Page Title Image

Durabase Extensions & Conservatories.

DurabasePlus 100 for Extensions, Conservatories, and Porches!

Durabase Conservatory

Durabase Conservatory offers a more straightforward and cleaner method for constructing the foundation base for your new conservatory or extension; below is what we must do for a typical build.

Traditional Building Methods

This is the same application for an Extension, Conservatory, Orangery or Porch.

The initial phase of a Conservatory installation entails removing the existing patio, Concrete slab, and soil and clearing the perimeter around the exterior to a depth of 250mm below the existing damp course, approximately equivalent to three bricks deep. Before constructing the conservatory, it is important to measure the perimeter to a size slightly larger than the intended finished dimensions.

To accommodate the new base brickwork, we need to excavate a trench that is 600mm wide and 1 meter deep. This can be done manually or with a mini digger. After the excavation, we should fill the trench with C25 concrete, typically pumped in through the house or a side gate if accessible. If there are nearby trees, it’s advisable to dig the trench to a depth of 1500mm to 1800mm, depending on the proximity of the roots and soil type. This will require additional labour and concrete costs.

Typical Base Requirements

U-Value = 0.18W/m²K: 150mm of compacted MOT type 1 hardcore, 50mm of sand blinding, 1200 DPC Vis-queen sheeting for DPC, 150mm floor insulation, 100mm concrete leaving 70/80mm for screed at the end of the build.

Building the structure, U-Value = 0.18W/m²K Bricklayer will install a double skin wall to damp course height. Approximately 225mm high to existing damp proof (DPC) using red or blue class B engineering brick. 102mm Face brick to match existing or choose from a sample you like, 150mm cavity with Brickwork, insulated with a thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/m²K, 100 mm block work with a thermal conductivity of 0.15 W/m²K 12.5mm plasterboard finish to achieve minimum requirements.

Southeast Windows is the ideal partner for purchasing and installing the Durabase modular system is especially suitable for terraced homes without side access. Durabase has a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee and BBA approval, ensuring long-lasting quality.

Conservatory Building Regulations Guidelines

Conservatories are usually exempt from building regulations under Permitted Development Rights if they satisfy the following conditions:

Efficient and Space-Saving Design

Traditional building methods usually require a 150mm cavity for insulation, with walls needing about 250mm of internal space. DurabasePlus 100 uses a galvanised metal carcass box with pre-fixed brick slips, reducing the internal wall size to 173mm. This design improves energy efficiency, lowers heating bills, and helps reduce your carbon footprint, making it an excellent choice for green home improvements.

New Building Regulations

Building regs requirements Extensions.
Building regs requirements Extensions.

As of June 15, 2022, England’s building regulations now require improved U-values for thermal elements. The DurabasePlus 100 system meets these new regulations, allowing for quick construction on padstone foundations.

Less Mess, Less Waste

Padstones holes and base laid down.

The Durabase Conservatory, built with the DurabasePlus 100 system, arrives in a kit that minimises excavation. We strategically place 450 x 450 x 450 concrete pads to avoid the need for deep footings and excessive waste. We backfill the padstones with C40 Concrete pre-mixed in bags, using an average of 10 bags per hole.

Laying the Base

home extension DurabasePlus 100 Base installed

Our process begins with clearing the base area below the existing DPC and laying down a heavy-duty weed barrier. The steel base is then installed and levelled. The galvanised brick carcass frame follows, with 100mm PIR insulation in the floor and 200mm insulated walls.

Brick Skirt

Installation of the steel base involves adjusting the internal legs to confirm its level, followed by adding a cement board skirt around the perimeter, typically 250mm below the house’s existing DPC. Genuine clay brick tiles bond to these boards, creating a durable yet lightweight wall system in various colours and textures from the Britannia brick range. Brick mortar comes in three colours: Red, Grey, and Sandstone. Air bricks are installed around the base to ensure proper airflow, which is essential for homes with floorboards.

Durabase Conservatory modular walls feature a sturdy galvanised frame with profiled insulated building boards tailored to your conservatory’s size and shape.

The Durabase Conservatory picture shows a double Edwardian roof and a fire-rated wall ideal for a TV.

Durabase Conservatory
home extension DurabasePlus 100 Conservatory Base

The construction project included installing a DurabasePlus100 base and a Conservatory featuring two fire-rated walls adjacent to the neighbouring property and French Doors at the front. At the rear, a box gutter was installed along the back wall to manage rainwater runoff from the roof. Notably, the Conservatory showcases a double Edwardian glass roof with Pilkington’s blue self-cleaning glass.

