Conservatories - Pg 1 - Pg 2

Flooring  |

Today the conservatories on the market are of the highest quality in heat retention and control of heat intake. Glass manufacturers have developed products that will let in short wave radiation, which is what the sun gives off and retain long wave radiation that is generated by the heating systems within the room.

Argon filled glass panels are a new state of the art panel that will actually provide better insulation benefits than solid brick walls.

Polycarbonate conservatory glass ranging from 10mm to 25mm thick will give superb protection from the rampant Irish weather, although you will want to opt for the higher grade to achieve adequate levels of heat retention in this country.

You also need to consider what it is you want when you are in the design process. Is it a conservatory or a sunroom? The two are entirely different animals altogether. Be clear in your thinking of what you want, and the use you propose to put it to.

On a cost basis per square foot, conservatories are more expensive than sunrooms assuming you put the most up to date glass with the highest insulation qualities.

And it is economically foolish to do otherwise. Skimping on quality in the most important aspect of the conservatory - glass- is going to cause a lifetime of regret and reduced usage of what can be a beautiful addition to the home.

Properly done with sound planning and design you will have a room that will provide you with endless pleasure and add considerable value to your home.

The golden rule with conservatories more than any other room in the house is if you cannot afford close to the best quality in materials do not build it all.

And if you opt for a sunroom because of cost constraints, then do so, but call it a sunroom, not a conservatory! Because it ain’t !