If you are considering adding a conservatory to your home, it is important to consider the necessary requirements. You may have already asked yourself “Do I need to lay foundations for my conservatory?”, and as a question we frequently hear, we are here to provide you with the answers, allowing you to make an informed decision for your home.
Does my conservatory require foundations?
This question is one that is heard regularly, and can cause some confusion. In short, we would always recommend building your conservatory with foundations. You will need to think about the base of your construction, ensuring that it is solid and that damp-proofing footings can be laid. Together, these will be able to provide your conservatory with the ability to remain durable and steady all year round.
Did you know that, if you are considering integrating your homes current heating system with your new conservatory, the additional living space will be considered an extension, and will fall under the bracket for a permitted development. Under these regulations, extensions are required to have reliable foundations, underpinning solutions.
Why does my conservatory need foundations?
A common misconception about conservatories is that they are lightweight in comparison to a home extension due to being constructed mostly from glass. However, this glass will require substantial support when being constructed onto the ground. Throughout seasons and weather changes, soils of all types can swell and decrease, and without proper foundations, this could lead to an unstable conservatory. Being constructed with mostly glass, you will want to protect the structure to ensure irreparable damage doesn’t occur.
How deep should the footings be?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the bespoke measurements of your own conservatory, and the ground it is being constructed upon. However, on average, we would advise that conservatory footings, if there are no obstructions present, should be at least 1 – 1.5m deep. The larger the depth, the more opportunity you could grant yourself. It is always important to think ahead when updating your home as this will allow you to futureproof any additions, such as your conservatory. The deeper your foundations, the more weight your conservatory will be able to hold. This includes the addition of solid roofs or brick walls. Whilst you may not add these now, they could be found on your agenda further down the line, and you wouldn’t want shallow foundations to let you down.
You should always request the assistance of a professional when it comes to constructing a conservatory on your home premises. They will hold the essential knowledge and skillset to ensure that your conservatory is built to Building Regulations standards, and that your foundations provide you with the greatest opportunities, both now and in the future.
Are you thinking about constructing a conservatory onto your property? Here at Channel Windows, our experts are on hand to provide you with not only the answers to your questions, but a gleaming service from start to finish. Get in touch by calling us on 01304 379991 or sending us an email at info@channelwindows.co.uk.
