What You Need To Know About Conservatory Extensions

Conservatories make a great addition to your home. They increase space, add to the style and design of your property, and can be used as another room for relaxation or work. Often, conservatories are known for being too hot in summer and way too cold for winter, however, advancements in materials and designs means conservatories in the 21st century are great all year round. Of course, there are a few considerations needed, but we will take a look at them here.

Interested in building a conservatory for your home? Here, we answer some questions about planning permission, the types of materials needed for a conservatory, and some common (and unique) designs.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Conservatory?

So, you’ve decided your next project is to build a conservatory for your home and you can already see yourself relaxing with your feet up on a Sunday afternoon. The big question that comes into mind straight away is: do I need planning permission? 

To put it briefly, building a conservatory falls under a set of planning rules known as permitted development. This means that you are able to extend a house (add a conservatory) without the need for planning permission. However, this is subject to certain rules and limits can’t be broken. These rules specify that: it must not exceed 4m in height, it shouldn’t obstruct or front a public road, and it must not cover more than half of your house’s land area. If you live in a listed building you will need authorisation from your local planning authority. If the conservatory you plan to build exceeds these rules, then an application for planning permission will have to be made. 

What Types Of Conservatories Are Available?

Conservatories come in all kinds of different designs and styles to match different tastes and needs. Whether you want to add a modern addition to your home, or you’d prefer a traditional style, you have many options. If you want to go for a unique look, then different materials and designs can be combined to create an alternative option. Take a look at some common styles below: 

Mediterranean conservatory 

This is perhaps the most common type of conservatory. The mediterranean style conservatory is also known as the Lean-to conservatory. It’s well known for its simple and clean design, as well as being great for anyone on a tighter budget. If you’re looking for a conservatory that shouts simplicity, then this is the perfect option.

Victorian conservatory 

Besides being called a ‘Victorian conservatory’ this style of conservatory is still around today and suits all house types and styles. It’s famous for its bayfront, ornate ridge details around the glass windows, and a pitched roof. Whether you have a new build home or a traditional, period property, a Victioran style conservatory will be a wonderful addition to your beautiful home. 

Edwardian or Georgian conservatory

The Edwardian conservatory is similar to a Victorain conservatory, however, rather than an octagon shape, it has a flat front. The Georgian and Edwardian period valued highly symmetrical designs, and this is reflected in this style of conservatory. They are designed to have a very prestigious feel, so if you build one, you’re bound to add a level of sophistication to your home.

What Materials Are Needed to Build a Conservatory?

The materials used to build your conservatory will determine many factors, from the style, to the warmth, and the light present in the space. It’s important to have a think about the climate you live in because many people with conservatories mention that the temperature in their new space is a problem. Of course, if you plan to position your conservatory in a place that gets lots of sunlight, it will most likely be unpleasant in the summertime. In this case, covering from trees or a canopy can be helpful.

Types of glass for conservatories 

Another way to prevent a conservatory from overheating or becoming too cold is by using a specific type of glass. Here are some common types of glass that can be used in conservatories, each of them have a range of benefits depending on the climate and area you live in:

Double glazed toughened safety glass - toughened glass is very hard to penetrate, and if broken, turns into hundreds of small pieces without sharp edges. It’s a great option for a conservatory because the main body of the structure is made of glass, therefore, it has to be strong enough. It’s also better if you opt for double glazed toughened glass. This will keep your conservatory warmer in the winter months, as well as, preventing the likelihood of a break-in.

Self cleaning conservatory glass - this type of glass cleans itself by breaking down pieces of dirt and grime through a photocatalytic reaction. This is due to the coating which is on the glass. Once the dirt is broken down, the hydrophilic coating ensures that rain water is evenly coated on the surface of your glass to wash the dirt away. This results in stain and streak 

free windows. If you need to clean self-cleaning glass yourself due to a bigger stain or mark, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent damage to the coating.

Thermal efficient glass - Conservatories are often thought of as a space to be enjoyed in the hotter months. But, this isn’t necessarily true, with thermal efficient glass, you are able to enjoy your conservatory all year round. This type of glass retains heat from the sun captured throughout the day and releases the warmth back into the interior space. The panels are double glazed too, which prevents heat loss further!

Tinted conservatory windows - On the other end of the spectrum, we have tinted glass to prevent your conservatory from getting too hot. Conservatories can be known for having a ‘greenhouse’ effect in the summer, which can make the space almost unbearable to be in. Luckily, tinted windows reduce the amount of heat from the sun and also prevent glare too, without making your space too dark.

Flooring options for a conservatory 

Conservatories are usually found in areas that are exposed to a lot of sun throughout the day and, as a result, can cause some issues for your floor, such as bleaching due to extended exposure to UV rays. It can also result in large fluctuations in temperature, becoming a stunning sunroom in the summer, or cold and frosty in the winter.

The close proximity to a garden can also mean both mud and water find its way inside.

Vinyl flooring is a great option - Vinyl flooring has a strong resistance against both temperature and moisture, so expansion is minimal. It also won’t lift and warp like real wood flooring can. Vinyl is both hard-wearing and easy to clean, making it perfect for an entryway from the garden.

Laminate flooring - this is a durable option for conservatories which is also cost-effective. Like vinyl flooring, laminate is also easy to clean. So, there’s no need to worry next time you traipse mud in from the garden. Laminate can also be UV resistant, which means the sun won’t discolour or wear out the flooring. Wondering how to keep your feet nice and warm during the colder months? Try adding a thick rug to your laminate flooring for added warmth and comfort.

Ready to Build The Perfect Conservatory For Your Home?

We hope you have found this blog post on home conservatories helpful. Conservatories add a wonderful touch to your home. Not only do they increase space, aid style and design, but they are also likely to increase the value of your property immediately. Whether you’re looking to build a Victorian style conservatory or add a modern extension to your home, we can help you.

If you’d like more information on the kind of products we sell and how they can help you build a conservatory in your chosen style, then please feel free to contact us.