Cost-Effective Solution

Building regulations require contacting your sewerage company if you plan to build near a public drain. Traditional concrete foundations don’t allow you to build over manholes, but the DurabasePlus 100 system offers an alternative option. With a cutout in the steelwork for drain access, this system includes a double-seal inspection chamber, saving costs and simplifying the build process.

Base with drain cut out

The DurabasePlus 100 steel base features a drain cutout designed to accommodate an external drainpipe. In a conventional base construction, this feature would need to be extended to the exterior of the base.

The same cut-out was completed, showing the finished floor and double-seal drain cover.

home extension Drain cover cut out

A removable steel framework to cover the drain access panel, specifically designed for easy maintenance access from the inside, is well-suited for use in Extensions and Conservatories where the external drain must be relocated beyond the construction area for access.

Building Regulations

Stroma Building Control ensures that all projects meet the latest building regulations. Independent inspectors oversee every stage, ensuring compliance. After completion, you receive a certificate that proves your project meets all building regulation requirements.

Want to know More?

Call us today for your FREE, no-obligation quotation or fill out our Contact Form! For the most modern, energy-efficient replacement Windows, Doors and Conservatory with a 10-year Insurance Backed Guarantee for complete home Comfort & Designed to Keep You Warm, Safe, & Secure.

Alternatively, call your local number below to arrange an appointment.

East London Durabase: 020 8472 4088 (head office)
South London Durabase: 0203 856 6667
North London Durabase: 0203 856 6669
Chelmsford Durabase: 01245 208 058
Romford Durabase: 01708 202 457
Great Dunmow Durabase: 01371 704 771

Southeast Windows Ltd
4.9
Based on 21 reviews
powered by Google
Marc JonesMarc Jones
12:47 21 Jun 24
Amazing company and service. High quality work at very good price. Very efficient with great communication throughout. Would 100% reccomend.
David GridleyDavid Gridley
11:10 07 Sep 23
Excellent work from Roy and his team. He installed our windows quickly and with a minimum of dust etc. They also took away the old windows which was a great help.
Arnold CabanusArnold Cabanus
21:11 06 Mar 23
We recently had all our old windows replaced and installed by Southeast Windows. Everything, from the survey to the installation day runned smoothly .We are delighted with the excellent window installations that they did and left our house clean and tidy after. This company is very trustworthy , professional and courteous. If you need an honest and efficient windows installation company, definitely Southeast Windows Ltd is highly recommended.
Leah CorneyLeah Corney
16:38 10 Feb 23
We chose southeast windows to replace our old upvc windowsfrom initial survey company were very informative explaining different options available fensa warranty fire regs etcquotation was very competitive detailing all widow specifications everything what we was getting including removal of all rubbishSo glad We went with triple gazing option not that much extraguys arrived early every morning we’re courteous and professional at all times did a fantastic job of installing windows clean and tidywindows look fantastic house is so much warmer and noise reduction really please we choose this company would definitely use againHighly recommend
Steve ClareSteve Clare
16:01 04 Oct 22
Had the double-glazing at the front of my house replaced. Really impressed with the quality of the work and the value for money. Roy is a real expert. All in all, absolutely delighted and very happy to recommend Southeast Windows. Five star review.
Hilary ArmstrongHilary Armstrong
15:11 08 Sep 21
Roy and his team fitted new windows and French doors in our house earlier this year (we wanted to live with them for a while before reviewing!). We are really pleased with the quality of the windows and the service from Roy. He's a real gent to deal with and is punctual and professional. His quote wasn't actually the lowest but he was the only one to supply full details of materials, give fire safety and security advice, send a detailed quote etc. Thank you Roy
Megan MonaghanMegan Monaghan
10:33 04 Jun 21
I got quotes from a few companies however Peter was the only one who followed up to my questions on email so I decided to go with Southeast Windows. I am super glad I did, as Peter was professional and I am really happy with the work done in installing a new PVC backdoor and replacing glass in several windows. Peter was knowledgable, friendly and didn't take advantage of my lack of knowledge of window and door installation like some other builders have, being a first time home owner.I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Peter and Southeast Windows, I will for sure be using them again if I need. Thank you Peter!
js_loader