New porch, is Anglian any good?

ThisIsWeird

I agree with FreeBear - the skylight, tho' a nice touch, would add a significant extra cost.

The example in your picture has fixed windows, and that makes a lot of sense, not least that the cost will be significantly less than with openers. But some provision for ventilation will need to be incorporated (easy).

Another advantage of fixed windows is that they can be easily painted - I've done that to white PVC frames to match our new anthracite ones. So if you like the nice greens you have shown in your examples, or even greys or whatevs, that can be done on all the outside surfaces using something like Zinsser's AllCoat.

And (not suggesting, as I know little about it, but just for info): https://shapesgrp.co.uk/products/fibreglass-roofing-sheets/

dllive

Thanks so much guys, youve really helped me to zero-in on what I want!

So, to concur with whats been said:

So yes, the door on the side under the canopy rather than the widest side of the porch. As you say, if the door is on the widest face, I cant have a canopy. And it is useful to have a canopy becuase Im always fumbling for my keys in the rain!! (you would have thought Id have learnt by now to have my keys ready before I get to the door!)

No to velux window becuase - as you say - it will add massively to cost and not really add any benefit. (the floor area is so small, and it is south facing after all, so should always be bathed in sunlight)

Im probably going to replace the existing dwarf wall because - you cant see from the photos - but its a good 45cm thick, so takes up much-needed floor space! Also I dont think it has a foundation, and also because I can then build the wall out a little bit to give me marginally more floor space.

I thought the 50cm gap would look odd, but if you guys dont think so then perhaps Im over-thinking it. As you say, plant a jasmin there, or perhaps some wooden shelves or something. Hmmm... or even a very narrow glazed unit to match the other glazing!?

I hadnt thought about ventilation! What do you think? A couple of judiciously-placed ventilation bricks?

I may have one of the windows as an opener. Again, I may be over-thinking it, but I feel there should be at least one window that can be opened - not least becuase I can introduce more ventilation if/when required. But then perhaps that will look odd if the rest of the windows are fixed?

ThisIsWeird

The 500mm gap issue is a matter of taste, so that's on you! But, I guess there's an argument that it could add to the shelter under the canopy in driving rain if filled in? I don't think I'd put a window there, tho' - no advantage, and I think significantly greater cost.
Totally agree with removing that dwarf esp if it's that thick. I'd be tempted to come over the step's side wall. 
What is on the ground inside your porch? 
Ventilation - yes, air bricks should do it, or just a couple of adjustable grills which could be mounted high where not seen, and painted ext colour. Not sure. Perhaps even trickle vents on the windows would do.
The thing is, the porch won't be heated. So, every time you open your house door, the warm moist air will flow into the porch and mist up your windows. Any wet coats and boots you leave in there will ditto, and also not dry out properly. 
You could prove this yourself by getting two coats equally wet, and hanging one inside your porch, and the other outside under your canopy. Guess which one will dry?
So, some decent ventilation will be needed, and perhaps an opener is a good idea.
If the new width allows, perhaps a slim one-section opening window could be fitted next to the porch door? And then adjustable grills fitted to the back wall - a good through-flow.
I suggested mainly non opening windows because (a) much lower cost, (b) slimmer frame appearance with max glass, (c) easy to paint if wished. And (d), no real need to open them? 
But that is entirely your call to make. 
If you need huge ventilation in there at times, simply leave the door open! Secure your house using the house door.
This is all for you to consider - literally food for thought.
Other things - height of windows; what ratio of window to dwarf looks best? And widths, to have them as two obviously separate windows? Whether to have decorative glazing bars fitted - would that add to the aesthetics - could it be a bit shed-like without? Height of roof and the lower bargeboard - should it be higher than currently?
Keep Googling images! Pinterest yourself silly!

FreeBear

dllive said: No to velux window becuase - as you say - it will add massively to cost and not really add any benefit. (the floor area is so small, and it is south facing after all, so should always be bathed in sunlight)

My porch faces due south - It gets roasting hot in there (think 50-60°C). At least one opener will be essential in your case. Use the far back wall, and then you'll get a decent through draught when the door is open. Maybe a few roof vents as well in conjunction with a couple of air bricks at a low level. Some blinds on the other windows will cut down on solar heating, so give it some thought on where to attach them.

dllive

Heres some interior photos for more context. The floor is concrete which is sloping - so that will need to be leveled, with possibly a step-up into the door. Does it make sense for the door to open out and hinged on the left (if viewed from the outside)







This is the front of the house, with the front door. But its a busy road, so most people use the side entrance. And I always use the side entrance. I think its only the postman that uses the front door.

Im posting the front of the house so you can see the style of the house. I dont want the side porch to look out of place. (which I dont think it currently is)

FreeBear

Problem with a door that opens outwards is some delivery drivers dump packages right in front of it then scarper. Makes the door difficult to open..

