Durabase Conservatory

elsmore1

Hi,
My wife an I were considering a conservatory, and have looked at a durabase modular base rather than a dwarf wall and concrete foundations. Has anyone experience of the durabase and will it be cheaper option. The conservatory will likely be about 4m by 2.5m dwarf wall lean to style. I paln to build myself with a freidn or family.

Many Thanks

savvy369

I am thinking of the same thing, so will watch too...I only know my distant relative is a builder and does not support self build conservatories in general.... the plot thickens.

There are a few steel frame companies out there, I assume they are the same - perhaps all have the same 15 yr warranty?)
I am told DIY conservatories are thermally more efficient than bricks - but i suppose the issues are quality, longevity, and subsidence? Should be a light weight structure, even with dwarf walls, which are fake brick with insulation and plasterboard you add after...
On the durabase website it says: Dig out the holes for the concrete pads as per the plan provided. Mix and fill the holes with concrete and allow to harden. Each pad is only 450mm3.(i think this is a standard depth for builders as well but is a square of concrete enough?)
Other DIY bases (on u tube) suggest laying 3 or 4 inches of concrete, then laying the steel frame on that....I have flags already with a couple inches of concrete under that - not sure If I can build on that?

Perhaps one of the builders on this forum can help.

savvy369

just found this MSE forum link - looks positive i think
oops it wont let me post a link as i am a new member but search MSE forum for Durabase and it comes up...

elsmore1

Looking furthur it may be cheaper to buy a full height one so the base will only need to be a concrete square which I could build myself, so no builders, large trench, bricks etc, I just dont think they look quite as nice!