THERMAL CONSERVATORIES
Conservatory Base The Right Way
The construction of a typical conservatory base is very similar to that of an extension to your house. It is a general belief that; because a conservatory is lighter than an extension the foundation does not have to be very deep. This is not necessarily correct.
Firstly it is not possible to know precisely how deep the foundation will be until the ground is excavated and inspected for any 'made up areas' - this is where earth has been placed on existing ground.
Therefore it will be necessary to excavate a trench through this layer into load bearing ground. By doing this you will ensure that the conservatory has a good foundation base, as we expect that you do not want to wake up one morning to find your conservatory at the bottom of your garden!
Normally foundation trenches are between 650 - 1000mm deep.
The other factors which determine the foundation depth will be tree roots, drains and services.
Conservatory Base The Right Way In Pictures
Base Works
Reduction of Ground Levels
The areas where your conservatory is to be built should have any hard materials removed, i.e. patio, concrete slab, etc. and any vegetation soil removed to an approximate depth of 150mm.
Excavation of Foundation Trench
Normally the foundation trenches are excavated to the following dimensions. (Ready to receive a mass concrete foundation) 450mm wide by 650/1000mm deep dependent upon ground conditions.
It is always a good idea to knock 350mm x 10mm steel pins into the side of the trench at 600mm centers leveled with a spirit level so you will know when the concrete in the trench is at the correct height.
Substructure
From the foundation level build up the D.P.C. level in matching brickwork to the external face and common bricks or concrete blocks to the inside skin.
Oversite and Foundation Construction
Where an existing drain punctures a foundation the foundation must be below the drain invert (bottom of drain) and a precast lintel placed above the drain so ensuring that no weight is put onto the drain.
Casting of Foundations
The foundation trench can now be concreted. A mass fill is normally used as this tends to be quicker and therefore cheaper. The concrete is normally finished 150mm below ground level.
Conservatory Walls The Right Way In Pictures
Conservatory Roof The Right Way In Pictures
Conservatory Styles and Designs
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3 FACET VICTORIAN |
5 FACET VICTORIAN
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EDWARDIAN GEORGIAN
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GABLE FRONT
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P- SHAPE
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BOXGUTTER SITUATION
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T SHAPE VICTORIAN
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LEAN - TO
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CORNER INFILL
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SPECLALS
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