uPVC Conservatories

A conservatory made of uPVC* is the most popular choice of material in the UK today, although is unacceptable for use on listed buildings and unpopular with planners in conservation areas – if in any doubt about the status of your property, check at your local council’s planning department.

Offered in a selection of woodgrain finishes or the ever-popular white, this material is usually the most cost-effective option on the market.

In addition to its excellent insulating properties, uPVC needs little maintenance, other than a regular wash with warm soapy water, using a soft cloth and drying, plus regular lubrication of handles and hinges. Problems with discoloration are almost unheard of and most suppliers will provide a guarantee against this happening.

The design and construction of uPVC doors and windows vary considerably from one supplier to another. To get the best comparison possible, ie quality and price, it’s sensible to check exactly what is available in terms of:

1. uPVC wall thickness: many walls are between 3mm and 3.5mm, with thicker ones usually being stronger; this can be reinforced by the addition of an aluminium or galvanised steel box section – ask to see an example section.
2. Depth of window and door frames: these vary from 50mm to more than 70mm and, generally, the deeper the frame, the stronger the structure.
3. Window glazing beading, ie is it:
a) internal, where the glass is held from the inside and which is considered the most secure and burglar-resistant option? .
b) external; if so, does it have some means of holding the beading firmly in place?

* unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, which is a rigid form of PVC. uPVC is also known as PVCu, PVC-U, and PVCU.