Thinking About A Lean-To Conservatory? [Buyers Guide]

Conservatories come in all shapes and sizes. While some may like the luxurious ambience of an Edwardian conservatory, others might want to for something which is aimed towards providing a large storage space. 

As you continue to add on more features like an internal heating system for instance, the price of these conservatories also goes up. 

That said, if you are someone who prefers clean lines and wants to give a minimalistic but aesthetic appeal to your house without breaking your bank, a ‘lean-to’ conservatory might be a good option for you. 

Keep on reading to know more about lean-to conservatories. 

What does a lean-to conservatory look like?

This is the simplest kind of conservatory. Lean-to conservatories are sometimes also referred to as ‘Mediterranean conservatory’ because of how reminiscent they are to Mediterranean sunrooms. 

It is common to see large sized window panes supported by dwarf walls which stand on a rectangular floor plan in a lean-to conservatory. Although it may not be as steep as a lantern or double hipped roof, today’s lean-to conservatory roofs slope outward from the house. 

Homes with limited room under the eaves, bungalows, or those who want a more understated aesthetic can choose a lean-to conservatory. 

In most cases, you will notice that a lean-to conservatory has a rectangular or a square shape shielded by a flat roof which is slanted towards one side. This shape makes the structure seem like it is leaning against the wall, hence the name ‘lean-to’. 

One out of the 3 walls has to be dwarfed for the slope whereas other walls and panes may feature fully glazed sides. Some house owners also like a tiled roof on the top of their conservatory. 

Advantages of a lean-to conservatory

1. A lean-to conservatory, like others, is available in a wide array of materials, window frames, handles and entertainment systems. The amount of extra features you add decides the final aftermarket value of a conservatory. 
2. In case of a lean-to conservatory, this price for material components is quite less. Furthermore, since it has got the straight edges and large sized windows, it can be an excellent airy extension to your house.
3. Since the roof is fully covered, the thermal performance of lean-to conservatories is quite good. 
4. The installation is also quite simple. This is because unlike the tilted components of modern orangeries or P-type conservatories, a lean-to conservatory only uses rectangular and square shapes. 

Maintenance and necessary regulations

A slanted roof means that the upkeep is quite low as compared to a conservatory with complex roof structures. Since they are usually quite small, you also do not need any planning permission for installation.

Keep the following standard regulations in mind before carrying out the installation process : 

1. The max permissible height of a single storey extension is set to be four floors. 
2. You must construct the land within your property and may need extra permission if you reside in a government-restricted zone. 
3. Once the final structure is erected, there shouldn’t be any side extensions or even cladding of the exterior. 

How much does a lean-to conservatory cost?

The first option is to get a basic DIY lean-to conservatory, they can cost anywhere between £1000-£4000 depending on the materials. The cost will further be increased if you decide to go with a solid brick wall, all-glazed walls are comparatively cheaper. 

Some other advanced features that you can get are : 

• Multi-point lock system
• Multicoloured walls 
• Energy saving glass 
• Safety glazing 
• Poly-carbonate roofing
• Heating system 

If you want to lower the costs, you can go with a raft base instead of picking traditional footings. These raft bases are composed of pre-mixed concrete which is put into a mould, followed by weaving a steel-reinforced mesh into it. 

However, we will not suggest you compromise on the material quality to lower costs. This is because cheap aluminum frames miss out on the feature of thermal internal-breaks which stops heat from escaping out in the cold weather. 

If you are not a fan of uPVC or aluminum, you can also consider engineered wood. 

Verdict 

There you have it, all the information you needed related to a lean-to conservatory (see also ‘Do I Need Planning Permission For A Conservatory?‘). This type of conservatory might seem too small to some, but the functionality and the overall appeal definitely makes your house seem more desirable. 

Aside from using it as a storage closet, it can also be used as an extension of the kitchen, lounge or a dining area. If the size of the conservatory is too large, you can also go with central pillars to support the structure from the middle grounds. 

So what are you waiting for?

Get this house extension this year and reap the benefits of this airy conservatory!