Conservatory with plastic roof

Bluelad_2

I have a conservatory with a plastic roof, and would say that it is very loud when raining hard. I would be more concerned about theopen plan. When I moved in the open plan arrangement made the whole living area cold. However I closed off theconservatory with a door and window which has solved the problem. I think the temperature is a problem whether the roof is glass or plastic

mrs_deadline

Absolutely agree with Bluelad, the temperature is a much bigger consideration - that and building regs, because an open plan room doesn't qualify as a conservatory, as we've discovered.

After living with a plastic roof conservatory for a number of years, we decided to upgrade it. We wanted to warm it up, and then gain more space by knocking out a wall and going open plan. We thought with the "best glass", as mentioned by dunstonh, and letting more heat circulate from the house, we would be OK. But no - we were strongly advised not to do go ahead as it wouldn't meet building regulations.

The problem is that a conservatory, once it's opened up into the main house (known as the "thermal envelope"), is no longer exempt from heat loss standards. To get the open-plan space, we would need to build a proper tiled-roof extension because the glazed area limits are too tight to allow a glazed roof, plastic or otherwise. A lot more money than replacing the glass.

So I suggest you make further enquiries, because you're looking at a non-standard construction, which could affect your survey (and might have to be made good at some point).

swampduck

SmartGirl wrote:

I went to see a house yesterday which had conservatory with what looked like a plastic roof. I was nice, but I am wondering what would the noise be like when it rains? It is open plan to the living room, so one can't shut the door.

Also, how much would conservatory add to the value of the house and how much does it cost to build?

I thought that you invalidated your home insurance, if your conservatory cannot be closed off from the rest of the house then it is a potential weak spot for prospective burglars.

Everyone I know who has a conservatory has doors separating it form the living quarters of the house. Plus..............wouldnt it be cold in the winter?


Just a thought!!!



Swampy

coraastbury

We have a large conservatory open plan with the kitchen and it is a lovely family space and as for it being cold, we have got a large radiator in the conservatory and another in the kitchen.

I would not myself ever think of having doors on the conservatory as I would not really use it then. At the moment the way that we have it open plan it is used everyday and is the best room in the house.

This is my opinion.

Cora

Altarf

Unless the conservatory has been there a long time, having a plastic roof and no doors separating it from the house will mean that it does not meet building regulations.

So it doesn't add any value, but knocks some off.

davsidipp

altarf too true next door has one which is imo an eyesore. also they are classed as an extension if they dont have fire saftey doors fitted on them.

silvercar

you don't need to meet current building regs. If you have a building regs certificate it will show that you met the regs in force at the time, there is no requirement to meet current regs unless you want to apply for a certificate now. If the conservatory has not got a certificate you will have to take a view on the quality of work yourself; by the sound of it you know the plastic roof is a weakness. If it is over 4 years old the council cannot require you to make any alterations (one year in some cases). Chances are it would be a permitted development and not require planning permission.

There is no reason that you couldn't enjoy the conservatory in the same way the current owners do. you may wish at some stage to change the roof/ improve it in some way.

Stompa

We too have a conservatory with a polycarbonate roof. Even with the double-glazed door separating the conservatory from the lounge closed, the noise in the lounge when it rains can be extremely loud.

Entertainer

Lol guess what I'm going to say.

Yep polycarbonate roof and it's a tad noisy when it rains.;) Wish I'd had a glass roof. Oh and it leaks like a sieve. It's also rather hot in the summer (hit 108 F at one point a couple of years ago).

Jay1b

I have a plastic roof on my conservatory and its incredibly noisy when it rains. But i would rather have it, then not have it!