Category Archives: Conservatory Projects

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Uncategorized

Supalite Roof System – Are there Alternatives?

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The Supalite roof system is one of the most popular types of conservatory roof replacement for South West homeowners with dozens of internet searches per month. We have previously posted a Supalite roof review but what if your local roofer is not an approved Supalite installer and you don’t fancy a go at DIY Supalite Roof Installation? Are there other options?

All of the systems below can achieve the basic goal of turning a conservatory which is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter into a habitable year-round space without the expense of a full rebuild.

They all require building regulations approval but require less red tape than a full-scale conversion.

We have researched the most popular replacement roof systems and posted their official videos and some extra information below. We’ve presented them in alphabetical order to avoid suggesting one over another.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #1: Greenspace

Hampshire-based Greenspace claim they can transform your conservatory into an enjoyable living space in only a day. They publish a u-value for their roofing system of 0.29W/m2k. The u-value is a measure of how quickly energy (i.e. heat) is conducted through a material and the lower the number the better.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #2: Guardian

Guardian is one of the most nationally-recognised providers of solid roof replacement systems. They offer an extensive range of window styles and sizes along with many different tile finishes and colours.

Their system can boast a thermal u-value of 0.18W/m2k which is impressively low. They are LABC and LABSS approved and systems are installed over a few days via Team Guardian members.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #3: Metrotile

Metrotile are the preferred system for some South West companies specialising in conservatory roof conversions. Metrotile are a big worldwide operation and claim that their steel-based frames (which are in contrast to the aluminium ones used in the Supalite roof system) are one seventh the weight of conventional roof replacement systems.

Metrotile advertise a low u-value but it was difficult to find out a value. Their roofs are guaranteed weatherproof for 40 years. Metrolife products carry the CE mark proving that they have passed quality testing within the EU. They also carry the LABC mark and have updated BBA certification.

Supalite Roof System Alternative #4: Ultraframe

Ultraframe are also BBA accredited and have set up an Ultraframe Ultra Installer scheme for customer peace of mind. One nice touch is the online Product Selector which runs through a range of questions (importance of thermal efficiency, type of room you want your conservatory to be, roof material choice, etc.) before spitting out a suggestion of relevant Ultraframe products.

*Disclaimer: All information was taken from the online content live in May 2017. SWRCN make no guarantees to its accuracy or relevancy.

Conservatory Image: Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

How to Make a Conservatory into a Room

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How to Make a Conservatory into a Room

How to make a conservatory into a room – it’s a common dilemma in the south west due to the poor condition of many existing conservatories and the many different options available today.

If you have a house with a basic lean-to or conservatory you will almost certainly have noticed that the room becomes unbearably hot during the summer months and then the temperature crashes in the winter. As a result, you have the irritating situation of wasted space that is a liability rather than the asset it could be.

Fortunately, thanks to new Permitted Development regulations, there is much less red tape when it comes to converting a conservatory. Just make sure you are in a PD area and give your local planning office a quick call to ensure all is in order (which it probably will be unless you are encroaching on more land).

Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations

Although planners are more flexible these days, building regulations are as strict as ever and most conversion projects will require inspection. The most common areas of interest are structural integrity and energy efficiency. The council do not want your new room to crumble on thin conservatory foundations nor to suck the heat out of the rest of the house. Therefore, make sure your contractor is reputable and can handle all of the nitty gritty for you.

Conservatory Replacement or Conversion?

Before looking at how to make a conservatory into a room, consider the savings you might make by simply replacing the conservatory with a new one. Modern materials are much more energy efficient (they have to be) and you will be able to get away with less red tape. However, the price difference between a new conservatory and an extension is often less than people imagine and if you want to really make full use of the space (e.g. extending the central heating into it) then it’s probably a conversion into an extension that you need.

Budget Options Including Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you decide that going for a full conversion is too expensive, there are other options. If it’s just the temperature and the glare you have issues with, some simple re-glazing or even fitting some blinds may be enough (although the price of this can even be more than people imagine). Another popular alternative is a conservatory roof conversion which entails replacing the current glass or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight tiled roof. These look authentic and come with integrated insulation, instantly solving extreme temperature fluctuations and direct light. Although the project will still need to be inspected, it is unlikely that any underpinning or similar disruptive work will be necessary.

