South-Facing Conservatory with Celsius Elite Roof

Hendel

Hi,


Considering a conservatory on the rear south-facing aspect of our house. Obviously concerned about excessive heat in the summer.


Two potential installers have recommended Celsius Elite glass for the roof and the performance figures do seem to stand up well when compared to other materials (other glass types, polycarbonate etc). However, the proof of the pudding is always in the eating so I wondered if anyone else has a south-facing conservatory with a Celsius Elite glass roof. If so, how do you find it?


Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to offer.

Furts

Hi spoar
My personal and professional opinion is I do not believe the sales pitch that I frequently hear.

For a south facing construction that is durable, effective, insulated, cool in summer and warm in winter the answer is a sun room. A conservatory is a product of the last decade - many are now aware of their limitations.

Ulitimately it will be your choice with your money, but I would not have one.

Hope this helps..or stimulates debate!

Hendel

Hi Furts,


Thanks for your reply.


Plan A was an extension with a couple of Velux roof lights and Bi-fold doors but an architect advised us that we will struggle to get planning permission because of 45° rule w.r.t. neighbours kitchen window. He said I'd probably get away with a conservatory of similar proportions because it will appear less obstructive than a permanent brick structure.


I'm putting in a pre-planning form for both options to see what response comes back from planning.


I agree with your thoughts but if a conservatory ends up as the only palatable option for the Planning Authority then I want to proceed with as much advice under my belt as I can get.


Thanks again.

DHFrames

Roof blinds and roof vents would also have to be considered..... Yes the glass will reflect some heat but trust me it will get hot.

Furts

Hi spoar
Try a meeting with your planners - you may have to pay a nominal consultation fee.

Discuss the flexibility with the 45 degree angle. Is this from an upstairs or downstairs window? Could a fence or wall alleviate the over loking? Could any existing wall or fence be raised?

Explain that a conservatory is not sustainable, it is frowned on by Building Regulations, you do not want the charade of a transparent extension.

You want something that follows the spirit of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Talk to them on the Code Level. Throw in the spirit of Lifetime Homes...It may be a bluff, or you may research this, or you may get your architect to do this - after all this is what you are supposed to be paying for

In essence, a bit of sweet talking could win over the planners. Planners are human. They have to follow guide lines and professional judgements - the latter could come from you.

Hope this helps

Pipkin

I clean for someone who has a conservatory, I can tell you that in the summer I dread it because it's like an oven. They have a digital weather station thingy in there which cuts out when it reaches a certain temperature (some measure over 40 degrees, I forget what exactly), and it regularly has gone off the scale when I am cleaning, with the windows/door open and not necessarily a terribly sunny day either (rare here).

Hendel

Hi Furts,

I like your thinking. I'll do some more research along those lines. Sounds like you have some experience of such matters.

Thanks a lot.

Hendel

Hi DHframes,

I think vents are a good idea. Quite a few online sources say they are essential as one of the best methods for keeping it cool. Rising hot air escapes and draws in fresh air through doors or windows.

Thanks for advice.

Hendel

Hi Pipkin,

Sounds bad. Has it usually been shut up for a while before you arrive? Does it make the rest of the ground floor feel too hot as well? Does it have a glass roof?

Thanks very much

Johnandabby

Furts wrote: »

Explain that a conservatory is not sustainable, it is frowned on by Building Regulations

A heated extension is less 'sustainable' then an unheated conservatory. Conservatory are not 'frowned on' by Bldg Regs, just have to follow set guidance for thermal separation from the rest of the house.

Furts wrote: »

You want something that follows the spirit of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Talk to them on the Code Level. Throw in the spirit of Lifetime Homes...It may be a bluff, or you may research this, or you may get your architect to do this - after all this is what you are supposed to be paying for

Code for Sustainable Homes is for new build homes, not extensions, so is irrelevant here. Spirit of Lifetime Homes?? For an extension?? How are the 16 principles of Lifetime Homes going to sway a planning officer? They are generally uninterested in what happens within the building envelope.

Furts wrote: »

In essence, a bit of sweet talking could win over the planners. Planners are human. They have to follow guide lines and professional judgements - the latter could come from you.

No harm in providing information on proposed sustainability measures for the extension (ie better insulation than Bldg Regs, recycled/low embodied energy materials etc), but in your situation it appears that sunlight/daylight impacts on the neighbouring property may be the key issues to look at.

Pipkin

Hi, yes it has a glass roof, usually a few windows are open, I open as many as possible, the rest of the downstairs is warm, but in there it's fierce...there's never anyone sitting in it! It does dry the laundry nicely though!