Conservatory FAQs

The simple answer is no. To fit a traditional roof (rather than one of our LABC approved roof systems) the foundations will need to be exposed and either underpinned to satisfy a building inspector or if this is not feasible the foundation/walls will need to be re-built as per current Building Regulations.

It’s amazing how much light a polycarbonate roof actually blocks out. By including a small amount of glazing natural light will flood into the space. Call into our showroom or visit one of our existing customers to see for yourself.

As the roof complies with Building Regulations, thermally you have complete peace of mind the space will be as insulated as possible just like a traditional extension. Our Ultraframe products LivinRoof and UltraRoof are both 15 times more thermally efficient than the roofs they replace.

With an UltraFrame extension roof there is a significant improvement just like traditional roofing.

All solid roof structures need to comply with current Building Regulations. Lifestyle will apply for the relevant documentation on your behalf through our inspector JHAI. The council will be notified of the work and upon completion, a hard copy will be sent to you to file and keep as these will be needed when the property is sold.

Both our Ultraframe UltraRoof & LivinRoof are much lighter than many of the other replacement tiled roofs on the market and actually not much heavier than a glass roof. This often means the original side elevation windows and doors can remain in situ. We actually find a lot of our customers opt to get a quote for replacing the windows and doors too for a completely new look and thermally better glass. Removing the whole conservatory means the existing one can be sold to generate some money. Subject to a visual assessment of the base and walls for signs of historic movement there is no need to excavate a pilot hole to reveal the foundations.

For replacement projects with no existing external door, building control are satisfied because thermal improvements are being made. The only constraint is that the new roof has a maximum glass area of 25% when using our standard glass unit specification.

To remove an existing external door from the house an energy calculation must be made to assess any potential heat loss, subsequent recommendations will be made to offset any heat loss such as increasing loft insulation or changing light bulbs to low energy light bulbs. We can arrange for this calculation through JHAI.

It is possible however we do not recommend this as ‘good practice’. Typically the suitability of an existing foundation is not known and building an existing wall up to ‘full height’ will add a significant amount of extra downward load. Ultimately it is our customer’s decision but we recommend taking a look at our insulated dummy wall solution for a practical alternative.

Simply put the answer is yes! There has been some debate about the added value of a conservatory for many years however an insulated solid roof space adds rateable value floor space to a home.

Yes! Clad over solutions are cheap but they are not properly tested. Would it be structurally safe? Fire tested? Building control compliant? Will it create a problem when selling the property?