The factory where our conservatories are manufactured
Roofs pre-built and tested

Conservatory roof beinf manufactured

COMPLETE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

The Government test agency, the British Board of Agrément (BBA) stated 'the conservatory roofs will have a life of at least 25 years'. When you sit in your conservatory, so one can imagine what the weather will impose on your roof. Over an average 25 years, it would include:-

  • 15,300mm of rainfall,
  • 450 days with snow falling,
  • 57 days of hail the size of peas,
  • 9125 days with temoeratures in the range of -15°C in winter to +35°C in summer,
  • 300 visits by window cleaners, house painters and aerial riggers

So, you can see why it needs to be tough.
BBA extreme weather testing to 110mph When the wind blows on to the face of a conservatory there is a consequent build-up of pressure on the back face. As it is deflected over the roof and round the sides the reduction in pressure creates suction in these areas. Careful design is needed to ensure the integrity of the whole structure and to prevent water ingress.
In winds of 110mph and heavy rainfall, equivalent to the worst UK conditions, the BBA gave the roofing system a 25 years life expectancy.
Climate conditions weather map

Typically, the roof is designed in line with British Standards to support an imposed load of 75 kilogrammes per square metre - equivalent to 600mm or 24" of snow in one fall or the equivalent of one and a half bags of cement per square metre. Ona typical conservatory that is three quarters of a ton of cement! In remote areas of the Highlands and Islands even greater loads are designed for.

The combination of these factors means that the roof has to be strong, durable and attractive. Each roof is carefully specified from a portfolio of 3500 components, ensuring maximum structural performance.
Key to map The roof system comprises structural aluminium profiles which have bolted joints rather that poorer quality screws which are often employed. Each structural aluminium profile is then capped and clad in pvc-u; these items are known as thermal claddings and they minimise the formation of condensation.
UK wind speeds conversion chart

STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS

All roofs are designed in accordance with all relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice.


BS 6399:Part 3 : 1988 - Snow loading for buildings
CP 3:Chapter V : Part 2 : 1972 Wind loadings
CP 118:BS 8118 Structural use of aluminium
BS5516: Overhead Glazing


Planning Permission and Local Authority Building Regulation Approval is generally not required. It is always advisable to check with us to see if an application is necessary.