These works can be carried out by Westbury or by your own builder. Either way, we will produce detailed drawings and specifications. Before the work starts we will liaise with the local Building Inspector as to whether adverse soil conditions in your area require special provision for deeper or piled foundations.
Walls are built directly up from the foundations. They can be built in either block or brick. Cavity insulation is inserted between the internal and external skins.
We make sure that all materials used match the existing building as closely as possible, i.e. brick colour, bond and type of pointing.
The floor base is built up with 100mm of hardcore, blinded with ballast. 100mm/150mm closed cell polyurethane floor insulation is placed on the hardcore and a 1,200 gauge polythene membrane laid on to this.
A concrete slab 100mm thick is laid on top with A142 steel reinforcing mesh, which is incorporated into the oversite to prevent movement or cracking. The oversite is then ready to accept a floor screed, which will take the floor finish of your choice.
We go to great lengths to make sure our timber is both durable and stable. We have installed humidifiers in our workshop to ensure that the timber maintains the correct moisture content, aiding its stability.
We only buy sustainable timber and only use a small amount of hardwood where elements of the building are very exposed to both sun and rain. Where components are internal, there is no need for hardwood and therefore, redwoods are used.
The rafters are made from clear (knot free) laminated redwood. This makes them stronger and more stable. Doors and sashes need to be extremely stable so that there is no movement or shrinkage in Summer and minimum expansion in Winter. For these we use clear Douglas Fir, a traditional door timber. Framework and head plates are from treated clear redwoods and the king pins, ridge, finials, cills and thresholds are from hardwood. All our timber is of prime grade and free from knots.
All our garden buildings are manufactured using a combination of modern and traditional joinery techniques in our own workshop. The joinery sections will be carefully chosen to achieve the balance of weight. Our aim is to design a building that will enhance your home.
After the timber has been cut, machined and sanded, it will be assembled using double tenons and mortices to ensure stability. All framework is stub-tenoned. Glazing bars can be traditional single-glazed lambs tongue, 20mm plant-on, or 42mm to create a more substantial impression.
We pre-assemble all our roofs in our workshops, minimising the time on site. This also allows us to measure and cut the glass before toughening and manufacturing the sealed units. All doors and sashes are also pre-hung and glazed with locks fitted prior to delivery.
Double glass unit technologies are constantly improving to meet our ever-rising standards to reduce heat energy consumption. The aim is to raise thermal insulation with lower U-values and reduce unwanted solar heat gain in the Summer months.
At Westbury we use the latest technology without compromising the traditional depth and quality of the window mouldings. We currently specify 24mm double-glazing units comprising 2 sheets of 4mm toughened safety glass with 16mm cavity.
These are Argon gas filled and use the latest warm-edge spacer tube system to maintain thermal resistance over the whole window pane. This system also reduces the possibility of condensation forming at the edges and has a hard/soft coat low E coating to the internal cavity surface. Together this gives our windows and glass roofs a very low U-Value of 1.4 W/m²°C (lower than 1.8 currently required under part L/B of the Building Regulations).
Where large areas of glass or other circumstances dictate we can offer the option, at extra cost, to use higher insulating products such as Conservaglas or Planitherm Total to obtain U-values as low as 1.1 W/m²°C.
Similarly, we offer the option of a solar reflective coating applied to the inner surface after installation. The materials offered can vary in their performance of reducing ultra violet light penetration (99%) harmful to fabrics and a cause of fading; glare reduction (18-40%); and reduction of heat gain (43-46%). We will advise on selection depending on location of the glass and appearance.
Windows & doors are factory glazed to benefit from the clean and dry environment.
The glazing units are fitted into rebates with our unique drained glazing system, which have totally concealed open outlets. They are bead glazed using the latest glazing tapes and stainless steel fixing pins.
Glass roofs are site glazed. These glazing units have the top sheet extended 80mm at the bottom edge to form a drip to prevent any capillary action and protect the lower spacer bar. Also to ensure water is discharged over upstand flashings in the case of roof lanterns, or into gutters.
Roof glass units are gasket sealed into rebated rafters and held in position by our specially profiled two-part aluminium capping, powder-coated either white or lead-grey colour and fixed with stainless steel screws, ensuring that the roof is both leak and maintenance free.
In cases where single-glazing is still desired, such as Grade I or Grade II* Listed Buildings, the toughened safety glass will be face puttied into rebates with traditional linseed oil putty.
To control quality, reduce transport and support local enterprise, all Westbury glass is sourced from a nearby Essex supplier.
Your choice of building depends upon the requirement for "roofing". Conservatories feature a completely glazed roof, Orangeries a flat roof with a Lantern, and Garden Rooms will usually feature a tiled roof.
Regarding a tiled finish, we are certain to make a perfect match to existing tiles used on your property ensuring consistency, allowing the new building to blend effortlessly with its surroundings and feel as if it has always been there. Alternatively, if you prefer a different tile we are happy to oblige.
Both first and second fix electrics are organised by our own professional staff and planned to include every detail at an early stage of the planning process.
Plastering is the sharpest and smoothest finish possible, barely needing any sanding, therefore minimising mess and disruption. All plastering is done by Westbury's own skilled site staff.
The way Westbury finish your building is of course entirely up to you. However, we will make recommendations based on our considerable experience, always considering the longevity of the product. As important as sound structure and architecture, the finish is essential, reflecting your qualities as a discerning property owner.
All Westbury's decorators are full-time employees of the company and will treat your home with the same considerations they would of their own.
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