What's the difference between a conservatory, orangery, and an extension?
This is one of the questions we get asked the most and to be honest with you, things are now so blurred that a living space can be anything you want. Tradition dictates that a conservatory is very much glass-based with a glass roof and glass walls, a place where you get the most spectacular view. Most modern conservatory designs include a tiled roof and dwarf walls for insulation. You can also include solar control glazing to prevent any possible overheating or coldness inside.
Brick or aluminium pillars are a common presence in orangery designs, which help to add warmth, privacy, and a luxurious feel. They also typically have a pelmet around the roof for thermal insulation purposes. As for the orangery roof, you have options. You could go with a glass lantern, solid tiled roof, or something that’s a combination of the two.
When it’s a home extension that you want, the main objective will be to ensure that it looks like a natural extension of the property. Often, a solid tiled roof will be used as a covering for the structure, but you can have a hybrid version of a roof with full length glass panels and / or Velux windows etc. if you favour having plenty of natural light and ventilation. An extension is a year-round venue as it will provide comfortable surroundings in all weathers.
At the end of the Day, it doesn’t matter how you define the design. Get on with creating your extension with Crystal.
Should I choose a tiled roof or a glass roof?
This will depend on how the room will be used, the direction it will face and how much money you want to commit to the project. When you wish to receive lots of natural light and would like a lovely garden view, solar control glazing is excellent at keeping the internal temperature under control, as are the other glazing options we have.
A solid tiled roof should come into the reckoning if you want an extension for every reason, which can be tailored to include full length glass panels or Velux windows. This turns it into a hybrid of a solid and glass roof.
Get an opinion on your choice of roof from a Crystal Clear advisor – they will be happy to assist.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS
We’re always on hand to listen to your ideas and answer your questions. You’ll find a few more common questions below.
Will it be too hot in summer and too cool in winter?
Our conservatories, orangeries and extensions can be used throughout the year, regardless of the temperature outside. In the past, conservatories overheated due to the materials used, but our modern living spaces remain a comfortable temperature at all times. If you are particularly concerned about a year-round space, a solid tiled roof should be considered, but we also have excellent performance glazing that introduces solar control to your home.
Do you manufacture your own roofs?
Yes, we do. Crystal Clear Home Improvements is part of the umbrella company, Conservatory Outlet Group, and its sister company (Conservatory Outlet) is one of the UK’s best roof manufacturers. Made in Wakefield, West Glasgow, Hamilton, Kilmarnock & Motherwell, our roofs combine exceptional performance and stylish aesthetics.
Our tight-knit relationship with our manufacturer helps us to have control over our own supply chain, and therefore guarantee the quality and excellence that we are known for.
Can I choose different roof tiles to match my home?
Yes, you certainly can. At Crystal Clear Home Improvements, we proudly carry a variety of shingle and slate roof tiles. We can possibly match the roof tiles on your current property, if required. There’s also a selection of flat roof membranes for you to choose from. An Crystal Clear Home Improvements advisor will be more than happy to supply you with additional details.
I hear a lot about energy rated windows! What does 'A' rated windows mean?
A rated windows are extremely energy efficient. They are actually the most energy efficient windows, as defined by the BFRC Rating Scheme, the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows. The rating features in the Building Regulation as an acceptable form of showing compliance with the rules of energy efficiency.
The energy efficiency ratings used by Window Energy Ratings couldn’t be simpler to understand with an A-E traffic-light system incorporated, similar to the ratings found on common white goods, such as freezers, fridges and washing machines.
The ratings label has been devised to help homeowners make better decisions when it comes to the energy efficiency of their new replacement windows.
What is solar control glazing?
The difference with solar control glazing is that there is a clever coating added to prevent your room from overheating, whilst restricting the amount of heat that escapes from the inside of your home. This ensures your space remains a comfortable place to be at all times. We have a variety of options when it comes to tinted glass – each one will give off a variation of light transmission and heat retention. Get in touch to learn more from an Crystal Clear Home Improvements advisor about our performance enhancing glass.
Is it possible to match to my existing bricks?
We strive to find the closest brick match available in order to create a seamless transition between the new and old parts of your home. There could be some possible weathering and manufacturing variations between the two sets of bricks, so we will ensure you are happy with the match before we start building. If our closest match does not meet your expectations, there is an option to get your new bricks tinted, but this will involve an extra fee.
Do I need Building Regulations Approval?
You will most likely need approval under Building Regulations as most extensions do. Having said that, a few types of extensions don’t need approval. An experienced surveyor will be sent from Crystal Clear Home Improvements to your home so they can issue guidance on what is needed. Once they have confirmed what is required, Crystal Clear will arrange the approval by contacting the correct authority.
Do I need planning permission?
Extensions & Conservatories
You don’t require planning permission if the extension meets certain rules. This is called ‘permitted development’.
If your extension will have one storey, you don’t need planning permission as long as:
- it’s located at the back of the house
- it doesn’t go back further than 3 metres if it’s a terraced house, or 4 metres
- if it isn’t the height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) is no higher than 3 metres
- it’s not higher than 4 metres, including sloping roofs
- it doesn’t cover more floor area than your house does
- it doesn’t take up half the ‘curtilage’ – the grounds behind your home
- it isn’t within a conservation area
If you want to add a porch to a front door, back door or side door on your house,
different rules apply.
Porches
You won’t need planning permission to add a porch to a front door, back door or side door on your house as long as:
- its footprint (the total floor area it takes up) is no greater than 3 square metres
- there’s at least 2 metres between the edge of the porch and any boundary facing a road
- it isn’t taller than 3 metres
- it isn’t within a conservation area
How long will it take to build my new living space?
Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer, as it really depends on how straightforward the installation is and if there are any necessary planning requirements. Don’t hesitate to speak to an Crystal Clear Home Improvements advisor or request our guide, ‘What happens next’, created to help our customers get a more accurate idea of timeframes.
What is a test dig?
A test dig is performed to check local ground conditions before going ahead with the installation. It checks that the ground will have no issues with a concrete base and foundation. If it appears to be unsuitable, we can issue guidance on other foundations, which include a possible specialist pile foundation or concrete raft.
What is a cavity tray?
A cavity tray is put in place to stop moisture from penetrating the outer wall, which could be seen in your living space. It’s a number of high level damp proof courses that direct moisture to the external face of a wall.
Do you offer finance to help me pay for for my new living space?
Yes. To make life easy for you, Crystal Clear can arrange a variety of affordable and convenient easy payment finance options (subject to application & status). Applying for finance is simple and we promise you a quick decision. Everything can be sorted out with you in the comfort of your home or at your local Crystal Clear Showroom, so you can enjoy whatever you’ve set your heart on right away.
What do we need to do when our finance is approved?
If you’re arranging your own finance, you’ll need to call us as soon as you get the go ahead. If you’re taking up one of our offers, the company will tell us both directly, so there’s no need to call as we will get in touch with you.
What happens if finance is refused?
Finance companies can turn down people for lots of reasons, for example if you’ve moved several times over the past few years. In these circumstances, we always do our best to help and sometimes it’s worth trying another provider, especially if they know you.
I’ve applied for finance with Crystal Clear. How long will approval take?
Sometimes our finance company will say ‘yes’ almost immediately and on other occasions it may take them a few days. This short delay can be for any number of reasons and you should not be unduly concerned.
OUR FINANCE CALCULATOR
See how affordable your home improvement can be with our Finance Calculator.
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