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Conservatories, Sunrooms, Garden rooms, Solariums - Your Questions answered

Miscellaneous USA/Canada

Please note: Most of the answers we feature here are from 1999 - early 2002. We endeavour to keep all links etc up to date, however if you spot any errors please let our webmaster know at It should also be noted that some replies may change in light of changes to legislation especially with regards to Planning Permission and Building Regulations. To submit a new question or to query an existing question visit http://www.ask-questions.com/yabbse/index.php.

Ref:30
Question submitted by Brenda

We have just recently moved from Florida to the Chicago area and would some day like to have a conservatory or greenhouse. But what happens to the glass under the weight of heavy snow? Does the room get hot enough to melt the snow or do I have to go out and brush it off? And what about the summer? Can the room get too hot for the plants? We want to be able to grow some of the citrus plants we had in our back yard in Florida but would still like to enjoy the room. How do you know how hot is has to be?

This question answered by Chris Edwards of www.classicconservatories.com -  Your question seems to fall primarily into two parts. First, every room is designed to conform to the snow load requirements in the state it will be constructed. Secondly, regarding heating and cooling for citrus plants, we would recommend that you would speak to the supplier to determine the appropriate climate if you are building your conservatory to grow exotic plants. Many of our clients are garden enthusiasts and are surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna both inside and outside.

Ref:29
Question submitted by MGdeB

Is there any documentation of Solargard Film adversely affecting argon-filled double-pane roof glass in a south-facing conservatory?

This question is answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - This answer largely based on comments by David Anderson of INSU.CO.UK The "problem" with all highly insulating units fitted with internally filled film products is that the solar energy absorbed by the film indirectly heats the inner pane, causing high glass temperatures and thermal stress. As a rule of thumb a clear tempered, or laminated glass, double glazed unit can cope with up to 40% absorption before there is a danger of thermal stress cracking of the inner pane of the unit. If the inner glass is toughened (as would be the case in sunrooms and conservatories) then the unit is much more stable. If the unit is argon filled, and of low e or K glass then the inner pane is far better insulated from the outside than a normal double glazed unit. As a consequence the temperature of the inner pane and thermal stress is higher. There is therefore a greater risk of thermal stress cracking, particularly with tempered or laminated glass. If the glazed units have a tint on the external glass then the fitting of film products of any type is not recommended. The only exception is if the inner pane is toughened and calculations have been made to establish that the unit will cope with the thermal stress. The key elements are: The solar absorption of the film, and materials of construction/specification of the double glazed unit. Orientation of the window can also be a factor. David Anderson was not aware that Solar Gard films are any better or worse than those made by any other manufacturers except that their sputter metal coatings may perhaps have higher solar absorption than some others. If we had a specification of the glazing unit and that of the film we could perhaps give you a more detailed opinion. David Andersons web site can be found at http://www.insu.co.uk

This question is answered by Chris Edwards at Classic Conservatories - You do not say how long your sunroom has been built, but, if it were built in the last four or five years, then the layer of tinted plastic could be a product known as heat mirror which is designed to provide a significant reduction of heat loss and gain. It is not unusual for thermal panes to fail which is why most reputable manufacturers/installers of replacement windows/sunrooms offer a comprehensive guarantee on their thermal pane. A limited few companies also provide a glass breakage warranty. This would mean that in the situation you describe would have comprehensive coverage from the provider. If the installer is no longer in business, which presumably, is the reason you have asked this question, you may be able to source a replacement pane from the manufacturer.

Ref:27
Question submitted by Ivan

I live in Northern Illinois where we occasionally get up to 2-inch diameter hail. Will this not damage a glass or polycarbonate roof ? Will this not, over time, "rub-off" the thin metal coating on the Low E/Pilkington Glass ? What winds speeds can these structures withstand ? (Question edited).

