The day your installer comes in the morning, you are likely to hear him or her before you see him or her. The sound of vans arriving, unloading equipment makes the whole thing feel real somehow. The installation of your conservatory roof is actually taking place.
Not many people understand how much is involved in preparation of this kind of work. The first hour will have the team simply gazing at everything – measuring, inspecting the existing structure, ensuring that they have the right materials. It is not spectacular to follow, but it counts. They are determining whether the new roof can be installed on your conservatory frame without any of the dreaded surprises.
The Old Roof Off
Removing polycarbonate panels does not seem that hard. It isn’t. The panels are all linked to the other and they are all based on a system of glazing bars and seals which have most likely been there years. The installers are systematic and they work across starting at one end.
You will be surprised at the amount of noise this makes. Not only the apparent noises of panels being dismantled, but the creaking and settling as the building readjusts. This bit is a bit nerve-wracking to some homeowners. Without a roof, your conservatory appears naked and vulnerable.
The rubbish must be disposed of. With a conservatory roof installation most installers will arrive with a skip, so it is worth checking. Recycling of old polycarbonate is possible, but not all people do it automatically. Something to enquire about when you are environmentally conscious.
Structural Adjustments
This is where it becomes interesting. The new conservatory roof installation may require adjustments to your current frame to be able to support it. Glass is heavier as compared to polycarbonate. Still heavier are solid roofing materials. This will have been figured out by the installers but it can be comforting to see the reinforcement work taking place.
In other cases they must reinforce with additional support beams. In some cases they change the pitch a bit. Every conservatory has its own difficulties and that is why experienced installers are so important. They have experienced challenges in the past and can resolve them without theatrics.
At this stage, weather comes in as an element. It is not the best thing when you have an open conservatory to the elements. Good installers work around weather forecasts but British weather does not have any ideas. They will also have temporary covers in case.
The New Roof Is Put On
It is strange how satisfying it is to watch the new roof being built. Glass panels fit in with precision. Pieces of solid roofing are interlocked. The installers are a team and they coordinate their actions and communicate with each other.
The panels or sections should be sealed. It is not only about keeping water out, but it is about thermal efficiency and long-lasting properties. Their sealants are industrial level, which will not fail as they expand and contract with the temperature.
When you are fitting a solid roof, you will find that your conservatory will be much quieter virtually instantaneously. Polycarbonate that once rang with the sound of rain now hardly makes a sound. It is rather amazing.
Interior Finishing Job
Your conservatory interior should also be taken care of. A new roofing usually implies new lighting patterns. The popularity of LED spotlights is associated with the fact that they produce less heat and are more durable. The location is important – you do not want to see glare.
Next comes the insulation in case you are having a solid roof. This is not the fluff that you would think. The contemporary insulation of conservatory is thin but efficient, it is not meant to take away much headroom. Its installers install it around any electrical work carefully.
At this point, some individuals prefer installing ceiling fans. They assist in circulation of air and can be used to make the space comfortable during summer. Their wiring should be pre-planned.
Managing Disruption
A conservatory roof installation will disturb your daily routine. The garden could be limited. There will be dust and noise. The installers will attempt to reduce the disruption, yet there will be some.
The average time of installation is two to three days. The single-storey conservatories are faster as compared to the double-height ones. Complicated forms are more time consuming than plain rectangles. The timeline may be increased by weather delays.
Last-minute Checks and Cleaning
Professional installers do not pack and go. They examine things twice. Seals are tested. Electrical connections are checked. The building is checked to see whether there is anything that would lead to problems in future.
The clean up is typically comprehensive. They will clean up messes, clean surfaces and take away any protective coverings. The majority are proud of leaving the place clean.
What is Different Thereafter
Your conservatory roof installation will be different instantly. Improved insulation translates to more settled temperatures. Better weatherproofing implies the absence of drips in case of storms. The lighting will be changed – it will generally be better.
Others say that the space seems smaller at first. This can be achieved by solid roofing as opposed to transparent panels. You will get used to this in a short time, and the majority of individuals like the more cosy atmosphere.
The sound contrast is impressive. The talking is simplified as there is less echo. Watching television becomes better since there is less noise. These are the little changes that have the greatest impact on life.
Costs of energy also tend to decrease. Improved insulation implies less heating during winter and less cooling during summer. The payback period is different, however, the majority of people observe some changes in their bills.