FAQs
Below are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about choosing, designing and planning a conservatory.
FAQs
If you cannot find an answer to your question please contact us.
- Can I use my conservatory all year round?
- Do we need Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approvals?
- Do we need to install Insulating Double Glazing Units (IGU's). and if so, which ones?
- Do you make conservatories to order?
- How soon can we have our conservatory?
- My builder has already constructed my base - what's the next step?
- The neighbours are not friendly, how can we protect our privacy?
- We've got an odd shaped space/an unusual wall/a sloping garden - can we still have a conservatory?
- What style of conservatory can an Ultraframe roofing system produce?
Can I use my conservatory all year round?
Modern conservatories, with insulated bases and cavity walls which feature double-glazed units and a thermally efficient roof, can indeed be used all year round. The prudent use of relevant heating technology will also help. Comfort levels can be further enhanced with the use of Ultraframe Conservaglass. This is a revolutionary new type of glazing that is specially developed to keep conservatories warm in Winter, by retaining heat, and cool in Summer by excluding solar radiation.
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Do we need Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approvals?
Probably not. On Planning Permission it's not usually required unless you are adding a conservatory to a house that has already been extended. You may also need to check if your house is a 'new build' as developers sometimes have restrictions placed upon them.
For Building Regulation requirements, here's a quick summary of the basic facts:
In England and Wales, Building Regulations are not required as long as the conservatory in question...
- Has a roof made of at least 75% transparent or translucent material
- Has at least 50% glazed walls (i.e., no more than half of the wall area should be brickwork, masonry or solid panels)
- Has a floor area of no more than 30 square metres
- Is at ground level
- Is permanently separated from the rest of the house by an exterior quality lockable door
- Has thermostatically controlled heating
- Is not being attached to a listed building
- Does not contain sanitary or drainage facilities (one of the likeliest reasons for a conservatory requiring Building Regulation approval is that all or part of it is being used as a kitchen)
- Satisfies the Building Regulations with regard to toughened or safety glass (Any Ultraframe Registered Conservatory Installer will make sure this happens automatically)
Please note that requirements in Scotland, and to a lesser extent, Northern Ireland are different to those in England and Wales.
We suggest that you contact your knowledgeable 'Ultra Installer Scheme' member or your local authority.
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Do we need to install Insulating Double Glazing Units (IGU's). and if so, which ones?
On April 1st 2002, the Government introduced Part L, amending the Building Regulations for the first time, to require replacement windows & doors to meet tough new thermal performance standards. The new standard applies when new doors replace an existing window or you change the doors between the house and the conservatory, but not when you keep the existing lockable French doors or patio doors between house and conservatory.
Ultraframe Conservaglass offers a better combination of warmth in winter and reduction in summertime solar heat gain than standard "low e" sealed units.
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Do you make conservatories to order?
Yes - every one of our conservatories is made to measure and can be personalised with a host of accessories and design features both inside and out.
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How soon can we have our conservatory?
The average turnaround is 6 to 10 working weeks from receiving the order in writing (depending on the weather or if planning permission is required). However, you need to be aware that at busier times of year the process can take longer.
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My builder has already constructed my base - what's the next step?
Contact an Ultra Installer who will check that the base is square and level and undertake the design and manufacture of your side frames and conservatory roof.
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The neighbours are not friendly, how can we protect our privacy?
Conservatories can be made private by the thoughtful use of obscure glass, solid panels at the side, blinds or even a solid wall on one side.
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We've got an odd shaped space/an unusual wall/a sloping garden - can we still have a conservatory?
Contact your 'Ultra Installer Scheme' member and they will be able to help. By using a system as flexible as the Ultraframe roofing system there's always a solution and chances are they'll come up with several alternatives.
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What style of conservatory can an Ultraframe roofing system produce?
Since all conservatories are made to order, you can have anything that's physically achievable. A chat with a specialist conservatory designer, via your 'Ultra Installer Scheme' member, will open up possibilities you may never even have dreamed of. To get inspiration from some more unusual conservatories; take a look at the Conservatory Gallery and get inspired!
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