FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Considering a new living space from Mid Wales? Then you’ll want to check out the answers to our FAQs below!
What's the difference between a conservatory, orangery and an extension?

This is our number one most asked question! The answer isn’t that easy to define because their definitions have been blurred in recent years. Nowadays, your new living space can be anything you want it to be! However, if you wish to stick with the traditional definitions, a conservatory is predominantly made from glass, often with a glass roof to invite the most natural light inside.

Many homeowners are now choosing to opt for a solid roof on their conservatory instead, in addition to dwarf walls, to create a more thermally efficient space. If you still love the idea of a glass roof conservatory, we can provide you with options for solar control glazing to utilise the sunlight for warmth.

Modern Orangery

Traditionally, an orangery has more brickwork combined with aluminium pillars for enhanced privacy, creating a luxury, room-like feel. They commonly have a pelmet around the roof for additional thermal efficiency too. As for the roof design, you have the freedom to choose whatever roofing system you like and it will still be considered an authentic orangery. This includes a glass lantern roof or a solid tiled roof.

Finally, home extensions are designed to look like a natural extension of your property. They will commonly have more of a solid feel due to more brickwork and feature a tiled roof, but many homeowners are now choosing a hybrid roof that features glass panels to invite more light inside. Extensions are often selected for their versatility and year round comfort.

At Mid Wales, we aren’t fond of labels. Speak to our team of expert designers to create something truly unique to fufill your exact wishes.

Tiled Roof Orangery Extension Internal Detail
Should I choose a tiled roof or a glass roof?

There are many factors to look at when choosing between a solid and glass roof. Your decision should be based on how you plan to use your living space, which direction it faces and how much you wish to spend. If you would like your living space to be full of natural light and perhaps even showcase your garden, we recommend you select our solar control glazing. Our modern glazing systems will ensure your room stays a comfortable temperature all year long.

However, if you are most concerned about creating a year-round feel, consider our solid tiled roofs. We can add Velux windows or full length glazed panels to create a hybrid roof between the two.

Still unsure? You can sit down and find the answer to these kinds of questions with a Mid Wales advisor.

Tiled Roof Conservatory

MORE COMMON QUESTIONS

We are always available to give you the support you need on the design of your living space. If you have a question for us, reach out, or find the answer below.

Will it be too hot in summer and too cool in winter?

We understand that a new living space is a big investment and therefore you should be able to enjoy the space that you carefully designed with us at all times of the year. Fortunately, you can enjoy your Mid Wales conservatory, orangery or extension during every season, thanks to our highly-advanced solar control glazing. However, in terms of thermal and energy efficiency, a solid roof is unrivalled.

Do you manufacture your own roofs?

Yes, we do. Mid Wales is part of the Conservatory Outlet Group of companies and Conservatory Outlet, our sister company, is one of the leading manufacturers of roofing systems in the UK. Our factory is located in Wakefield in West Newtown, Welshpool & Shropshire.

With a large capacity, modern delivery fleets and commitment to offering short lead times, Mid Wales Windows & Conservatories is able to supply the products when our customers need them – and with impressive speed, efficiency and quality.

Can I choose different roof tiles to match my home?

Of course! If you wish to match the roof tiles to your current home, we have no problem doing this and it will create a seamless look. We have a wide range of slate and shingle roof tile options available. Contact us to learn more about the process.

I hear a lot about energy rated windows! What does 'A' rated windows mean?

The A+ rating ranks above recommended energy efficiency performance according to The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC).

Any EXTREME windows bought from Mid Wales Window carry an A+ energy rated as standard. This exceeds the thermal qualities of most replacement windows in the region. Our A+ energy rated windows are also great for solar control and will keep the internal temperature just right.

We encourage you to check out the energy rating of any windows before making the decision to purchase as they will help you save money on your energy bills, in addition to contributing to a warmer home.

What is solar control glazing?

Solar control glazing has a clever coating on the glass to stop excessive heat from making its way into your home at the same time as preventing internal heat from escaping. If you would like to learn more about this intelligent form of glazing, mention it to a Mid Wales advisor. We have a variety of options including tinted variations and glazing that reflects different amounts of light and heat inside.

Can I match to my existing bricks?

A member of the Mid Wales team will endeavour to find the best match for your brickwork. However, there is a chance there could be differences between the two bricks because of age, weathering and manufacturing differences. If you are not entirely happy with the closest match, we can tint your new brickwork for an extra cost.

Do I need Building Regulations Approval?

It is likely you will need to obtain Building Regulations Approval if you have a new extension built. When a conservatory or orangery requires Building Regulations Approval, Mid Wales will assist with all the relevant paperwork and submit it to your local authority on your behalf.

Do I need planning permission?

  • You may have to obtain planning permission before your orangery or conservatory can be built by Mid Wales. However, if it falls under Permitted Development Rights, no planning application needs to be made. These conditions will need to met:
    • The ground area covered by the extension and any other buildings within the boundary of the property, excluding the original house, is not more than half the total area of the property.
    • Any part of the extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing house.
    • The eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing house.
    • Any part of the extension does not extend beyond any wall facing a road if it forms the principal or side elevation of the original house.
    • The eaves are no more than 3 metres in height if any part of the extension is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
    • The materials used in exterior work, except in the case of a conservatory, are of similar appearance to the existing house.
    • An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscure glazed; and is non – opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed.
    • A side extension does not exceed 4 metres in height or be wider than half the width of the original house.
    • In a single storey extension
      • the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached house or 3 metres for any other type of house;
      • the height of the extension does not exceed 4 metres;
      • no part of the extension is within 3.5 metres of any property boundary with a road opposite the rear wall of the house.
    • In an extension with more than one storey
      • the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres;
      • no part of the extension is within 7 metres of the property boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
      • the roof pitch of the enlargement is as far as practicable the same as that of the original house.
    • If you live in a house within a conservation area, World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park-
      • no part of the exterior of the house is clad with stone, artificial stone, pebbledash, render, timber, plastic or tiles;
      • the extension is not more than 1 storey or 4 metres in height;
      • no part of the extension extends beyond a principal or side elevation of the original house

How long will it take to build my new living space?

We won’t be able to give you an accurate idea of timings until we know all the facts, which include planning requirements and your chosen design. If you wish to plan ahead, talk to one of our friendly Mid Wales advisors for a copy of our ‘What happens next’ guide for additional clarity.

What is a test dig?

We will always carry out a test dig to ensure the local ground conditions are suitable for a traditional concrete base and foundation before starting to install your new living space. If the ground conditions are not suitable, we can guide you through our other foundation options, such as a concrete raft or specialist pile foundation.

What is a cavity tray?

It is a number of high level damp proof courses that bridge a wall cavity to direct moisture to the external face of a wall, in the place that the extension roof joins the house wall. A cavity tray stops moisture that penetrates the outer wall from appearing in your new extension, which would be far from ideal.

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