Image for ‘How to make a Conservatory into a Room’ article – Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?

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Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?

If you are in the market for a conservatory it is no surprise if you are confused about which style to opt for. Conservatories differ wildly from the humble lean-to to the most elaborate of Victorian gothic designs.

Before you shop for your conservatory, it is worth knowing what you are looking at.

Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian Styles

Period style conservatories refer to a wide time span that started with the arrival of the first wave of conservatories and orangeries in the mid- to late 17th Century right up to the pre-war period.

The Georgian period (1700-1840) is recognisable by the classic symmetry of its structures. Designers at this time followed the Classical Orders of Architecture with everything from floor plans and windows designed to strict proportions. The classic Georgian orangery can be distinguished from a conservatory by its prominent colonnades and is usually set back behind a perimeter wall.

The Victorian Period (circa 1850-1900) was marked by an increase in ornate conservatories which reached their most extreme in Victorian gothic architecture. With the introduction of steel into the mix, frames could be more lightweight and malleable. If the conservatory you are looking at has highly decorative eaves and/or columns with ornate finials and latticework it is almost certainly following a Victorian style.

Edwardian period conservatories (circa 1900-1910) saw a transition to a cleaner, more modern look while retaining classical elegance. The emphasis was on creating light and space and the hallmark of an Edwardian conservatory is its high, pitched roof.

Modern Conservatory Styles

When we think about a modern conservatory, we usually imagine a simple lean-to structure with clean lines and no fussy embellishments. State-of-the-art glass technology also means that there can be a lot of glazing incorporated into a contemporary conservatory design. However, no matter which conservatory style you prefer, you will find that it can be brought to life using modern materials – if you have the requisite budget of course. So just because you want a bespoke conservatory, don’t think that you have to go for something contemporary.

Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you are restricted in your budget and are just looking to refresh the look of an existing conservatory then a conservatory roof conversion can work wonders. This involves replacing your existing glazed or polycarbonate roof with a lightweight solid roof with inbuilt insulation. As well as updating the style of your conservatory it will regulate the temperature all year round.

No matter which conservatory style you eventually decide on, be sure to check it falls within permitted development guidelines and that your contractor can handle the Building Regulations requirements.

Main image for ‘Which Conservatory Style Should I Choose?’ article shows Kensington orangery with its distinctive colonnades. Copyright: sirijinda / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Can I Convert my Conservatory into an Extension

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Can I Convert my Conservatory into an Extension ?

Have you ever asked yourself the question: ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’

It may seem just a case of extending some walls and replacing the roof but, as with many construction projects, things are a little bit more involved than that. On a positive note, there is a lot of flexibility in planning these days and you are unlikely to need planning permission providing you are generally keeping within the envelope of the existing structure.

Be Prepared for a Project

However, to oversee a conservatory to extension project you – or the person you appoint for the job – should have a good grasp of planning procedures, insurance, law, design and building regulations. Without that, there is scope for major expense.

The first step is to find out if you are actually allowed to convert.

Conservatory Conversions and Permitted Development

As long as your property definitely does exist within a Permitted Development (PD) area then your conservatory conversion is almost certainly covered. However, if you are planning to do anything extreme (e.g. converting to a multi-storey extension) or of encroaching on to more of your land – especially if the conservatory is already at its maximum allowable length under PD – then you are likely to require planning permission. If you think you are in a grey area or are converting to sell, obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development is wise to give future buyers piece of mind.

Conservatory Conversions and Building Regulations

Unless you are planning to turn your conservatory into a basic

Another consideration to make is insurance. Make sure you give your insurance company a call and check whether the converted building will still be covered and whether you can claim for any damage that occurs during the work itself.

What About Conservatory Roof Conversions

Instead of asking, ‘can I convert my conservatory into an extension,’ you could instead consider replacing the glass or polycarbonate roof  with a lightweight, insulated roof designed just for that purpose.

Even though the Building Regulations have changed regarding conservatories, with the amount of glazing no longer as important, it is still a grey area. Building Control will still want to inspect the roof and the underlying structure but there is a lot less involved than with a full-scale extension.

Image for ‘Can I convert my conservatory into an extension?’ – Copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing

Can you Convert a Conservatory into an Extension?

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Can you Convert a Conservatory into an Extension?

