An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories
Conservatories remain a popular addition to homes around the world in the 21st century, and they have been used to enhance homes for over 300 years. Conservatories provide a transition between the main residence and the natural surroundings of the home. In this article we look at the three main types of materials used for conservatory construction - pvcu, aluminium and hardwood.
PVCu Conservatory Construction
Many different types of materials have been utilized in the construction of conservatories. Stone, brick and wood have all been widely used in the construction of elegant and functional conservatories throughout the last three centuries. In recent years, aluminium 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 "plasticized" or "unmodified." In layman's 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 aluminium.
As mentioned above, PVCu has become the most popular choice of material for the construction of 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 has made these home additions more affordable and easily available to families across the U.K. and the world over.
Additionally, PVCu has proved 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. A flat white coloration is also popular with conservatory owners.
PVCu conservatories are easy to maintain, and PVCu is a very durable and a long lasting material that will enable future generations to enjoy the conservatory.
Aluminium Conservatory Construction
In recent times, shoppers have demanded quality conservatory construction at a reasonable price, and as a consequence aluminium conservatories have become popular.
Aluminium conservatories can be constructed at a reasonable, even low-cost because the costs associated with creating the aluminium components are not particularly high in the first instance. Also, aluminium conservatories are usually completely versatile and durable in the construct.
It is remarkably easy to find a person or a company that can readily construct a versatile and durable aluminium conservatory. With little direction, a person or family interested in constructing a beautiful and durable aluminium 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 reliable people when designing and ultimately constructing an aluminium conservatory, the homeowner will end up creating a spectacular addition to the home that will solidly stand the test of time.
Hardwood Conservatory Construction
Architects have taken many different approaches to the form and substance of conservatories. Stone and glass was a popular combination for early conservatory construction, and during the Georgian period in the United Kingdom brickwork became a popular alternative for many conservatories attached to the finest mansions of the day. All along, however, hardwood conservatories have remained fashionable.
There are a number of merits to using hardwood in the construction of conservatories. Of course, the primary aim of a conservatory is to provide a pleasant transitional space between the warmth and shelter of the residence and the openness and splendor of the outdoors. 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, mainly aluminium, in the building process. While there are many benefits to using such materials in the construction of a conservatory, nothing is more appropriate for a purist 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 using superior hardwood is a relatively easy process. The use of hardwood enables a builder or homeowner to achieve the same sense of natural balance offered by stonework and the like, but without the laborious processes demanded by these materials.
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 prefer 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 arduous 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.
A well constructed hardwood conservatory will be a treasured space in any residence for generations to come. Indeed, if properly constructed and appropriately maintained, a hardwood conservatory's natural beauty will be enhanced as time goes by.
Garry John is a regular contributor to uk home improvement websites such as http://www.window-blinds.co.uk and http://www.uk-awnings.co.uk
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