a new lease of LIFE
After spending so much time in our homes during lockdown, many of us are now itching to get started on home improvement projects, with many families wanting to create valuable extra living space after spending so long living in closer proximity than usual.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to upgrade and reinvigorate an old conservatory. If like many UK homeowners, you have a conservatory that is tired, in need of some TLC and currently not being used, there are several ways you can upgrade the thermal performance of your conservatory or transform it into a stunning light filled extension.
Ultraframe is the UK market leader in the design and manufacture of conservatory and extension roof systems and has been pioneering the market for almost 40 years. Every Ultraframe roof – whether glass, tiled or hybrid – is engineered for the exact postcode where it will be installed to ensure it can withstand the worst possible weather. This means that with an Ultraframe roof, you’re not only assured of a stunning, light filled new living space, but also, complete peace of mind.
So, what are your options?
There are 3 main ways that you can upgrade or transform an old conservatory:
Re-roof.
Replacing the roof on your conservatory can dramatically reduce temparature fluctuations creating a space that’s comfortable every day, whatever the weather.
Replace.
You may also choose to replace the windows and doors – with modern options such as bi-folds and large span sliding doors being popular options.
Re-build.
You may choose to knock down your existing conservatory to the foundations creating a brand new, bespoke extension.
From Tired to Tiled
Kasia Benda decided to
re-build her conservatory using Ultraroof from Ultraframe to create the beautiful extension featured on the front cover.
Kasia lives in a heritage property in Oxford and had an old conservatory which wasn’t especially thermally efficient. As the conservatory was rarely a comfortable temperature, it was hardly ever used, as Kasia explained: “My old conservatory was outdated in terms of its thermal technology which made it practically uninhabitable. I wanted somewhere to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of my garden at any time of the year using the same footprint as my existing conservatory. My garden is a beautiful little oasis and I really wanted to be able to enjoy it more – both by having better views of it and also by linking it to my home.”
After speaking to her local Ultra Installer, Kasia decided to transform her conservatory into a stunning and highly thermally efficient extension featuring an Ultraroof. Ultraroof is the most thermally efficient tiled roof system on the market, so it was perfect for creating the year-round room that Kasia desired.
As it’s also the strongest tiled roof on the market, it was the ideal choice for the steeply pitched gable style of the new extension – because Ultraroof never needs a tie bar, this means that the resulting ceiling is an open vaulted space, which has made the new extension feel much larger.
Also adding to the airy feel of the new living space are the full-length glazed panels which flood the room below and the adjoining room with plenty of natural light.
A whole new way of life
The Ultraroof gable extension has transformed the downstairs of Kasia’s home and the way she lives in it. Describing more about the project,Kasia said; “I love my new extension; it’s definitely a huge improvement. I really liked the authentic look of Ultraroof’s tiles – it looks beautiful. Not only does it look stunning but the new, properly insulated extension, has affected the temperature of the house downstairs, and its ambience – I’ve actually gained another room.
Choose the roof for your conservatory transformation:
Glass.
A new glass roof featuring the latest high performance glazing will give your old glass or polycarbonate conservatory a stunning new look – as well as a much more comfortable interior temperature. Couple with features such as an internal pelmet to get an extension-like feel at a fraction of the cost.
Tiled.
A tiled solid roof is a fantastic way to transform an old conservatory to a new extension. Plastered on the inside just like a bricks and mortar extension, from the outside, the beautifully authentic tiles will blend perfectly with the roof of your home.
Hybrid.
A hybrid solid roof looks more like a conservatory from the outside but also has a plastered finish inside, just like a tiled solid roof. Both tiled and hybrid Ultraframe solid roofs can be glazed with full length glazing panels to flood the interior with natural light and add wow factor to the outside.
Think outside the box!
The Turner family also chose the re-build route – but went a step further by extending the footprint.
A great example of what can be achieved with a little imagination – the new extension is a large contemporary space which is unrecognisable from the old traditional conservatory.
The family wanted to upgrade their old T-shaped conservatory with a polycarbonate roof into a more usable room which would also improve the feel of the adjoining rooms and increase their connection to the garden.
A modern solid roof with a bright interior was top of their wish list and so the Livinroof hybrid roof from Ultraframe was the perfect choice.
Livinroof’s insulated grey panels look gorgeous when paired with grey window and door frames and glazed panels can be positioned anywhere in the roof for a completely bespoke design – providing natural light exactly where you need it! On the interior, Livinroof has a plastered vaulted ceiling and so creates an extension-type feel – even though it can be fitted quickly as it is 100% pre-fabricated before arriving on site.
Somewhere we can spend time as a family
The existing conservatory was demolished and replaced by a stunning modern hipped lean-to extension. Unsurprisingly, the homeowners are thrilled with their new living space and said:
“The ability to reduce the amount of glazing in the roof was important so the room wasn’t too bright or hot and so Livinroof with its mix of solid and glazed panels was ideal. Our new living space is somewhere we can spend time as a family and we use it throughout the day now – a quiet room in the morning, family room for lunches and for relaxing early evening to enjoy the view of the garden.”
If like these homeowners, you have an unused, unloved conservatory, that you’re ready to bring back to life, here’s how to go about it:
Find.
A reputable local builder or conservatory installer to work with – their experience and expertise will ensure a hassle-free project. Search on:
ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk
Discuss.
Your ideas for enhancing your old conservatory and decide whether to re-roof, replace or re-build.
Choose.
The right roof for you – the Classic glass roof, an Ultraroof tiled solid roof or Livinroof.
A Classic transformation
Mrs James had a conservatory which needed updating and chose to re-place thier conservatory roof and frames.
Your project checklist
The conservatory, which had a polycarbonate roof, could get very hot in the summer and not retain heat as necessary in winter, plus the windows and doors were draughty.
She contacted her local Ultraframe installer, explaining that she wanted to be able to use the conservatory all year round and maximise her views across the open countryside.
Ater discussing the options available to her, it was decided to go down the replace route – removing the existing roof, windows and doors, but retaining the base and some of the brickwork. A new Ultraframe Classic roof with a decorative curved cornice was chosen to not only make the new conservatory look beautiful, but also to provide the enhanced thermal performance that Mrs James was looking for. High-performance blue glazing in the roof not only ensures a bright interior, but also helps to regulate the temperature, whilst the self-cleaning properties ensure the roof always looks its best. The insulated internal pelmet gives a more substantial look to the interior and provided the ideal housing for downlights.
Explaining more about her new conservatory and how it has exceeded her expectations, Mrs James said: “
The Ultraframe range addressed all the shortcomings in the original conservatory and increased the level of light in both the conservatory and the adjoining snug.
I particularly liked the opportunity to include an inbuilt lighting system in the internal pelmet and the deep cornicing over the external guttering. The internal pelmet makes my conservatory feel more like a real room from the inside, it’s a great feature. Ultraframe has transformed the look and feel of the conservatory – it is light and airy but also snug and cosy in the evenings. Best of all, I can see the trees and sky through the glass roof and the sunlight reaches much further into the house. Mission completed!”