This is probably the most common question we are asked and a very valid one at that. The answer unfortunately is not so straight forward. Here are the most important aspects to consider;

1. If you are overlooked then polycarbonate should be considered, it will offer complete privacy from overlooking neighbours. The alternative is to consider a glass roof with blinds although this can add a significant sum to the budget.
2. What direction is the conservatory facing. A south facing conservatory will have direct sun on it for most of the day and can be hot in the summer months, we would normally recommend a tinted roof for this application, either a tinted polycarbonate or a solar control glass such as out Activ Blue glazing at our showroom. North facing conservatories will have little sun and it is important to maximise the light to the house, we would normally recommend a clear glass roof or clear polycarbonate, if the budget allows glass would be preferable. East and west facing conservatories benefit from sun at different times of the day and so a careful balance needs to be made between making the conservatory comfortable and maximising light to the house. Again Activ Blue glass or an opal polycarbonate would be suitable.
3. What is your budget? Glass is a more expensive option with the typical glass roof adding €1200 to €2000 to the overall price depending on the complexity of the shapes of the roof sections.
4. Noise. Polycarbonate is a composite sheet of seven layers of plastic, it is therefore noisier than glass during heavy rain, many of our clients like to be able to sit in the conservatory and hear the rain while others cannot tolerate it. I suggest a visit to the showroom on a rainy day and you can make a decision very quickly.
5. Aesthetics. Do you want to star gaze or do you prefer a ceiling, again this is a matter for the individual and again a visit to the showrooms should make the decision a lot easier.

With all the focus currently on energy efficiency the term U value is cropping up in conversations from attic insulation to double glazing. So what is a U value.

To put it simply, U-Value is the measure of the rate of heat loss through a material. Thus in all aspects of home design one should strive for the lowest U-Values possible because the lower the U-value – the less heat that is needlessly escaping. So for example single glazed windows have a typical U-value of 5.6 W/m2K while double glazed windowshave a typical U-value of 2.8 W/m2K or lower. At Conservatory Designs we insist on a minimum U value of 1.2 for all your glazing products, this might cost a little extra but the payback comes quickly in both reduced energy costs but more importantly the comfort in the winter months. The calculation of U-values can be rather complex – it is measured as the amount of heat lost through a one square meterof the material for every degree difference in temperature either side of the material. It is indicated in units of Watts perMeter Squared per Degree Kelvin or W/m2K.

Almost all of our conservatory designs can incorporate a tiled or slated roof. The extra loading necessitates the use of a steel superstructure or relies on the more traditional masonry construction methods. Care must be taken when considering a sunroom as the solid roof will block sunlight from the main dwelling. Careful positioning of roof lights is essential.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their sunroom projects.  Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your Sunroom more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the sunroom is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.
For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Roof

Our Sunrooms are available with a choice of slate or tile finish with typically two Velux roof lights and a plastered ceiling. Timer sheeted ceilings are available however these can substantially reduce the light to the main house.

Methods of building Sunrooms/Solid roof conservatories

At Conservatory Designs Ltd. we use two principles methods for constructing sunrooms. The first is more like a solid roof conservatory with the main structure consisting of the Upvc windows, just like a conservatory with a steel superstructure of 100mm by 100mm box steel to carry the weight of the concrete tiles or slates. This method maximises the amount of light in the sunroom and into the interior room of the house.

Alternatively we can build the sunroom using the “traditional build” method which is to build the structure using a traditional block walls but with a large amount of openings in the wall for windows. This gives the effect of a bright room rather than a conservatory. It is worth noting that while we can make the sunroom as bright as possible it often darkens down the room, over which the Sunroom is constructed, significantly. While this can be mitigated using Velux roof lights it will not fully compensate for the loss of light. Anyone considering a sunroom should expect the need the additional lighting inside during the winter months.

The Pavilion conservatory design is a variant on the popular Edwardian conservatory and with its elegant shape it will transform even the smallest of gardens.

Pavilion conservatories create a stunning visual impact both internally and externally and with the high pitch of the roof they offer a real sense of height and space.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their projects. No more too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your conservatory more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the room is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.

For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Roof Glazing

We offer a choice of 35mm polycarbonate which incorporates 7 layers of insulation or Vista Therm Blue Elite glass.

Marlon

Our Marlon range of Polycarbonate is available in a range of colours including Clear, Tinted, Opal, and Tint on Opal. Polycarbonate is a remarkable insulating glazing material with a U value of 1.2. matching that of our Elite glass. Those clients whose conservatory may be overlooked by neighbours may also prefer the privacy offered by polycarbonate.

For further information, view the Marlon Thermal properties

Pilkington Active Blue glass

The alternative to Polycarbonate roofing is to use Pilkington Active Blue glass. This glazing option combines the Vista Therm Elite glazing to the inside with a blue tint antisun glass to the outside. The outside pane also has self cleaning solar control capabilities given the right conditions.
The attractive blue tint was specially designed for conservatory roofs and also offers excellent light transmission.

For further information, download the Pilkington Activ Blue glass brochure

Conservatory Designs Ltd is experienced in designing and installing a variety of unique styles. Bespoke conservatory designs are ideal for tricky sites or just simply for people wanting something different.

Built to your own specifications bespoke conservatories offer the ultimate in flexibility and choice.

Whether you desire something simple or intricate our conservatory designers will be able to guide you through the whole process advising you at every stage on how to make the most out of your new space.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their projects. No more too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your conservatory more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the room is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.