This question is answered by Chris Edwards at Classic Conservatories - Having had no experience with 2" diameter hail, I cannot vouch for any roofing material receiving that kind of impact. With respect to low E glass, there is no evidence to support the deterioration of low E over time due to the "metal coating" rubbing off). Finally, with respect to wind speeds, any addition, sun space or otherwise has to conform to local building codes. Your conservatory or sunroom expert should be able to provide you with technical information and build your room to exceed wind speed and/or snow load requirements in your locale.

Ref:26
Question submitted by John

We have a glass addition that was built 15 years ago. It has six glass panels in the roof and one needs to be replaced. Also some of the cedar frames need to be replaced. We're having a difficult time finding anyone who will do this work. Do you have any suggestions on where we should look for this type of service? Of course the company that built it originally.

This question answered by Tina Dunlop - My friends at Westview Products have referred their local representative to see whether they can fix it. They are: Collier Warehouse (415) 920-9720 Ask for Dave Freer or Paul Aiken. I hope I'm wrong but my guess is that in the long term you may be better of replacing the complete addition.

Ref:25
Question submitted by AOL user

I am considering purchasing a Four Seasons sunroom. You have stated that you recommend "Pilkington "K" glass for best results. Four Seasons uses MC wonderglass. In your opinion, do you think this type of glass is the quality of Pilkington "K" glass? I am planning to use this room year round. Can you also rate Four Seasons for their quality and workmanship?

This question is answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - MC Wonderglass is a product unique to Four Seasons. In our opinion its an excellent type of glazing to use in your conservatory and we are confident you could use the conservatory all year round with this glazing installed. Four Seasons products are of an excellent quality and standard. Be aware however that they retail their products via a local Franchise dealer. Ultimately your degree of satisfaction with the product will be dependent on the quality of installation offered by this dealer - so research the dealer and their business thoroughly before purchase.

This question is answered by Chris Edwards at Classic Conservatories - If I understand your question, you would remove the porch from the first floor and build a conservatory at that level you would then use the conservatory roof as the floor for the upstairs. By definition, a conservatory has a peaked or cathedral style roof which is not practical to walk on except in the case for routine maintenance. It appears you need a traditionally framed first story with a conservatory attached. You can then use the traditionally framed roof as a floor for the second story porch.

Ref:23
Question submitted by Rossane 

Hello, I'm considering a lean-to greenhouse. I have a spot 5' x 9' outside my 2d floor bedroom, which is atop a flat roof, south-facing wall with adjacent west-facing wall forming 2 sides of the space. Is this too small a spot for a wintering-over type greenhouse? and how would I seal the structure against the west wall which has clapboards?

This question is answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team - We consulted Scott Reynolds of glassstructures.com for an answer on this one. According to Scott a 5' X 9' space is large enough for a greenhouse. As for sealing the structure, he recommends cutting into the clapboards, and 'flashing' against the wall. Please see Scotts web site at http://glassstructures.com/page42.html for more detail.. Should you have any other questions feel free to email Glass Structures direct.

This question answered by Chris Edwards of Classic Conservatories - Building an addition where the base is a far lower standard than the structure is not advisable. If your current screen enclosed porch was originally converted from a preexisting room of the home, then that framework could pass local building codes and possibly be adequate to support a conservatory. However, the finished structure would be much more appealing as a conservatory only. Certain conservatories can provide the same benefits as a screened in porch in the summer and convert easily to year round living.

Ref:21
Question submitted by John

I'm designing my own sunroom to fit on part of my existing deck. My deck is 24x15. There are 2 24-foot beams supporting the deck; each beam is anchored with four posts.

I want to build a 12x16 sunroom on one side of the deck. The sunroom will be wood frame construction with a gable roof. My question is: will the deck support the sunroom? Or will I need extra supports?

This question answered by Chris Edwards of Classic Conservatories - All decks intended to be enclosed for year round living need to be reinforced to local building code standards. Since building codes vary from state to state, you should immediately visit your local building department for details.

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