Base Construction for DIY Conservatories

In this chapter we talk about the construction of diy conservatories bases together with sketches.

We are always asked how bases for diy conservatories should be built. We have compiled a basic guide for diy conservatories, which ought to cover the most popular of cases and answer your questions.

Please note that conservatories over 30 m2 must have building regulations this is not discussed in this chapter.

The bases for any conservatories are comparable to that of an extension to your home. People think that because conservatories are lighter than an extension the foundation can be shallow. This is not essentially correct.

It is impossible to know precisely how deep the foundation will have to be until the ground is excavated and inspected for any 'non load bearing areas or made up ground' - this is either where earth has been placed on existing ground or the ground is sort e.g. Fullers earth.

It will be necessary to excavate a trench through this layer into load bearing soil, this you will ensure that the conservatory will have a good foundation, as we expect that you do not want to wake up one morning to find your conservatory has fallen over or is at the bottom of your garden

Oops!!!

Normally foundation trenches for conservatories are between 650 – 1000 mm deep. The other factors which decide the foundation depth will be tree roots, drains and services.

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Conservatory Base Works

Reduction of Ground Levels

If the area where your conservatory is to be constructed should have any hard areas, i.e. patio, concrete slab, etc. and vegetation soil, this should be removed to an approximate depth of 150 mm.

Excavation of Foundation Trench

In general foundation trenches are excavated to the following dimensions 450 mm wide by 650/1000 mm deep dependent upon ground conditions.

Existing Underground Drains

Where a drain passes through a foundation, as shown above the foundation must be below the bottom of drain and a cast concrete lintel positioned above the drain so ensuring that no weight is transmitted onto the drain.

Casting of Foundations

The foundation trench can now be concreted. A mass fill is generally used as this faster and therefore cheaper. The concrete is as a rule finished 150 mm below ground level.

Always hammer some 350 mm x 10 mm steel pins into the side of the trench at 650 mm centres levelled with a spirit level you can than tamp the concrete at the correct height.

Substructure

From the foundation concrete build up to the D.P.C. in matching brickwork and common bricks.

Oversite and Foundation Construction

100 mm Concrete slab reinforced with “A142 steel mesh” on 50 mm blinding, on 250 micron DPM on 150 mm (min) well consolidated clean hardcore.

Oversite Construction with a Suspended Floor

If the ground where the conservatory is to be built falls away more than 600 mm a timber or concrete suspended floor may be more advantageous and be more cost effective.

A suspended floor will require air bricks to be built into the substructure to make sure sub floor ventilation is achieved.

Conservatories with glass to floor panels or windows, the base is normally left at this stage with a D.P.C. (damp proof course) laid to the external brickwork ready for the conservatory to be erected. We would recommend that the brickwork and concrete to be left to for approximately 5-10 days to cure dependent upon weather circumstances.

Dwarf Wall Option

The brickwork can now be raised from the D.P.C to the required height in cavity brickwork. The cavity should be insulated with either expanded polystyrene or fibreglass to make certain a high degree of insulation to the conservatory. The 2 skins or brick work are held together with wall ties.

Specialist Foundations

Some conditions will require specialist foundations, brown filled sites (these are sites where buildings have been demolished and new houses built or areas where there are trees or poor ground conditions). These areas can be built on but specialist foundations may be required such as a raft or piled foundations.The above is Good Working Practice and health and safety precautions must be observed at all times.

The above is a Good Working Guide only; details may vary from supplier to supplier.

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To read more on Conservatories please click here for your Brochure pack. You will receive 3 brochures from our national register of suppliers, for you to digest at your leisure.

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