5 things to consider when designing your glazed extension

Five key things to consider when designing an orangery

With the hottest April since records began, 2011 proved that the UK weather is unpredictable at the best of times. Consequently, Westbury Garden Rooms issues a warning to anyone planning to invest in a glazed extension: now is the time to take steps to ensure your timber conservatory is fully functional throughout any unexpected peaks in temperature, otherwise the room may not be equipped to cope.

Due to the high density of glass, conservatories can often reach temperatures as high as 40oC during the summer months. As a result it can be worth considering alternative types of glazed extensions such as garden rooms with a tiled roof or an orangery with a smaller glazed roof lantern to minimise sun exposure. As well as minimising heat radiation these extensions typically provide greater insulation in the cooler winter months, making them more suitable for the UK climate.

In order to maximise usage of the glazed extension it is important to consider the following factors in the design stage:

• Have a clear idea of the purpose of the extension and what activities will take place in the room and at what times of day.

• Consider who will be using the room: young children, adults, pets etc and how their requirements may vary.

• The location of the extension is paramount and can dramatically impact the temperature in the room. A homeowner with a choice of locations buy hydrocodone vicodin online available would do best to construct on a south facing outer wall to attract more sunshine.

• Should the extension be south facing, shade is crucial to regulate temperatures. If there isn’t any natural shade it can be hugely beneficial to apply a high quality film to the windows to reflect heat and the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays – a primary cause behind fading carpets and furniture.

• Ventilation is another crucial consideration for keeping glazed extensions cool. It is essential that air is able to flow through the building and that colder air can be drawn into the building. Consider the use of either roof vents, extractor fans, ceiling fans or air conditioning.

Jonathan Hey, Managing Director at Westbury Garden Rooms said: “Choosing a glazed extension is a substantial investment, which is why it is crucial to ensure that it can be used throughout all seasons of the year. Conservatories are often the default choice but in actual fact a garden room or orangery with less exposed glass can make a huge impact in reducing the often harsh weather conditions”.

Hey continued: “These types of extension may also require a little more upkeep than the rest of a property, simply because it is often built out at the rear of a property leaving it more exposed to the elements. This makes it crucial to give it thorough consideration at the design stage”.