Conservatory FAQs

General conservatory FAQs

What styles of conservatory are there?

A conservatory is the perfect way to build a bridge between your indoor and outdoor space. No matter what style of home you have, we will have the conservatory style to suit your needs. Choose between:

• Gable
• Edwardian
• Lean-to
• Victorian
• Bespoke

Do you need planning permission for a conservatory?

A conservatory falls under what is considered permitted development rights and they do not need usually require planning permission (subject to limits). Building regulation approval is required on any work, but we can take care of this for you.

Are conservatories energy efficient?

Thanks to modern innovations, you can be sure that your conservatory from Plan-it Windows will remain a comfortable temperature all year round. You can also opt for a tiled roof conservatory which offers optimum energy efficiency, saving you money on your heating bills.

Orangery FAQs

What is the difference between an orangery and a conservatory?

The main difference between the two is that orangeries feature full-height brick pillars, whereas conservatory walls are constructed with large sections of glass. Both conservatories and orangeries have brickwork to elevate the double glazed windows, but an orangery will have glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall, whereas a conservatory will have a minimum of 50% glass walls covering the area. Orangeries also feature sturdy box-section pelmets, which allow for minimal plastering.

What are the Building Regulations for an Orangery?

An orangery, like other conservatories, is exempt from building regulation approval when

• They’re built at ground level and the area of the floor is less than 30m2.
• An external quality door is used to separate the orangery from the current property. (orangery must be attached to the existing property)
• There should be an independent heating system with separate temperature and controls.
• The glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the requirements of the relevant building regulations.

Conservatory roof FAQs

What is better, a glass conservatory roof or a tiled roof?

• Glass roofs: Glass conservatories let in enviable amounts of natural light and modern technology has transformed the thermal efficiency of glass roofs. What once made a conservatory unbearably hot in the summer, can now ensure usability all year round by reflecting heat during the warmer months and insulating throughout the colder parts of the year. This is made possible with the latest in solar reflective glass technology, which will help keep a constant comfortable temperature, whilst keeping out the damaging UV rays.
• Tiled Roofs: Here at Plan-it we use the marker leader, Guardian Warm Roofs, and SupaLite Tiled Roofing System for our tiled roof projects. Although tiled roofs let in a significantly less amount of light than a glass one, you benefit from noise reduction, as well as gaining that extra sense of privacy. There is also the option to add a skylight or roof lantern to let some natural light come through.