Replace Conservatory Glass?

oysteroyster

The house we're currently renovating has a conservatory on the back of it, most probably installed during the 90s(?) - pre-renovation photos attached. Unlike the rest of the property, it's not a thing of beauty but it's probably going to stay for the time being, both for budgetary reasons and because I don't think a suitable replacement would look that much different (see roof comment further below). It's fully double glazed (uPVC), including the roof. The seals on 6 or so of the panes have gone and contain condensation and need to be replaced.

Our dilemma is largely down to the issue of heating and thermal efficiency. We've ended up taking off the French doors which separate the conservatory from an open-plan kitchen / living area and had intended to instead fit bi-folding doors to create even more open-plan space. However, our glazer has suggested that by updating all of the conservatory glass to modern A-rate glass (note, leaving the uPVC frame in-tact), as per the rest of the house, would be sufficient enough to create a usable space in winter, and not make the rest of the adjoining rooms cold. It would also create the most space between the rooms.

Both myself and a couple of people I've since spoken to are very skeptical of this, and whilst it's actually a cheaper option than the bi-folds, I suspect the glazer will actually make more profit from replacing the glass than supplying the bi-folds through a third party. I can't imagine glass has improved THAT much, and the uPVC frame (which is probably the biggest weak spot) would remain the same. I live in the moors of Yorkshire where summer highs are typically around 18-20 degrees, and between 0 and 10 degrees in winter. On this occasion, replacing the glass roof with a solid one is not an option as it would completely starve the adjoining kitchen of light, and opting for something more pitched wouldn't work in the dimensions.

With all this is mind, do you think we could create a comfortable and efficient (heating-wise) living area by replacing all of the conservatory glass alone, or would we be better to replace the broken seal glass and fit the bi-folds to keep out the predominantly chilly weather?

Doozergirl

No, no, no. Stick with the original plan.

Conservatories are not permanent, it's already old, and it is not an extension. It's inadequate and upgrading all the glazing in a 20+ year old structure is false economy. The uPVC will continue to deteriorate.

You'd actually need Building Control Approval for an extension if you removed the doors. It would never pass. The only reason conservatories are allowed is that they aren't considered part of the house when there are separating doors.

Furts

Lovely house, wonderful architecture, real character and only downside I can see is a carbuncle, cheap, tacky, modern conservatory somebody has pushed up against the rear wall. Do your self a favour and get rid of it before Kevin McCloud gets to see this thread!

Doozergirl

A patio would be nice

Silvertabby

That's not a conservatory, it's a lean-to! It's awful and needs to go.

I was going to suggest that you do as we did about 4 years ago. When we priced a new glass roof for our 12' x 13' conservatory, we were quoted £5K. As that was more than we had expected, we looked at other options and finally had the whole shebang knocked down to foundation level and re-built as a hybrid orangery/conservatory. This cost £9K, just £4K more than the roof alone.

However, looking at your pictures, it may be that your foundations may not be up to the job. Get rid of the horrid thing!

Davesnave

Furts wrote: »

. Do your self a favour and get rid of it before Kevin McCloud gets to see this thread!

All well and good if the OP has the money to replace with something like an oak-framed job, but I suspect from their post that it is still a long way off.

A patio is OK for those balmy days, but I supect the Yorks Moors have as many of those as we do at 500' in Devon! The most useful thing about conservatories is that they give garden/nature lovers a place to sit and observe on all the 'in-between' days, which are in the majority.

I agree with Doozer & Furts on he bi-folds though.