The supporting structure of the winter gardenmust be made in such a way as to ensure a high degree of safety and appropriate functionality. The type and quality of materials for the construction of the winter garden are also important. What are the pros and cons of timber, aluminum and PVC structures? What type of glazing should be used and what are the importance of the movable elements in the construction of the conservatory?
Winter garden
The function chosen by us to be fulfilled by the winter garden will influence the selection of appropriate materials for the construction.The most important thing is that theconstruction of the conservatoryis safe and durable. Its shape must be designed in such a way that it will not be damaged by heavy, falling snow and strong gusts of wind. The roof of the conservatory must have a suitable slope (usually 10 to 45 °) so that the snow can slide off it freely. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, such as thermal insulation of profiles, thermal insulation glass and floor insulation, the orangery will become a living space. Even with extremely economical methods of heating, in the winter garden you can work, rest and enjoy the proximity of nature all year round.
Supporting structure of the conservatory
The load-bearing structure of the winter garden , i.e. its skeleton, is made of three basic materials: wood, aluminum or PVC. Sometimes composite wood-aluminum systems are also used.
Wood is the most traditional material used to createconservatory construction Glued laminated timber is used here, which is resistant to warping. The wooden structure is usually sufficiently strong and rigid. Wood also provides good thermal insulation. The wooden elements of the frame look quite natural and create a pleasant atmosphere inside the conservatory.
Unfortunately, wooden skeletons also have many disadvantages. Thick sections of wooden elements determine the massivenessof the winter garden structureMoreover, they are not sufficiently resistant to weather conditions and require quite regular maintenance. Over time, the problem of roof tightness may arise. These problems are largely solved by the use of wood composite from the outside with aluminum. Aluminum protects the wood against external factors and ensures the tightness of the structure, and from the inside we can still observe the natural wooden structure.
Due to the imperfections of wooden structures, aluminum is used for common use insupporting structures of winter gardens .It is a fairly light material, easy to install and maintain, as well as resistant to corrosion. Aluminum skeletons are very tight and easy to shape (you can create structures with quite complex lumps). In addition, it is possible to use aluminum profiles with thermal insulation spacers, which gives a high level of thermal insulation - it is a perfect solution for winter gardens, which are to be used all year round and constitute a form of enlarging the living space.The supporting structure of the winter gardenmade of aluminum fits well with modern buildings.
Sometimes there are also PVC constructions. Here, multi-chamber PVC profiles reinforced with steel sections are used. Unfortunately, due to the insufficient stiffness of this material, it can only be used for small-size structures. In addition, PVC skeletons easily lose their color and turn gray. For these reasons, I do not recommend this material forwinter garden construction
Glazing of the winter garden
"Another aspect influencing the functionality and appearance of the winter garden is the type of glass used. The quality of the glazing material used will determine the amount of light, thermal insulation, as well as the aesthetics and elegance of the winter garden. The type of glass must be selected depending on the purpose of the winter garden, i.e. the function it will fulfill. If the conservatory is only to be used as a cultivation greenhouse, float glazing may be sufficient for the glass coating. In this case, the room will quickly cool down and the surfaces may have dew on the glass. However, since you will likely have higher expectations regarding the ability to keep heat inside the conservatory, it is imperative to use glass with good thermal insulation properties. Therefore, it is worth using special glazing made of organic glass or solid polycarbonate, having a high energy conductivity coefficient (high solar energy gain) and, at the same time, a low heat transfer coefficient (good protection against heat loss).Polycarbonate is characterized by high resistance to impact and mechanical loads. It is a material more durable than ordinary tempered glass. This is important becausethe construction of the winter gardenwill be exposed to loads related to snowfall, strong gusts of wind and the possibility of mechanical damage during use. By using these materials, you will increase your safety and that of other household members spending time in the winter garden. "
"Winter garden coatings can also be made of transparent plastics. These boards are obtained from plastic masses, mainly acrylic resins and PVC. They are light and resilient. They can be easily formed into any shape. They also have a relatively good light transmission and thermal conductivity. Unfortunately, they are too soft and scratch easily, losing their transparency at the same time. Therefore, they are much less durable than glass, and if your winter garden is to decorate your home for many years, you should choose traditional glazing.
Movable elements in the construction of the conservatory
The use of movable elements, such as windows and doors, will not be without significance for the functionality of the conservatory. Tilt and turn windows, lift and slide doors and double-leaf swing doors are especially recommended. The possibility of sliding or lifting the side walls of the winter garden will allow it to be transformed from a closed structure (e.g. in summer when it is warm) into a roof that protects only against rain. On the other hand, opening or sliding the roof surface will make it possible to obtain an open area from above. You will be able to use the sunbathing while being protected by the side walls from gusts of wind. Windows and doors will also be important for the possibility of proper ventilation and ventilation.
