Introduction to Conservatories by Garry John

Introduction to Conservatories by Garry John

Introduction to Conservatories

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout the United Kingdom and the world in the 21st century. Around for over three hundred years, conservatories work to provide a lovely transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings abutting the home. In this article we look at the thee main types of materials used for conservatoriespvcu, aluminum and hardwood.

PVCu

Through the years, many different types of materials have been utilized in the construction of conservatories. Stone, brick and wood have all been popular materials and widely used in the construction of elegant and functional conservatories down through the past three centuries. In recent years, aluminum has become widely used in the construction of conservatories. Most recently, a substance which has become known as PVCu has been widely used in the construction of conservatories throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

In considering this article, one might wonder about the composition of PVCu. PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride. Poly Vinyl Chloride is a chemical compound consisting of chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The u appended at the end of the moniker stands for unplasticised or unmodified. In laymans terms, this means that the material or product has not been injected with additional chemicals called plasticizers. Plasticizers are designed to soften materials. PVCu is derived essentially from petroleum or natural gas and common salt. Most PVCu systems are reinforced with aluminum.

As mentioned in this article, PVCu has become the most popular choice of construction material for conservatories in the U.K. and elsewhere today. One of primary reasons that PVCu conservatories have become so popular is because of its relatively inexpensive cost. The use of PVCu in the construction of conservatories have made these home additions more affordable and more available to families across the U.K. and the world over.

Additionally, PVCu has proven to be a very good insulator. Through the use of PVCu, a home owner is able to lower the energy costs associated with a conservatory.

PVCu is crafted to look like authentic wood such as mahogany or oak. Additionally, a flat white coloration is popular with conservatory owners.

PVCu conservatories are easy to maintain. Additionally, PVCu is very durable and a long lasting material that will bring the pleasures of the conservatory to future generations.

Aluminum

Practicality has followed the advancement and utilization of conservatories through the years. In recent times, more and more men and women who are considering including conservatories in their overall home design have become most concerned with quality construction at a reasonable price. As a consequence, aluminum conservatories have come into vogue.

Aluminum conservatories can be constructed at a reasonable -- really, at a low -- cost. The costs associated with creating the aluminum components are not particularly high in the first instance. Indeed, most people who are interested in including a conservatory as a part of their primary residence have found the expenses associated with crafting and creating an aluminum conservatory to be most reasonable.

For the most part, aluminum conservatories are also completely versatile and durable in the construct. In the 21st century it is remarkable easy to find a person or a company that can readily construct a versatile and durable aluminum conservatory. With little direction, a person or family interested in constructing a beautiful and durable aluminum conservatory can find ready resources not only on the World Wide Web and the Internet but through the local home builders association.

By working with the most reliable people in the task of designing and ultimately crafting an aluminum conservatory, a person or group of people will end up creating a spectacular addition to the home that will solidly stand the test of time.

Hardwood

Through the years, architects have made many different takes on the form and substance of the conservatory. Indeed, stone and glass was a popular combination for early conservatory construction. During the Georgian period in the United Kingdom, brickwork became a popular alternative for many conservatories attached to the finest manses of the day. All along, however, hardwood conservatories have been fashionable edifices.

There are a number of merits to utilizing hardwood in the construction of conservatories. Of course, the primary aim of a conservatory is to provide a lovely transitional space between the cloister of the residence and the openness and splendor of the out of doors. Nothing contributes quite as well to the overall design concept and beauty of a conservatory than the use of hardwood in its construction.

In recent years, a good deal of conservatory construction has relied upon metals, principally aluminum, in the building process. While there are, of course, many benefits to using such materials in the construction of a conservatory, for the purist, nothing is more appropriate than hardwood. As mentioned, hardwood keeps with the intent behind the creation of a conservatory space in the first instance.

The construction of a conservatory itself utilizing superior hardwood remains a relatively easy process. Perhaps the most complicated method of fashioning a conservatory is with stone and rock. However, through the use of hardwood, a builder or homeowner can achieve the same sense of natural balance without the laborious processes involved in stonework and the like.

Nearly any contractor adept at residential construction will be able to undertake the tasks necessary to create a lovely and lasting hardwood conservatory. Indeed, architects and designers tend to favor hardwood in the construction of a conservatory because it allows them a greater degree of latitude and flexibility in their own creative efforts.

Maintenance of hardwood conservatories is not an awesome task. Provided the owner ensures that the wood itself is properly coated with sealants throughout the year, the general maintenance associated with a hardwood conservatory is virtually nil.

