundings. As a result, when building your conservatory, it’s crucial to make sure that the new living space fits your home perfectly well in such a way that it showcases your property’s style of interior in order to create continuity.

When building your new living space, the first thing to do is to determine the best place for the structure to be placed. This should be given your total consideration because conservatories that look out of place can actually end up causing more harm than good like reducing the value of your property, as the potential investor may see it as more of a burden pr something that needs to be fixed.

If you choose a conservatory that perfectly suits the rest of your home and also creates value by allowing you derive maximum benefits from your garden, it’s likely to be a hot cake amongst potential buyers.

How Wooden Conservatories Add Value To My Home?

Wooden conservatories does not only offer a bright and exciting way to increase both your entertainment and living space, but can also go a long to add immense value to your home. If you recruit master craftsmen to utilize superior quality wooden materials to build your conservatory, it can boost the value of your property by 5 percent - ranging between £13,000 to £15,000.

Like many other construction projects, the amount of value that’ll be generated by a wooden conservatory depends largely on the quality of the materials and construction utilized. A higher quality wood like an Oak or Iroko will definitely add a greater value to your home than woods of a lesser quality.

Below are some good points you can put to use to ensure you get the best return on investment.

• Do not alter your home’s style

If you have a modern home, building a traditional conservatory would not only make your home have an inconsistent appearance, but also reduce its value. Ensure that your wooden conservatory has a similar style to your home to derive maximum value.

• A great looking and professionally done wooden conservatory equals a great value

To maximize the possible benefits from your wooden conservatory, it is essential to use a reputable company with a fantastic portfolio.

• Strike a balance between garden space and your conservatory size

A big or moderate outdoor space is just as valuable as your wooden conservatory. So when building your conservatory, do ensure to take the outdoor space into consideration, as a little garden space can imply a negative ROI.

• Consult a local estate agent

The size, style and construction of your wooden conservatory can greatly impact its value. A local estate agent can assist you to determine the potential ROI.

Click here to learn more about wooden conservatories

What Is The Difference Between A Conservatory And An Orangery?

If you’re looking to build an extension for your home, one of the first things that comes to mind is the type of structure that would best suit your property. When it comes to glass extensions there are two major varieties which includes the traditional conservatory and the orangery, but there are usually a lot of confusion over the differences of these two varieties. With the growth in popularity of glazed extensions, the differences between the two structures are becoming more and more thin. However, the main difference between a conservatory and an orangery is the number of glass incorporated. Conservatories are fully glazed structures featuring a low brick base wall, meanwhile orangeries are grand brick structures with with glazed roofs. But as a result of innovations of over the years in glazing, the difference has changed a bit.

Here are some of the major differences between a conservatory and an orangery.

✓ Orangeries are generally best suited to traditional-styled homes or with older property making use of matching stone or brick in construction. Meanwhile for a more recent or modern property, a conservatory will be the better option to add the flair to your property.

✓ Conservatories tend to be larger than orangeries, therefore if you want a smaller extension, an orangery would be your best bet.

✓ Orangeries are typically rectangular in shape and is traditionally a more regular building meanwhile a conservatory can be shaped to suit your needs. With an conservatory, you can get a T-shaped, L-shaped, curved, double ended and lean-to extensions to suit your preference.

✓ An orangery usually possess a flat roof at the edges with a glazed lantern section right at the centre. You can also find more luxurious orangeries having two or more lantern sections. However, when it comes to the roofing, conservatories generally have more options. Some are gabled or pitched, others are lean-to with a plethora of choice to finish off the roof.

You might think that all wooden conservatories are the same. But there are actually lots of differences between them, and some conservatories are better than others. One of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for a wooden conservatory is the type of wood that it’s made from. Generally, there are two different types to look out for: softwood and hardwood. So what wood should be used for a wooden conservatory?

Softwood conservatories are usually made from European redwood or Siberian larch. These types of conservatories are the cheapest wooden conservatories you can buy because the wood grows much faster than hardwoods. However, due to their soft nature, they may only last 7-15 years, reducing their cost-effectivity.

The best wood to use for a wooden conservatory is a hardwood. The most expensive type is oak, but you get what you pay for – it looks fabulous and it can also be coated with a bug and pest-resistant solution to increase its longevity. If you haven’t got the budget for oak, other hardwood options include Brazilian cedar, idigbo and luan, which are still great choices. Make sure you speak to your conservatory installer about the ‘closeness’ of the wood grains, as close-grained hardwoods are said to be the most suitable for conservatories. You should also check that your supplier has strict control of the quality of the wood so can ensure that it’s been well seasoned and prepared for use in construction.