Page 14 - Buyers Guide - Tiled Conservatory roofs November 2018.cdr

6 Pitfalls to avoid.

There are a number of pits falls to avoid when selecting the type of Solid or Tiled Conservatory Roof
system and also the company to carry out the installation. Firstly, as advised by the Local Building
Control, it is important to select a system and a company that are able to demonstrate that they can
install a roof that is fully compliant with current regulations. Building Control Guidelines advise:

There are several methods of reroofing an existing structure
on the market - the easiest and often cheapest way is
simply to wrap a new roof over and under the existing
roofing system. However, this method is the most likely to
overstress the existing roof and wall structure and great
care is needed.

If you are offered this solution, you should ensure the
company quoting to do the work can evidence the stability
of the structure with the increased loading and satisfy
both you and your local authority building control team
of its adequacy. If the roof is an existing polycarbonate
roof it is very unlikely that this method can be done safely
and you should not commit to any expense until you are
satisfied that it has been shown to be effective. There is
also potential to introduce a condensation problem that
will inevitably occur if plasterboard is applied to the
underside of the existing roof with little or no
insulation above it.

When selecting the company to carry out the work for you, always ensure that they are experienced
and can demonstrate competency in similar projects. A lot of companies see anew product as a way
of generating new streams of income and merely jump on a bandwagon which they believe is a way
to easy money. Nobody wants to be somebodies guinea pig. Choose a company with a proven track
record in installing the system you require.

Try not to be persuaded into either buying from the first salesman you see, or buying a product that
you have not fully researched. There are a number of excellent manufacturers of Solid or Tiled
Conservatory Roofs, each offering some specific benefits in terms of insulation qualities and materials
used in the installation process. They have often spent a significant amount of time and money on
product development and testing. It is often wise to choose a product that has been tried and tested.

7 Quote Gathering.

Although time consuming and also sometimes a bit confusing, always remember you are considering
investing a considerable sum of money in a much needed home improvement. If you set out to get
3 quotes, see this through. If you set out to get 5 quotes, see this through. By doing your initial
research properly, as well as your own mini survey, you will be well prepared to discuss your exact
requirements with any company who would like to tender for your business. Create an even playing
field by having a set of questions, which are important to you prepared in advance, and ask these to
every potential supplier, noting down the answers for final analysis. Of course, price is always going
to be an important factor, but should never be the only factor considered when making the final
decision on which supplier to place your order. Experience, accreditations, Guarantees, Service,
Aftercare and overall package delivery often win out against a quote that merely offers the lowest cost.
Often by having comparable quotes, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with your chosen
supplier.

REMEMBER: That nice salesperson, with the disarming smile, is not the person who will arriving
to install your new Solid or Tiled Conservatory Roof. He will not be the person who you are trying
to contact for an update on delivery times, or a service call. Of course you want to buy of someone
you like, but always remember to scratch the surface a bit and make an informed decision.