As a final notation, properly constructed, a hardwood conservatory will be treasured space in any residence for generations to come. Indeed, properly constructed and appropriately maintained, a hardwood conservatorys native beauty actually will be enhanced through the years.

About the Author
Garry John is a regular contributor to home improvement sites Window Blinds, uk conservatories and uk greenhouses.

Stair Rail Decorating Ideas by Donna Jolean

Stair Rail Decorating Ideas by Donna Jolean

Little things make the difference.

Dress up a plain wooden stair rail by using an ornamental curtain finial. Simply screw into place. You'll find finials to be reasonably priced, so you may want to use more than one. I like to put one at the entrance or bottom of the stairs and one at the top of the stair landing.

There are loads of finials to choose from, the selection is endless. When trying to decide which finial is right for you and your stair rail, remember to think about your personality, how you want to reflect it and what would make you smile every time you climb those stairs. If you consider yourself the traditionalists, go with a pineapple or acorn finial, in a brass or pewter finish. If an up-town look is what you have in mind, add sparkle with a dressy crystal finial.

Contemporary you say? Chrome or silver may be the right touch. What about a beautiful fleur-de-lis design in black iron or imagine how an antique quilt finial would look on your stair rail. If you'd like to take the more whimsical approach, use your favorite colors and paint a wooden finial just the way you want it!

The finial on your stair rail may seem like the tiniest of details; but paying attention to details like this, will set your home apart from the rest!

Happy Decorating!

Donna Jolean 2005 January
For more ideas and articles, please check Donna's site at http://www.classicdazzle.com
About the Author
Donna is an independent interior designer and has written numerous articles on her work. Visit her website for more articles and information.

Single hung aluminum window glass repair by John Rocco

Single hung aluminum window glass repair by John Rocco

Let's talk about repairing broken glass in an aluminum frame single hung window. If it's the lower sash pane that is broken, it must be removed from the inside. You are going to have one of three different mechanisms that hold the lower sash up when you slide it open. If you can't see any mechanisms on the sides, then you have a block and tackle system consisting of a string and spring assembly. Find the thin metal clips in the side jambs just above the sash. Pull the bottom of the clip out using a screwdriver or your fingernail. Do that on both sides. Then remove any rubber stops at the very top of the window. Raise the window as high as it will go. The block and tackle assemblies will get snagged in the metal clips, allowing you to remove the window sash. You would replace the glass using the same method described in our article about sliding window repairs. Once you have the new glass installed, install the window panel in the reverse order that you removed it. Close the window and push the metal clips back. Install the rubber stops at the top.

If you have a mechanism across the top of the window with a string coming down each side and screwed into the top corners of the window sash, you need to remove the screws holding the strings in place. But before you remove the screws, you need to remove one of the black plastic pieces that cover the side jamb. Raise the window all the way up, then put a flat screwdriver at the very bottom of the plastic piece and pull outward until you can grab it with your fingers. Slide the plastic out. Now remove the screws holding the strings. Be sure to hold the string in one hand while removing the screw, because the string is under tension. After removing the screw, let the string slowly go back up. Pull the panel to the side that you removed the black plastic piece, and remove the panel. Remember, two of your corner screws will be removed at this point, and the proper way to remove the frame from the glass is to remove opposite corner screws. So, you should put one of the string screws back in and remove the corner screw opposite the removed string screw. Then, when you install the new glass, remove the string screw and install the strings. Raise the window up and install the black plastic piece by sliding it up between the frame and side jamb.

The final mechanism will be a spiral metal rod. If you have this type, i suggest you have it done by a professional. If you aren't careful with these, you can wind up having to replace the spiral rods. Now, if the broken pane is the upper sash, more than likely it will be a fixed panel. You can take these out without messing with the sliding panel. Unlock the window and raise the lower sash a few inches. Remove the screen, then remove the two screws holding the horizontal bar on place. Tap the bar down in one corner using a hammer and screwdriver. The bar will come off. Then you can grab the bottom of the upper sash and wiggle as you pull the sash downward. Once you have pulled it down several inches, you should be able to grab the top and bottom of the sash and pull to the left or right until the opposite side comes out. Then you can swing the panel out.

Once the new glass is installed, you can put the upper sash back by reversing the removal procedure. Tap the bottom upward with a hammer or rubber mallet, ensuring that the sash is fully seated in the top of the frame. Then, put the horizontal mulling bar back in place and tap it on the sash framer. Install the screws and screen. You're done. Next week we will cover broken glass repair of dual pane windows.


About the Author


John Rocco has been installing
replacement windows since 1978.
To learn more, visit How To Install Windows