The majority of glass conservatories must adhere to a small number of building regulations. You won’t have to bother about the bulk of regulations that apply to expansions as long as the conservatory complies with a few straightforward requirements. The rules governing conservatories may be straightforward, but here at Prentice Glass, we have put together these FAQs to make sure you have access to the most crucial details. After reading this, if you’re still not sure, give us a call to speak with us directly.

Do You Need Planning Permission for Glass Conservatories? 

The majority of glass conservatory installations won’t need planning approval. This is because the “permitted development” regulations typically permit you to add a conservatory to your property. However, if a proposed conservatory does not meet a few fundamental criteria, planning clearance will be needed.

The following are some of the most crucial requirements to remember if you wish to avoid needing planning permission:

• Extensions may encompass no more than half of the “original house’s” floor space.
• The conservatory cannot extend more than 4 metres from a separate house or 3 metres from any other dwelling, and it cannot be taller than 4 metres (in most cases).
• At no point can it rise higher than the highest point of the current roof.

Does a Glass Conservatory Require a Foundation? 

To ensure the structural stability of conservatories, foundations are required. The depth of the foundations, however, is not mandated by any building codes. In actuality, the conservatory’s weight and the type of ground on which it is built will dictate how deep the foundations should be.

A conservatory may be supported by a variety of foundations, each of which has its own set of depth requirements. A strip foundation would be needed for the majority of conservatories. However, a raft foundation or even a pile foundation might be necessary for some situations with unstable soils, trees, or dense clay.

It is crucial that whoever is putting your conservatory in place has taken the necessary precautions to ensure that the base is planned safely. If you have any questions or concerns about the foundations, don’t be hesitant to ask your installer.

How Much Glass Must a Conservatory Contain?

A conservatory must have 75% of its roof made of glass or transparent, as well as at least 50% of its walls. To avoid the requirement for additional building standards, certain restrictions are in place. More stringent regulations won’t apply if you adhere to those minimum standards.

Are the Windows in a Conservatory Subject to Any Regulations?

One element of a conservatory that is subject to complete building standards is its glazing, together with its permanent electrical systems. The standards for any glazing in the rest of the home must be met by all glazing in a conservatory, adhering to both the requirements for U-value (efficiency) and safety.

Any reputable conservatory builder should be able to fulfil the basic standards, and some could even be able to offer glazing that is safer and more effective than required. If you have any worries, make sure to inquire before choosing a specific installation.

Our Services 

Prentice Glass offers a variety of glass buildings, including specialised and unique glass conservatories. We consult with our clients to determine the precise requirements for their extensions. Whether this is made of aluminium, UPVC, or lumber, we will customise our plans to create a fresh, distinctive living area. Every conservatory is unique! For additional information, visit our service page for windows, doors, and conservatories.

Why not fill out our online form if you are interested in our glass conservatories service or would like a quote? A member of our team will be in touch with you soon to discuss how we can help. Alternatively, why not call us at 020 8994 9001 and chat with one of our experts right away? 

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