Aluminium Conservatories: The Choice for Long-Lasting Durability
For more than 30 years now, many homeowners are selecting uPVC as their material of choice for their conservatories. There are two main reasons behind this. One is that uPVC conservatory kits are easy to work with. The other and more important reason is that uPVC is a lot cheaper. But the reign of the uPVC as the material of choice for conservatories has been questioned in recent years. That is because aluminium conservatories have been gaining quickly in appeal amongst homeowners, enough to rival the popularity of uPVC. It still remains to be seen, however, which one will be able to outdo each other in the contest for the most popular material for conservatories.
Aluminium conservatories, as made obvious by their name, are conservatories whose frames and supports are made completely of aluminium bars. Because aluminium is a type of metal that is sturdy but easy to work with, conservatories made from this metal are truly growing in appeal nowadays.
The Origins of Aluminium Conservatories
Aluminium conservatories are not a new concept. During the Victorian era, and even before that, farmers in the colder countries of Europe have thought of ways to preserve their plants from being damaged by frost. The solution they came up with was to house their plants in enclosures made of glass and held up by metal frames, often of aluminium. These enclosures became known as greenhouses and orangeries.
Eventually, the chance to be able to enjoy one's garden despite unfavourable weather conditions has become very appealing amongst the upper class citisens of the Victorian era. It was a chance that only greenhouses and orangeries made possible. And thus, conservatories as we know of today, especially aluminium conservatories, came to be.
The Advantages of Aluminium Conservatories
As we have hinted above, aluminium conservatories are highly valued for their strength. Aluminium, after all, is a kind of metal and as thus is a lot stronger than uPVC or even timber or hardwood. The strength of aluminium makes it an idea material for building conservatories where strength and sturdiness are a huge factor for consideration.
Examples of such conservatories that require the strength and sturdiness of aluminium are those attached to commercial buildings where the safety of the public would be a great concern. Another such scenario where aluminium conservatories would be more suitable than uPVC or hardwood ones are where the property to which the conservatory will be attached is located in an area where the ground is not that stable. This could be because the ground is too soft or has a lot of clay heave.
Another big advantage that aluminium conservatories have over uPVC or hardwood conservatories is the fact that conservatories made of this metal are more durable. Despite being exposed greatly to the elements, aluminium can resist rusting, especially when it was well treated in the first place. It does not rot like timber, and it does not crumble or become cracked like uPVC.
Aluminium conservatories are also a lot more desirable for really large conservatories or conservatories that enclose an indoor swimming pool. Aluminium would be able to provide the structural support needed for large spaces, and it would be more resistant to the added moisture that an indoor pool would bring into the room.
Aluminium conservatories are also quite versatile. They can be moulded into any style of conservatory and they can fit into any house, regardless of its design or architecture.
The Disadvantages of Aluminium Conservatories
Inasmuch as aluminium conservatories do have a lot of things going for them to make them the ideal choice as a conservatory for the home, there are also a few disadvantages that may sway you from choosing aluminium for your conservatory.
One disadvantage of aluminium conservatories is controlling the temperature inside the conservatory which may become a problem later on. This will require you to install adequate heating inside your conservatory so that you will still be able to use the space during the autumn and winter months.
The other disadvantage of aluminium conservatories is that they are a lot more expensive than uPVC conservatories. You should embark on a conservatory project made of aluminium only if you have the money to invest on it.
But then again, if you are going to have a conservatory built on your property as a home improvement project, it is going to be an investment. You might as well consider aluminium conservatories for this investment to make the most of it.