Conservatories, Double Glazing, Kitchens, Home Improvements - Some recent questions and their answers.
In this section we feature some recent home improvement questions - This section is updated often - please check back again soon. If you would also like to see the 10 most recent comments in the Ask Questions Home Improvement Discussion forum - Click Here.
Question asked by Rosie:
We are having an extension on our property and would like to have large windows and a glass lantern in the kitchen.
Our architect has told us that the current building regulations state that window space can only be 25% of the ceiling space (to minimise heat loss). This means our windows will have to be smaller than we want, is this correct?
Answer by Bazzer
Not sure I have heard the regulations relating to 25% of the ceiling space before? I think that what the architect maybe saying is that it will be more difficult to meet the building regulations in regards to U values and insulation if the glass area is greater than 25% of the wall area. However its not impossible to meet building regulations using a larger glass area. It will however mean using a higher spec for the glazing - typically Low E Glass (often Pilkington K Glass) combined with argon (gas)) filled double glazed sealed units. The building control department at your local council will require you to prove that extension meets the regulations with regards to insulation etc. By improving the levels of insulation in other elements of your extension - such as the floors then it will be easier to meet the OVER ALL U values / insulation values required to meet building regulations. You can get help & advice on ensuring your conservatory meets Building Regulations if they are applicable at
http://www.coo-res.co.uk/tools.htm and http://www.coo-res.co.uk/conservatories.htm
COOPER RESEARCH provide a CON-TEST for building regulations - this robust compliance test for conservatories and highly glazed hybrid extensions currently justifies design proposals for Part L compliance for a fixed fee of Ģ250 plus VAT.
Question asked by Sue and Stephen:
We have condensation problems in our recently built conservatory (12x10.5ft). There are plenty of small ventilation gaps around the eaves where the roof bars are crudely matched to the surround, but our main concern is the volume of condensation on the roof bars. The roof is 25mm polycarbonate and the glazed units are as recommended but give us water droplets at their base. There is also a horizontal line of water droplets on the upvc above the windows, which might suggest direct contact with the aluminium core. So the question we would like you to answer is: Why do the roof bars attract the condensation (the roof does not) and what can we do about it? Thank you.
Answer by cwgod
It's not unusual for newly built conservatories to experience condensation. I doubt that there is any contact with the aluminium core - if there was - it would be quite evident. The roof bars attract most condensation because they are most likely the coldest part in the roof structure. The roof bars are most likely constructed of aluminium and clad in PVCU.
The moisture that exists in the air is generally referred to as the relative humidity (RH) and is considered to be a percentage of saturation where 100% is saturation point. Thus the RH at any given temperature indicates the quantity of moisture present at that moment. Any lowering of the air temperature will increase the RH until eventually if the temperature is sufficiently lowered, then saturation will be reached and any reduction below this point will cause a dew point, and moisture in liquid form as water will appear.
My best suggestion is to install a dehumidifier (you can hire this) for a few weeks - this will remove some of the moisture. Also continue to vent the conservatory - a lot of people keep the windows closed - believing this will help - It is far better to let the air circulate. In time the amount of moisture within the recently built walls / floor etc will reduce and you will experience condensation less often. It will take a little time - especially in the winter months!
You will find an article on condensation at http://www.windowstoday.co.uk/condensation.htm
Question asked by Guest2
I'm looking for an online painting tool - you know the sort of thing that lets you visualise what a room will look like with different colours etc. I have seen something like this - cant remember when / where?
Answer by MRANSWERS
I think you might be talking about The MousePainter(TM) from Dulux? You will find it at http://www.duluxinspire.co.uk/decorating
The MousePainter(TM)
The revolutionary interior design tool from Dulux that helps you to try out different colour schemes online and visualise your ideas before you decorate.
Question asked by Terry
We are about to order a completely new kitchen. We quite like the look of the new aluminium ovens, as they have a softer look to s/s. However we were told recently that this surface could be subject to 'corrosion' from some foodstuffs containing acid, e.g. lemon. If this were true we would definitely not buy this version. Any comments?
Answer by cwgod
I am assured that the "AlutTec System" by AEG was the Aluminium equivalent to galvanizing and would not result in any discolouration. Furthermore, there is a complete range of AluTec appliances including America Style Fridge/Freezers and double Ovens and Hobs.
Question asked by Maz
I am considering a conservatory on the back of my property and have had several quotes. One company - who is a member of the Conservatory Association, has told me that there are building regulations coming into force, which would alter the way that conservatories are constructed. He mentioned "k" glass, and u values but no other company has mentioned this. Is he trying to claim exclusivity to the new regulations or is he just bamboozling me?
Answer by Twis
Very few conservatories are currently subject to building regulations in England and Wales. For more info on building regs have a look at http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/planperm.htm.
