Top Things To Consider When Planning to Build a Conservatory

If you are planning to add a conservatory to your house, you are making the right decision. A conservatory will not only improve the aesthetics of your home, it will also add value to your home, making it a fast and valuable sell should you decide to put it on the market.

But because of the wide range of conservatory options available, it is important that you take the time to plan and decide on the one that best fits your purpose and requirements.

Therefore, before you jump into this home improvement project; here are some things to first consider.

The size of your conservatory

 Size matters a lot when it comes to adding any form of extension to your house, especially when it comes to conservatories. A well designed conservatory addition will look like it is part of the original plan and design of the house and not an afterthought. This means that you have to get the size and scale right the first time.  Building a conservatory that is too large will dwarf your house and create a terrible contrast with the other elements of your property, while building one that is too small will affect the amount of usable space you will get.

Access to natural light

Conservatories are usually one of the warmest places in the house because it is usually designed to have uninterrupted access to natural light. Therefore, if your house is not located where the sun can reach, then building a conservatory may defeat its purpose.

Typically, for maximum access to sunlight, your conservatory should face the south; however, you may still have enough access to sunlight at different times of the day when you face the east or west. That said, the amount of sunlight you hope to attract will determine the orientation of your conservatory. Orientation may also affect the type of glazing you choose as less access to the sun will require more glazing.

Building materials

Conservatories are built from a variety of materials, for the frame, roof, and other parts of the structure. This is in addition to the glass that makes up the larger part of the conservatory. The key is to work with materials that will complement rather than contrast with your home. For example, if your home has a traditional architectural design, it makes sense to use original wood and other traditional materials in building your conservatory.

That said, aluminium, especially those with thermal breaks for better insulation are the popular choice of materials for conservatories, and this is typically available in a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes.

To get the most of your aluminium design, it is important that you work with an aluminium joinery specialists window factory, so that you can get a professional job that will stand the test of time.

Glazing options

These days, modern glass work requires glazing to improve its insulation and energy efficiency properties. The level of insulation and energy efficiency you want will determine whether you should go for single, double, or triple glazing, and as earlier pointed out, access to direct sunlight will also determine your choice of glazing.

If you want to enjoy your conservatory, double or triple glazing is a must. This will keep your conservatory warm and comfortable all-year-round and cut heat loss by using Low-E emission glass.

You should also consider UV proof glass if you are concerned about the effects of UV on the interior of your conservatory.

Access to ventilation

Your conservatory has to be built in a way that allows free flow of fresh air and prevents condensation. Of course, you can opt to have HVAC installed in your conservatory, especially if it will serve more as a relaxation room than a mini-garden; however, it is still necessary that the internal environment have access to natural air.

Most conservatories achieve this by using a built-in trick ventilation system, but it can also be done so that a few windows can be opened and closed when needed.

Sound insulation

Apart from energy efficiency, sound insulation is another important consideration when it comes to designing a conservatory. You don’t want to be inside your conservatory and still be disturbed by the sounds coming from the neighbourhood. Sound insulation can be achieved by using the proper glazing type or by using acoustic laminated glass. Your conservatory builder should be able to suggest the best sound insulation option for your home.

With proper sound insulation, your conservatory can become a place of peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of the day.

Cleaning and maintenance

Finally, it is important that you take cleaning and maintenance into consideration when planning a conservatory. Because conservatories are almost all glass, they are usually easy to clean, but you can go a step further and opt for surface modified self-cleaning glasses. These types of glasses are available from many glazing companies and your conservatory builder will be able to tell you how to get them.

It is important that you consider how you will be cleaning and maintaining your new addition as this will help boost the lifespan of your conservatory.