This is a common question nowadays and it’s no real surprise given the quality of many of the conservatories out there. One of the biggest disappointments of moving into a house with a poor conservatory is the inability to use a potentially light and airy space all year round. If you resent giving up so much room to plants and excess storage and dream of a new kitchen diner or a humane playroom for the little ones then it’s probably time to put some serious thought into your next move.

If you’ve tried blinds and heaters and your conservatory still feels like a tropical jungle in the summer and a Siberian wasteland in winter then there are a number of options to consider before

So what are your options?

Full Conservatory Extension

There is, of course, nothing wrong with going for a full extension and there are many companies out there who will do a fine conversion job for you. However, opting for a full extension is not for the faint-hearted. Regardless of what you may have been told, converting a conservatory into an extension will need building regulations approval and possibly planning permission as well (though usually not). You will almost certainly need to have deeper foundations with all the upheaval that that entails and as time progresses expect your quotes to continue to rise.

If you have a healthy budget and you don’t mind a little disruption then a full extension may be for you.

Insulation Overhaul

If the main issue with your conservatory is the temperature fluctuation then for under £5,000 you will almost certainly be able to get hold of a decent local builder who can work wonders. For example, you can get any solid walls insulated and plastered, underfloor heating wired in and your roof resealed. If glare is a big problem for you, your plants and your furniture then there UV inserts or foil solar roof reflectors you can buy but people have mixed opinions about their effectiveness (and their effect on anything you might want to grow).

Conservatory Roof Conversions

If you are unhappy with your existing roof (e.g. if you’re losing too much heat or suffering with glare) then another alternative to turning a conservatory into an extension is to opt for a conservatory roof conversion. Rather than sticking with a glazed roof, you can have a lightweight solid roof with integrated insulation for a fraction of the cost of a full extension. If you don’t want to shut out the light completely, you can opt for an attractive skylight and vents can help you to circulate air during the summer. You will need Building Regulations approval as they will want to check the thermal performance of the roof, the structure of the windows and the adequacy of the foundations but the requirements are much less stringent than with a full extension.

So to summarise…

Can you convert a conservatory into an extension? You almost certainly can but if your aim is simply to make the existing space more comfortable and practical, you may find you don’t actually need to take that step.

Image for ‘Can you convert a conservatory into an extension?’ – Copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing

Room Conversion Options: Conservatory Upgrades

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Conservatory room conversion image copyright: davidmartyn / 123RF Stock Photo

When homeowners start looking at ways to increase living space or add value to their homes, they often think about room conversion as a more affordable alternative to extending their property. Loft conversion is one of the most popular projects while garage conversions are also high up on the list.

However, if you have a conservatory attached to your property it is possible that you can enjoy all the advantages of room conversion at a fraction of the cost of the previously mentioned options.

Why Conservatories Make an Ideal Room Conversion Project

As detailed further below, changes in planning laws combined with a revolution in materials and construction technology have taken away a lot of the hassle out of conservatory conversions. Homeowners no longer have to put up with the cost and disruption of a full conservatory-to-sunroom extension project and can simply replace their old polycarbonate or glass roof with an attractive lightweight solid alternative.

Solid tiled roofs are very popular today for a number of reasons:

  • They are relatively affordable.
  • They are quick and easy to install.
  • They contain their own insulation, making your conservatory habitable in the winter.
  • They reduce the noise of rain on the conservatory roof.
  • They vastly reduce the amount of glare from the sun – better for many tropical plants, furnishings and electrical equipment.
  • They reduce the ‘greenhouse effect,’ ensuring your conservatory doesn’t get too hot in the summer.

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

If you do opt for a conservatory conversion with a solid roof, you need to consider whether your alteration comes under the definition of ‘change of use,’ under Building Regulations. This advice from the LABC should help to clarify your situation.
Recent changes mean that you may not need to apply for planning permission for this type of room conversion. Here is some planning permission advice from Metrotile (and if you are interested in a Metrotile roof, contact Roofworx SW conservatory roof conversions).

So, before you jump on the loft conversion bandwagon, consider how improving the utility of your conservatory might be a better room conversion project, saving you money that can be used to kit out your newly habitable room into a year-round family space.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects

Roof Conversion Ideas for your Conservatory

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Roof conversion ideas for modern living

Are you currently happy with your existing conservatory and how you are using it? If your answer is no but you don’t want to go through all the hassle and expense of a full conversion then you might be interested in some roof conversion ideas that can maximise the usable space and turn your conservatory into a pleasant place for your plants and even family members.

