In order to enjoy the full benefits of your garden room throughout the year, attention to ventilation is essential, especially in a south-facing conservatory, which can become extremely hot when the Summer sun reaches its height.
We can recommend both at the design and construction stages, a variety of ways to ensure that sufficient ventilation is provided. Roof ventilators are the best way in which to release hot air as it travels upwards. These are operated by electronic openers switched manually or automatically by thermostatic controls with rain sensors.
Incorporating double-hung doors on either side of the design allows a through draught. Side-hung casements are an excellent way of drawing fresh air in while at the same time pushing hot air upwards to the roof vents. When open, they give an unrestricted view.
Over the years we have developed a unique storm-proof roof vent using powder-coated aluminium flashings. When closed this remains water-tight, even in the most adverse weather conditions. These do not leak.
Your new Westbury building could feel exposed as it sits attached to your main building, often leading directly to the main house with open walls. Therefore security is essential; a fundamental aspect that many people forget.
At Westbury we provide a wide range of solutions to ensure the security of your property, including multi point locking, enhanced window security and toughened glass.
Due to our buildings being made of timber and prominent from the main building they are exposed to the elements, we take great care to ensure those areas which are most exposed areas are well protected.
However, it essential to ensure continual maintenance of your building.
Conservatory gutters and cornices should be set level, as lying them to fall would leave an unsightly gap between the gutters and the conservatory itself. We use aluminium gutters, coloured to match the joinery.
These will not leak when installed. In addition, they require low maintenance and are sturdy enough to support a ladder when access is required to clean the roof glass. The O’gee and moulded shape of the gutters will also help to enhance the final appearance at the point where the roof joins the headplate. All downpipes discharge into soakaways, or are coupled to existing downpipes.
These are used where a conservatory roof pitches down towards the house, or where the existing wall to the flank or flanks of the conservatory is higher than the gutter level. Using box gutters adds a wide range of options for the roof design, especially where a low first floor window obstructs the conservatory roof.
Our box gutters are lined with lead-grey Flag UK (a seamless single-ply polymeric membrane), ensuring that they are completely sealed and free from leaks. They are supported internally with steel beams, which are clad with timber, and then cavity insulated.
The warm roof method is used to prevent any cold spots from forming, which can lead to condensation. Again, Flag UK is used, as it is a far superior product compared with traditional roofing materials: offering a fifteen-year manufacturer’s guarantee, and backed by a BBA certified durability in excess of 25 years.
Box gutters and flat roofs are suitable for access and maintenance, however it should be noted that the edges are unguarded and the surface should not be trafficked when there is snow or ice present as this will be extremely slippery.
A turned ball or spike to the kingpin may be sufficient for the external finishing touch of the roof. Should a more ornate finish be appropriate, we have a selection of crestings and finials, which range from original Victorian patterns to simple contemporary designs.
If it is a unique style or design you require that we don't have as standard, please do not hesitate to ask and the Westbury craftsman will fashion the piece you desire; giving crowning glory to your new garden building!
You can choose from a selection of brass, bronze, satin chrome, polished chrome or plain black. Our ironmongery collection ranges from simple, unobtrusive styles to some specially designed handles and fittings.
We offer a special range in conjunction with Turnstyle Designs (www.turnstyledesigns.co.uk)
An essential finishing touch, ironmongery must be just right to give the right finish.
Code 4/5 lead is used to make the seal between the new conservatory and the existing house. The lead is dressed to achieve a neat and unobtrusive appearance. All flashings and leadwork are carried out according to Lead Association guidelines. This is carried out by us, so we will be responsible for the building being water-tight.
We have carefully selected a range of 24 colours specifically for our garden buildings in a choice of colourways. We recommend acrylic (water-based) paint, which is environmentally friendly. Major paint manufacturers have not recommended the use of oil-based paints externally for many years. Acrylic paints are both durable and easier to dispose of and no chemicals are required for the cleaning of hands, brushes etc.
We will spray two base coats before the conservatory leaves our workshop. One final coat of acrylic paint applied on site with a synthetic brush meets the manufacturer’s specifications. When the time comes to re-paint your conservatory, only one coat will be required.
100mm floor insulation is used in the make-up of the solid floor to give a calculated overall U-value of 0.2W/m²°C
100mm Rockwool Cavity Batts is used in the brick and block cavity wall construction to give a calculated overall U-value of 0.29 W/m²°C
100mm Celotex insulation is used in conjunction with our warm deck flat roof margins to give a calculated overall U-value of 0.16 W/m²°C
150mm Celotex insulation is used in tiled/slated pitched roofs to give a calculated overall U-value of 0.16 W/m²°C.
There are sensational opportunities that don’t exist in standard rooms. Having lighting from various directions be it hanging pendant and chandelier from the ridge with backlighting to mouldings, uplighters in the floor…the goes on and they all add depth and a new dimension to the room. There’s a great opportunity to add external lights to the building itself but probably best of all is to light the garden to be viewed at night.
With large windows and doors your garden can be enjoyed throughout the evening as well as the day. We will design a lighting layout specifically for your room and with our own electricians, will install the lighting an issue you with an NIC certificate.
Thresholds, fascias, mouldings, cills and ridge caps need to be high performing and will take the worst of the weather as the sun hits them almost square on. Rafters, ridges and ring beams are from engineered redwood giving added strength as is the framework which needs to be treated (as it is external) for its longevity. These are internal and do not need to be durable nor stable to the elements. Internal doors and mouldings are made from tulipwood, which is best used for internal purposes and gives an excellent paint finish.
Timbers need to be straight grained to stop them warping and bowing. They also need to be stable so they don’t expand when the wet weather comes and of course durable for their longevity. For this we use engineered larch.
Westbury Garden Rooms Limited operates a policy of continuous improvement and reserves the right to change specifications from time to time. Specifications will vary to meet the specific needs of each project.
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