On the other hand, get a door knocker hoping to stick his foot in as soon as it is opened, he ends up with a blooded nose

dllive

FreeBear said:

Problem with a door that opens outwards is some delivery drivers dump packages right in front of it then scarper. Makes the door difficult to open..

Ah!! Good point!!! OK, so it should open inwards and hinged on the left so that it swings against the interior wall.

Albermarle

Postik said:

Albermarle said:

Having been connected with the industry in the past, I can say that Anglian were one of the first UK companies to invest seriously in production of PVC windows from a primary manufacturing viewpoint ( as opposed to just fabricating the windows) 
However over the years they have fell behind considerably in that, now having old plant.

On the other hand if you use a local builder, they do not obviously make PVC windows/conservatories/porches them selves, and buy them in from companies like Anglian or local fabricators, who buy in all the basics stuff from much bigger manufacturing companies.
The issue is more the quality of the overall install and the lack of high pressure sales.

Am I right in thinking Eurocell is one such manufacturer?  And local window firms will buy the plastic from there and fabricate them?

Yes they are one of the main UK manufacturers, along with Rehau, Liniar, Veka, Epwin etc
The local fabricator will be linked with one if these, and their kit will be set up to handle the different system designs of each manufacturer ( although to the layperson they will all look similar). The fabricator will also buy in the sealed units, hinges, locks etc. Often the manufacturers mentioned above ( and others) will also make related PVC construction related items, like guttering, fascia boards, window sills , doors etc 

Albermarle

ThisIsWeird said:

I agree with FreeBear - the skylight, tho' a nice touch, would add a significant extra cost.

The example in your picture has fixed windows, and that makes a lot of sense, not least that the cost will be significantly less than with openers. But some provision for ventilation will need to be incorporated (easy).

Another advantage of fixed windows is that they can be easily painted - I've done that to white PVC frames to match our new anthracite ones. So if you like the nice greens you have shown in your examples, or even greys or whatevs, that can be done on all the outside surfaces using something like Zinsser's AllCoat.

And (not suggesting, as I know little about it, but just for info): https://shapesgrp.co.uk/products/fibreglass-roofing-sheets/

Just worth noting that normally PVC windows will have a 10 year guarantee, that covers any deterioration linked to weather/sunlight exposure. If you paint them then I presume the guarantee will be invalid.
All PVC window frame material is manufactured in  white only. The reason is that perhaps counterintuitively, it resists UV degradation better than coloured PVC.
You can buy coloured PVC windows (in fact all the rage in grey ) but it is white PVC with a laminate on top. The laminate is specially formulated to be extra UV/weather resistant, and will also be guaranteed for 10 years, However inevitably it will be significantly more expensive than plain white. 

ThisIsWeird

dllive said:

Heres some interior photos for more context. The floor is concrete which is sloping - so that will need to be leveled, with possibly a step-up into the door. Does it make sense for the door to open out and hinged on the left (if viewed from the outside)







This is the front of the house, with the front door. But its a busy road, so most people use the side entrance. And I always use the side entrance. I think its only the postman that uses the front door.

Im posting the front of the house so you can see the style of the house. I dont want the side porch to look out of place. (which I dont think it currently is)

That's a pretty house you have there! :-)

Yes, lose that crazzy-thick dwarf wall.

Yes, widen the porch width - I'd go over the steps side.

Yes, raise that roof height significantly - at least a foot. Make sure that the guttering is nowhere near head height - use that as a guide if nothing else!

Yes, have the door opening against the inside left wall.

See if you can get a slim window similar to what's already there alongside the door - I'd personally make that one the opener, mainly for cost-reducing reasons, but also to allow all the side windows to be the same as each other, like wot you currently have.

As for window design, I don't know - keep trying options as you have done. If you like your existing slim multi-section window, for example (and I think they have a good look), then there's no reason why you cannot replicate in a one-piece PVC window. That should be pretty cheap. You may need a timber lintel above it, but if you go for a lightweight roof, then the 5+ vertical PVC sections of this window should be more than enough.

This has a "good handyperson's job" written all over it. Anyone who can construct a bespoke garden shed, for example, can manage this. Or one who can build cupboards and storage.

The existing door step looks an ok height, but, yes, something durable, scrubbable, waterproof - and nice - flagstones, slate, or whatevs - on the floor would look great.

And go to town on practical and enhancing lighting, too - def some PIR for convenience, safety and security, but perhaps utilitarian low-level 'hooded' lights along the side, casting on to the path and the steps. I did that on a connie many moons ago, and it cast a warm and homely glow on to the patio and shrubbery when coming up the garden, but also lit your path without dazzling your eyes.

And an overhead PIR for the doorway.