I had an interesting email today from an interested party regarding the size limits on our conservatories. I did say that no more than 5 metres by 5 metres was the safe limit, however, this person wanted a Lean To at 6.5 metres by 3 metres.
On the lean to style, you are not as restricted as the Edwardian or Victorian,where any larger than 5 by 5 is asking for trouble. The lean to can be much wider but the thing to watch out for is the projection, especially if you are planning to use a glass roof. In reality anything over about 2.7 metres and you run into another issure - muntin bars. These are used because there is a limit to how long the glass units can be made, and where the projection goes over this value, you end up with muntin bars running across the roof.
In themselves they are not a problem, but they are not so easy to seal effectively and are prone to leaking. With polycarbonate roof sheets, you can go to around 3 metres without having these cross bars in the roof. Altogether a better look to the whole structure. On the subject of things that may want to leak at some time or other, thing roof vents! Properly fitted and they are fine - not fitted perfectly and you may well end up with a drip on your head.
It should be said though that leaks and drips are not something we come across with our own DIY conservatories because they are manufactured to very high standards by us, and we make very sure that all parts fit correctly before you even see it!