Sun shading, shelter from the rain or extended living space? When it comes to the question of whether an extension should be a conservatory, a terrace roof or a summer garden with side glazing, many do not know what the differences are.
Each of the systems mentioned at the beginning has its own special features and advantages, but they should match the needs and wishes of the customer. "While the summer garden extends the use of the terrace beyond the summer months, the winter garden offers additional living space for the whole year," says Dennis Schneider, Managing Director of Sunflex Aluminium Systems. He explains the differences and advantages of the different variants.
Weather resistance and heatability
Weather resistance: For those who want to spend time on the terrace in the summer months regardless of the weather, a terrace roof that protects against rain is usually sufficient. Glass and aluminium constructions offer a rainproof and transparent solution.
If you extend your patio roof with movable glass elements, you can close them in cooler temperatures and wind and benefit from complete weather protection in the resulting summer garden.
If the terrace area is to serve as a heatable extension of the living space and be usable all year round, a conservatory makes sense.
Thermal insulation and heating: "Our sliding system SF20 and the sliding-turning system SF25 are typical uninsulated and non-insulated glass systems for a summer garden," says
Schneider. "For winter use, however, you need highly thermally insulated systems like our SF75 folding glass wall, which insulate and seal well, so with a view to connecting the conservatory to the heating system, it also makes sense."
Conversion measures, planning permission, furnishings
Conversion: If a summer garden is to be created, a level surface must be provided to ensure the smooth movement of the trolleys of the aforementioned systems in the rails. Depending on the nature of the terrace, it may be necessary to lay a separate foundation.
A conservatory absolutely needs a proper foundation to fulfil the required thermal insulation and load-bearing capacity and to ensure the necessary barrier against rising damp as well as frost heave.
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"Terrace roofs usually do not require any additional conversion measures and can be built directly on the house or even free-standing," says Dennis Schneider. "Our SF112, SF125 or SF152 systems can be easily adapted to the existing terrace and the visual appearance of the house thanks to their great variability in roof shape and size."
Planning permission: As a rule, permits must be obtained from the relevant building authority for all building projects on a house. Different regulations apply in each federal state for patio roofs as well as for summer and winter gardens. Sunflex assists with the submission of applications in order to comply with the applicable building regulations.
Furnishings: While garden furniture and barbecue are protected from rain under a patio roof, a summer garden offers the possibility of wintering furniture or plants. However, attention should always be paid to the outside temperatures, as the interior can also cool down considerably in very cold weather.
A conservatory, also often referred to as a living conservatory, can be furnished like any other room with carpets, parquet flooring and furniture.
What costs are to be expected?
"Depending on the system, glazing and installation location, building owners will face different costs. Extensions such as ventilation, heating, lighting or shading also have an impact on the total price. An expert should be consulted for construction support and an exact calculation. We offer our clients a transparent breakdown of all costs. If desired, this can include all additionally required trades," says Dennis Schneider.
Also interesting: Lifting equipment for roof, conservatory and canopy installation
In addition, Sunflex precisely lists the follow-up and maintenance costs of summer and winter gardens so that there are no unpleasant surprises later on.
