Home Improvement Advice for Conservatories
The Low Down Do it Yourself Tips for Conservatories
An out line of how conservatories are constructed.
The five 5 steps of constructing an Everest conservatory:
Step 1: The foundations, Everest normally dig to one metres depth for our concrete footings but we keep digging if conditions require it.
Step 2: Next we build stripped foundations, lay rammed 'hard core', blinding and then lay a damp-proof membrane.
Step 3:On top of this we place 50mm of polystyrene for insulation and a layer of steel reinforced concrete at least 10cms thick.
Step 4:We secure the conservatory to the base or dwarf walls at critical points. To ensure the structures integrity, we bolt frames together and insert metal coupling sections between them.
Step 5:Finally all of the windows and doors are fitted firmly into position.
How do they not leak?
Seals, gaskets, accurate surveying, good workmanship and quality installation will ensure a leak proof conservatory.The key point is in surveying, making sure that the correct parts and sizes have been selected so that the conservatory itself fits together nicely and ensuring that it fits tightly to the house.
How do they not collapse in bad weather?
As above, quality from surveying, to manufacturing to installation will ensure the structure is sound. A good conservatory will be designed to withstand bad weather and should be tested before it reachs the market place to make sure it does.
At Everest the surveyor cross checks everything and our computer ensures a perfect fit. We also build our base layer by layer and the conservatory is bolted to the base at critical points.
How are they different to extensions?
Conservatories are designed to enable enjoyment of the garden, thus they let in a lot more light and you can see more out of them than with an extension.
Why choose a conservatory over an extension?
As mentioned above, a conservatory really is for those who enjoy their garden, so for the consumer looking to make the most out of their home, then a conservatory is perfect, bringing the outside in.
A further benefit is that often no planning permission is required for conservatories.
How can people not break in to them?
The windows and doors that go into the conservatory should already be secure in their own right, while the structure and the fittings of a conservatory should be designed to ensure a solid, secure, structure, with no weak points for intruders to prise their way in. The Everest windows and doors that go into a conservatory are 50% more secure then standards set by the BSI.
How long do they take to construct?
Construction time depends upon the size of the conservatory but it's usually two weeks, one week for the base / foundations and one week for the rest.
Should this have a guarantee and/or quality certificates?
Guarantees and quality certificates are a very good idea if only for peace of mind because any good firm will hold certificates which can back up offers of a guarantee.