Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions from our customers that have a conservatory supplied and installed by
one of the companies in our network. All our companies are Fensa registered.
If you can't find the answer you are looking for
then please email us sales@quotesforconservatories.co.uk
Q1. Do I need to obtain Planning Permission for my Conservatory?
Q2. Are Building Regulations required for my Conservatory?
Q3. My Conservatory is to be installed in a corner - is this a problem?
Q4. What is the best option Toughened Glass or Laminated Glass?
Q5. What is the difference between North, South, East and West facing Conservatories?
Q6. What Guarantee will i receive from the installer of my Conservatory?
Q1. Do I need Planning Permission for my Conservatory?
In England and Wales you will not usually require planning permission, provided you do not
exceed the permitted development limit for your property (which is 50-70 cubic metres,
depending on where you live). Exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas.
If you have any doubts, we advise you to check with your local planning departmen
Q2. Are Building Regulations required for my Conservatory?
Generally speaking conservatories on residential properties are exempt from Building Regulations.
Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These
criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:
a) The conservatory has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
b) The conservatory walls are substantially glazed, has at least half the area of the walls formed
of windows and have at least three quarters of the area of the roof formed of glazing, polycarbonate
sheets or similar translucent material.
c) The conservatory has an internal floor area not exceeding 30 square metres.
d) The conservatory is sited at ground level.
e) The conservatory is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door, i.e.
not open access.
f) Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed,
they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).
g) The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass where required).
h) The conservatory does not contain any drainage facilities. (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).
Q3. My Conservatory is to be installed in a corner - is this a problem?
No Problem. We manufacture many of our conservatories with only two sides to fit into corners or
with only one side to fit between two walls. For a Victorian or Edwardian conservatory, we will
manufacture and supply the roof with a box gutter to take the rainwater at the wall side. For
complete peace-of-mind, we will supply an easy-to-understand, computer-generated base/brickwork
plan to check and sign before we manufacture your conservatory.
Q4. What is the best option Toughened Glass or Laminated Glass?
Both Toughened and Laminated glasses are forms of "safety" glass. People often assume that toughened
glass is some form of EXTRA STRONG glass - perhaps a little like "bullet proof glass". However in our
opinion "break safely glass" would be a better description of toughened glass. Sure it is quite difficult
to break - but not impossible. When it does break it will break into very small sections. These small
sections may, if you are unlucky, give you some scratches or minor cuts but will not pose the danger
created by large glass shards when "normal" float glass breaks. Toughened glass is the most widely specified
safety glass in conservatory construction. Laminated glass will, when hit with force "crack". However it is
unlikely to smash. Being very difficult to break means that it can be dangerous in any situation where it is
likely you may need to break the glass in order to escape (such as a fire). This is of course an advantage if
security is a major consideration. Laminated glass is also "thicker" - usually 6.4 mm - and as such will
offer better insulation. However this thicker glass is also "heavier" which will in turn mean greater
"wear and tear" on opening windows / doors. It is also more expensive than toughened glass. This is
probably one of the reasons it's not so widely specified in conservatory construction. (Although in our opinion
it is a perfectly good alternative for conservatory glazing.)
Q5. What is the difference between North, South, East and West facing Conservatories?
North Facing - Coldest - least sun. Less likely to need blinds in roof - especially if you use tinted opal
polycarbonate. Strongly recommend use of Pilkington K Glass (or other form of Low E glass) in frames for
extra insulation. Will need heating - especially in the winter and evenings. Please note that with bronze
tinted polycarbonate the tint reduces the amount of light that can enter the room your conservatory is
attached to. This results in a darker room - often requiring lights on during the day! South Facing -
Hot - Very hot - so essential to have adequate ventilation. Go for plenty of opening windows and roof vents.
Will almost certainly require blinds in the roof. You may also consider anti-sun glass (tinted) in the roof.
Other options include air conditioning. East Facing - similar to north facing. You have the morning sun and
conservatories in this location make great breakfast rooms. West Facing - similar to south facing. However
you do have the benefit of evening sun. Wonderful to relax in at the end of the day. As a generalisation we
do recommend Pilkington "K" glass/ Low E glass in all conservatories - no matter the location. It's just
more important in north facing Locations. Additionally if you use Polycarbonate - go with 25mm instead of 16 mm.
Q6. What Guarantee will i receive from the installer of my Conservatory?
For complete peace-of-mind, ConservatoryLand give a full 10 year guarantee on all PVCu conservatory
frames against discolouration, warping and cracking. All our conservatories have a life expectancy
of at least 25 years
If you can't find the answer you are looking for
then please email us sales@quotesforconservatories.co.uk
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