For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Roof Glazing

We offer a choice of 35mm polycarbonate which incorporates 7 layers of insulation or Vista Therm Blue Elite glass.

Marlon

Our Marlon range of Polycarbonate is available in a range of colours including Clear, Tinted, Opal, and Tint on Opal. Polycarbonate is a remarkable insulating glazing material with a U value of 1.2. matching that of our Elite glass. Those clients whose conservatory may be overlooked by neighbours may also prefer the privacy offered by polycarbonate.

For further information, view the Marlon Thermal properties

Pilkington Active Blue glass

The alternative to Polycarbonate roofing is to use Pilkington Active Blue glass. This glazing option combines the Vista Therm Elite glazing to the inside with a blue tint antisun glass to the outside. The outside pane also has self cleaning solar control capabilities given the right conditions.
The attractive blue tint was specially designed for conservatory roofs and also offers excellent light transmission.

For further information, download the Pilkington Activ Blue glass brochure

The Edwardian style of Conservatory carries the same elegant pitched roof design, ridge cresting and finials of the Victorian Conservatory. However they are rectangular or square in shape this gives the optimum interior floor space allowing more room for your furniture. It is also possible to ‘clip’ one or both of the corners to achieve a Victorian-esque look while maintaining the effective use of the floor area which is one of the advantages over the Victorian conservatory style.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their projects. No more too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your conservatory more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the room is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.

For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Most conservatories built on semi-detached homes will require a wall on the side adjoining the neighboring property. I am continually amazed at the number of times I hear prospective clients say to me that other companies are quoting to build the conservatory using the existing garden wall. This breaks every rule in the book and while it may be the cheapest option in the short-term it will definitely be a very expensive option in the long run. First of all you do not own the garden wall it is shared with your neighbour, imagine building your conservatory and then have your neighbour decide they don’t like it and would like it taken down! Secondly these garden walls have minimal if any foundations, as everyone knows if you do not start the job on firm foundations you certainly won’t finish on firm foundations. Thirdly these walls have no damp proofing so imagine the consequences several years on in your new conservatory with creeping damp. Finally and most importantly if you ever decide to sell your home, and remember never say never, this structure would be condemned by a surveyor of the potential buyer resulting in the possible loss of the sale of your home or a hefty discount off the asking price. So make sure you are being quoted for a properly designed conservatory which will comply with all current building regulations.

The Lean-To conservatory is probably the simplest in design and originally the most popular conservatory option. With its clean lines and timeless appearance the Lean-To conservatory style is still a very popular choice today. We can adjust the height to suit both two story houses and bungalows. There is also the option to put hipped ends and also a a bay feature to create a more elegant look.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their projects. No more too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your conservatory more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the room is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.

For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Roof Glazing

We offer a choice of 35mm polycarbonate which incorporates 7 layers of insulation or Vista Therm Blue Elite glass.

Marlon

Our Marlon range of Polycarbonate is available in a range of colours including Clear, Tinted, Opal, and Tint on Opal. Polycarbonate is a remarkable insulating glazing material with a U value of 1.2. matching that of our Elite glass. Those clients whose conservatory may be overlooked by neighbours may also prefer the privacy offered by polycarbonate.

For further information, view the Marlon Thermal properties

Pilkington Active Blue glass

The alternative to Polycarbonate roofing is to use Pilkington Active Blue glass. This glazing option combines the Vista Therm Elite glazing to the inside with a blue tint antisun glass to the outside. The outside pane also has self cleaning solar control capabilities given the right conditions.

The attractive blue tint was specially designed for conservatory roofs and also offers excellent light transmission.

For further information, download the Pilkington Activ Blue glass brochure

Conservatory Designs have just taken delivery of a new suite of design software for sunrooms and conservatories. We can now offer a “design while you wait” service at our showrooms in Johnstown (appointment necessary). The software links through from the design stage to the pricing, manufacture and customer relationship systems already in place ensuring a trouble free process from initial design to finished installation at the client’s home.

The Victorian style conservatory is the most popular style of conservatory and is probable one of the most versatile. Its main feature is a bay style curved front that is normally designed with 3 facets, its pitched roof and ornate ridge details.

Side Glazing

Conservatories Designs use Vista Therm Elite glass in all their projects. No more too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Vista Therm Elite glazing will:

• Eliminate heat loss in the cool months
• Help cut energy costs
• Make your conservatory more comfortable during winter

This glass is the latest and most revolutionary development in low emissivity glass with a U value of 1.1m/m2k. Heat generated within the room is reflected internally back into the room while cold from the outside is reflected back out while retaining 100% of the light transmission.

For further information, download our Elite glazing brochure .

Roof Glazing

We offer a choice of 35mm polycarbonate which incorporates 7 layers of insulation or Vista Therm Blue Elite glass.

Marlon

Our Marlon range of Polycarbonate is available in a range of colours including Clear, Tinted, Opal, and Tint on Opal. Polycarbonate is a remarkable insulating glazing material with a U value of 1.2. matching that of our Elite glass. Those clients whose conservatory may be overlooked by neighbours may also prefer the privacy offered by polycarbonate.

For further information, view the Marlon Thermal properties

Pilkington Active Blue glass

The alternative to Polycarbonate roofing is to use Pilkington Active Blue glass. This glazing option combines the Vista Therm Elite glazing to the inside with a blue tint antisun glass to the outside. The outside pane also has self cleaning solar control capabilities given the right conditions.
The attractive blue tint was specially designed for conservatory roofs and also offers excellent light transmission.

For further information, download the Pilkington Activ Blue glass brochure