DIY Construction Guide

Proposed site for the conservatory.

The existing paving slabs and grass is removed in preparation for ground works to commence.

String lines are set to mark the positions for the dwarf walls as detailed on the base plans.

Excavating the footings commences.

The footings have been dug and are ready for back-filling with concrete. Footing depth will be a minimum of 450mm deep for a dwarf wall construction although this can vary depending on the ground conditions.

Although concrete can be mixed on site most installations use ready mixed supplies for speed and efficiency.

Concrete is poured into the trench to form the foundations.

Existing drainage pipes are protected and bridged using concrete lintels.

Concrete is floated to form a level surface on which the building can commence.

The external skin of the cavity wall is built to just below outside ground level.

The inner skin of the cavity wall is built to the inner floor level.

Existing air bricks are transferred through the base work.

Aggregate is laid and compacted to a minimum of 100mm depth and a building screen of sand is laid on top.

Floor insulation and a damp proof membrane are laid over the sand.

100mm thick concrete is laid on top of the membrane to bring the base slab up to the required floor level.

The concrete is floated to produce a smooth floor level.

Using bricks to match the existing house brickwork the remaining dwarf walls for the conservatory are constructed in accordance with the base plans.

Insulation is fitted to the cavity of the new conservatory dwarf walls.

The dwarf walls are complete and ready for the conservatory frames to be installed.

Depending on the porosity of the house masonary cavity trays may be required.

Traditional lead flashing or Conservaflash is fitted ready for the conservatory roof and frames to be installed.

The welded PVCu cill has been fitted and the first frame is positioned ready for fixing into position.

The frames and corner posts are fixed into position.

The french door frame is fitted to the side frames and dwarf wall.

When all the side frames and the door have been fitted the structural aluminium eaves beam is fitted to the head of the frames.

The guttering is fitted into position including any down pipes.

The starter bars are fixed to the house wall and the aluminium ridge body is fitted.

Working to the roof plan provided the rest of the glazing bars are fixed in their positions between eaves beam and ridge.

Double glazed sealed units or polycarbonate roof panels are installed.

If selected at time of order, opening roof vents are installed into the glazing apertures.

When roof glazing has been completed the conservatory side windows can be glazed.

Installing the double glazed sealed units into a French door.

With the conservatory structure glazed it is time for the finishing touches including sealing the side frames to the house wall.

The PVC internal claddings are clipped onto the eaves beam including the ridge end cover trim to complete your new self build conservatory installation.

Your dream conservatory is now complete and ready for internal finishing with your choice of window boards, skirtings, flooring and lighting.