Next job, replacing the conservatory roof.

[martlewis]

Just been reading this thread and Old posted some info about building regs. I need to replace the conservatory roof... it leaks!

The conservatory is double glazed on 3 sides floor to roof, and the ceiling is double wall acrylic of some sort. The roof makes it like a greenhouse. The plan is to ply over the existing roof and felt or shingle, then insulate and plasterboard the underside.

Would this effectregs, like making it a different sort of structure or do you think it will be okay?

Cheers
Martin

 

[Dave S]

It used to be the case that a conservatory had to have a transparent or translucent roof. Doing what you describe would make it an extension which would require planning permission as well as having to comply with building regs.
I remember a few years back, on a diy group I used to frequent, someone did pretty much what you describe, was reported to the planning authorities and had to put in a retrospective planning application. The application was refused and he had the choice of pulling it down or turning it back into a conservatory.

I'd call you planning dept. first, tell them what you plan to do and see what they say.

Dave

 

[martlewis]

Cheers mate, I'll give them a call and see what they say then.

 

[PowerTool]

Can't remember the figure,but I'm sure there is a defined percentage of the structure that needs to be glass to count as a conservatory (80%?;90%?) to be exempt from PP.

Andrew

 

[DomValente]

Be interested to know what they say, as this is what I want to do

Dom

 

[PowerTool]

Found the figues I was looking for (thank you,Google :wink: ) :-

Q 2. Do I need Building Regulation approval?

Generally speaking conservatories/sunrooms on residential property are exempted under Building Regulations. (England and Wales)

Below are some of the Exemption Criteria - under the Building Regulations 1991 (as amended). These criteria must be met for a conservatory extension to be classified as exempt:


a) The extension has a completely transparent or translucent roof.
b) The extension walls are substantially glazed. (Should not have more than 25 % of its wall area as brickwork)
c) The extension has a floor area not exceeding 30m squared.
d) The extension is sited at ground level.
e) The extension is permanently separated from the remainder of the property by means of a door.
f) Any radiator within the conservatory is controllable. (If fixed heating installations are proposed, they should have their own separate temperature and on/off controls).
g) The glazing satisfies the requirements of part N, Schedule 1 (toughened/safety glass).
h) The extension does not contain any drainage facilities (i.e. sink, WC, or washing machine).

From this site - so clear/translucent roof only,or planning permission required.

Andrew

 

[DomValente]

Thanks Andrew.

Dom

 

[JFC]

I would also make sure the rafters can take the weight , if it's only designed to hold plastic sheets it may not be strong enough for a proper roof .

 

[lurker]

The weight issue was the first thing I thought when reading this post.

I replaced the roof on mine a few years ago. Got the Sheet from a big mail order / internet company can't remember the name. Don't buy the rubbish the barns sell!!!

I got 4 (or is it 5?) wall stuff but it has a film in one of the layers that keep the roof coolish. Was good stuff at a good price. 3 or 4 years on it still looks good.