DIY conservatory yes or not?

So you’re thinking: ‘I reckon I could build a conservatory’.

Stop! Erecting a conservatory is not the job for a DIY amateur. This is for the serious professional, skilled in the use of the correct materials and how to put them together with health and safety regulations.

Nipping up to your local builder’s merchant/DIY superstore to buy polycarbonate roof glazing might seem easy. Well, to insulate your conservatory properly you need to be a master craftsman. It is not a case of simply placing the glazing into position, then refer to the roof plan to locate the right positions, knock on the PVC cappings and think you’ve created a seal. If you’re handling glass, the process will be even more complicated.

Your windows and doors may arrive unglazed which is often quite normal to prevent glass from breaking during the installation. I’ve seen far too many DIYers thinking the glazing process shouldn’t be difficult as most doors and windows come with what is called a ‘knock-in’ glazing bead. All they have to do is immerse the glazing bead in warm water to make it more flexible and easier to position – and on goes the silicone sealant.

They apply it to the joints, following their ‘plan’ as they fit the internal PVCu trims to the roof eaves beam, ridge and glazing bars.

So, their DIY conservatory is nearly complete and weatherproof – or so they think. It’s when the splits, cracks, leaks, joint and seal problems begin that things get a bit sticky. Oh, and that’s not to mention the cost and waste of money. In nearly every case, when last resorts fail to patch up, they have to call in a trained expert who will invariably have to take down everything, send to scrap and begin again.

You might be a dab hand with a paint brush, screw driver, hammer and a few nails; you might be good at knocking together some wood to make reasonable cupboards but when it comes to the job of a trained professional with years of experience, forget DIY for building a safe, warm, functioning conservatory.

Do the sensible thing and call in a reliable, reputable company.