Upgrading your polycarbonate roof

One of the most popular roof conversion ideas is increasing the insulating properties of your conservatory roof by replacing polycarbonate with glass. Some people opt for a clear glass roof to maximise the amount of light coming into the space although it is worth bearing in mind that some conservatory plants actually prefer to be out of the direct light as much as possible.

This highlights the importance of weighing up various roof conversion ideas in light of your personal circumstances. If you decide that you are not bothered by the glare, your plants, furnishings and occupants are OK with direct light and you only require modest improvements in insulation then a glass or high-performance glass replacement roof may be the cheapest and quickest option.

Replacement Solid Roof Systems

If you require a substantial improvement in your conservatory’s thermal properties, less direct light and a way of preventing excessive heat in summer as well as overly cold winter conditions (i.e. an even temperature) then a solid roof system may be more suitable. There are numerous systems on the market and you may have heard of the following:

  1. Guardian
  2. Metrotile
  3. Supalite – (see our Supalite Roof Review feature)
  4. Ultraframe

Speak to your local conservatory roof conversions company to see what options they have available.

A note on Building Regulations

There is a lot of confusion about whether solid roof systems are subject to Building Regulations. The short answer is that it largely depends on the proportion of glass in your conservatory which, of course, varies with each particular building. Speak to your chosen contractor about this and read the following LABC advice before making any decisions.

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions

Turning a Conservatory into an Extension

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If you’re thinking of turning a conservatory into an extension, don’t rush into it. It may seem a simple job of just getting rid of the glazing and maybe extending dwarf walls but you are asking for trouble – both structural and legal – if you don’t speak to your local authority and if you fail to do your homework first. For example, are you 100 per cent sure that your foundations will take a heavy extension (usually they won’t) and that the thermal properties of your extension will conform to the stringent new environmental considerations (ditto)?

Image copyright: daveh123 / 123RF Stock Photo

The reasons why homeowners like turning a conservatory into an extension

One of the main problems with most conservatories is that they are only fully functional when the weather is within narrow limits. Whether you have a glazed or polycarbonate roof, there is little to stop the transfer of heat out of the room which means that once the sun goes down, any heat that has built up over the day will quickly dissipate. On the other hand, when the summer mid-day sun is shining down through your roof, it quickly heats up the surrounding air, largely due to the greenhouse effect which stops the sun’s rays escaping. After a while the conservatory becomes too hot to bear.

So one reason why homeowners prefer turning a conservatory into an extension is so they can use it all year round.

Some people accept the fact that one of their rooms is basically out of action for over half of the year until they make plans to sell it. Everybody knows that adding usable space to a house is the surest way to increase its value and it makes perfect sense for the outgoing owners to begin converting their part-time conservatory into a full-time reception room – or even a bedroom.

Electrical items are also a problem when you have a conservatory. Almost all electrical items will warn you against exposing them to extreme fluctuations in temperature which makes most conservatories an absolute no-no. That’s even before you get to the issue of excessive glare and UV damage.

Ultra-violet rays from the sun are also behind the fading and bleaching damage that you see on fabrics and other sensitive materials used in a conservatory – there is a reason why you only tend to find plants and rattan furniture in a conservatory!

If at this stage you’re getting depressed about your prospects of turning a conservatory into an extension then the good news is…there is another way!

Alternatives to turning a conservatory into an extension

If turning a conservatory into an extension seems a bit of a headache then there are alternatives. Conservatory roof conversions for example give you many of the temperature conserving benefits with minimal structural changes and no red tape to wade through with Building Regulations.

There are now several kinds of specialist lightweight roofing systems, complete with insulation, designed to be used with conservatories (for example see our Supalite roof review). These roofing systems are solid and opaque, preventing both glare and the direct transference of sunlight.  They also have a much lower u-value than glass or polycarbonate which means they transfer heat only slowly, stabilising the temperature within the room, even when the sun has gone down.

Conservatory roof conversions are a compromise between the convenience and cost of a conservatory and the comfort and economy of an extension.

However, if you do decide you would prefer to go the whole hog and can afford the time and expense it takes when turning a conservatory into an extension then this video gives some idea of the process…good luck and enjoy.