The site of the proposed conservatory. |
Construction work begins. The trench is excavated to suit the relevant ground conditions, in this case, to a depth of 450mm (minimum depth) for the footings. The general ground level (within the area of the trench) is also reduced to a minimum of 300 mm below the DPC. Excavation exposes an underground pipe. |
Concrete lintels should be placed to bridge the underground drainage pipe to prevent the pipe being crushed. Also additional steel reinforcement mesh introduced to the concrete foundation will provide additional support. |
Stakes driven into the ground are set 450mm below DPC (Damp Proof Course) and 300mm below outside ground level. Concrete is then poured into the 450mm deep trench to a depth of 150mm. |
The concrete is floated to form a level surface 450mm below the house DPC. |
The inner leaf of the cavity wall is built up to floor level, usually the house DPC. |
Hardcore is laid to a minimum 100mm deep and compacted to form the base layer of the slab. |
A blinding screed of sand 50mm thick is laid over the compacted hardcore layer to prevent any sharp stones puncturing the damp proof membrane (heavy duty plastic sheeting). |
The damp proof membrane is laid over the sand blinding and lapped onto the inner leaf of brickwork. |
Optional floor insulation (50mm thick Styrofoam in this case) is placed upon the sheeting. |
Concrete 100mm thick is laid to bring the slab up to the finished floor level which is then float finished to give a smooth finish for tiling or carpet finish. |
The outer leaf of the wall is built. In this case, artificial stone to match the house is used. |
The inner leaf of the cavity wall is built to complete the basework. The same material as the outer leaf has been used to provide a feature stone finish. |
The PVCu external cill is fitted to the dwarf wall and erection of the side frames begins. |
On completion of the frames the structural aluminium eaves beam is fitted to the head of the frames |
The PVCu thermally clad aluminium glazing bars and ridge system are quickly assembled. |
The polycarbonate glazing panels are installed (alternatively, double glazed units may be specified). |
The side frames are glazed after the roof is complete |
The ventilated aluminium ridge is ready to accept the clip fit PVCu internal cladding. Electrical cables may be concealed behind the cladding if a fan or lights are required. |
The PVCu internal fascia is clipped onto the eaves beam to complete the internal finishing trims. Other internal work IS completed once the roof is on. |
The completed conservatory. |