Conservatories that are subject to building regulation approval are likely to have Pilkington K Glass or low E glass specified in order to conform to the "U" values required by building regulations. We are aware that there maybe some plans in the next few years to make all conservatories subject to building regulations - but this is not the case at present.
As most conservatories are not subject to building regulations conservatory suppliers work to varying standards with regards to insulation levels/depth of foundations etc. It sounds to us that the supplier you mention is offering a higher specification and while we would consider that a good thing - only you can decide if the increased benefits of his specification are worth the extra cost that his specification almost certainly attracts.
It may be worth speaking to the other suppliers again and asking if they wished to make any particular recommendations with regards to insulation/winter use etc.
We would also say that consumer expectations vary greatly and while some people may find a conservatory with normal double glazing and say 16 mm polycarbonate in the roof acceptable in the winter months because they only intend to use during the daytime or during sunny periods - others will not find the lower specification acceptable because they intend to use the conservatory in the winter evenings also. For these people, low E glass and 25 mm polycarbonate in the roof will be important.
Question asked by John (USA)
I'm designing my own sunroom to fit on part of my existing deck. My deck is 24x15. There are 2 24-foot beams supporting the deck; each beam is anchored with four posts.
I want to build a 12x16 sunroom on one side of the deck. The sunroom will be wood frame construction with a gable roof. My question is: will the deck support the sunroom? Or will I need extra supports?
Answer by cwgod
All decks intended to be enclosed for year round living need to be reinforced to local building code standards. Since building codes vary from state to state, you should immediately visit your local building department for details.
Question asked by Ramzy
U values - could you explain the formula given (W/mēK)
Answer by cwgod
WmēK - Watt per square meter Kelvin - Quality of insulation. Smaller values are better.
You will find some useful info at http://www.windowstoday.co.uk/pilkington_k_glass_uk.htm
Different parts of the world quote U Values in different ways. In the UK all U Values are quoted as W/mēK. The lower the U Value - the better the insulator. U-value is the measurement of heat transfer through a given building material, glass, etc
Also have a look at The Efficient Windows Collaborative Web Site - This web site provides unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use. Their web site can be found at http://www.efficientwindows.org (USA Based)
Also note: Effective U value
In the case of windows and glazing, because they admit the sun's energy, the U value concept can be taken a step further Even in the winter the sun can shine and help to warm a room.
Over a typical heating period the amount of useful heat from the sun entering through windows can be subtracted from the normal U value (a measure of the heat leaving through the windows) to give an overall "effective U value" This is dependent upon the direction the window faces. In the case of south facing windows with Pilkington K Glass double glazing units (a type of LOW E GLASS), the normal U value of 1.9 W /mēK is reduced to an Effective U value of virtually zero. In other words, the heat gained from the sun balances the amount of heat lost.
Effective U value can simply be regarded as "heat out minus useful heat in".
Question asked by Wayne
We had a conservatory built in Oldham approx 5m x 3m wide x 3m high. We used Pilkington K Glass and a radiator was moved from the living room into the conservatory using same central heating tapings. Builder advised us that we did not need planning permission and that they built to the correct regulations. They are a reputable supplier and we had no reason to doubt their word.
We are now trying to sell and the Buyer's solicitor is demanding proof of planning permission and building regulation. Do we require it?
Answer by Bazzer
You can find more information on these issues at
http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/planperm.htm
PLANNING PERMISSION
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). Notable exceptions to the above are listed buildings and conservation areas. Please note that if your property has been extended in the past - you will have used up some or perhaps all of your "permitted development" area and may need permission.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations. To be considered as a "conservatory" for building regulation purposes the new "extension" / conservatory must be permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door. There are other criteria - check out the above link for more details. If there is not currently a "permanent separation" it maybe that you will need to install a door - in which case the requirement to meet with building regulation approval may be eliminated.
We believe that in the next few years most conservatories will require building regulation approval - but at present (2002) building regulation approval is the exception rather than the rule.
You should check with your local council if you have any more doubts about what was done
Question asked by Charles W - Trade question.
Can any one recommend a company to "bend" pvcu profile?
Answer by Bazzer
Try:
http://www.rad-eng.com/
Unit2, Sandwash Close, Rainford, St. Helens, WA11 8LY, UK.
Tel:(+44) 01744 88 5855 or Fax: (+44) 01744 88 6244
http://www.rad-eng.com/about.htm
ALSO
Universal Arches Ltd
http://www.uniarches.com
Universal Arches Ltd specialises in the bending of PVCu profile, and the fabrication of arched doors, window frames and raked angled head frames, with a variety of fixed and opening circular windows. Their fixed circular window is available at 280mm diameter, one of the smallest available in the UK.
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