Choosing Your Conservatory
What is an English conservatory?
Conservatories have been an object of desire since the early 17th century, when they enjoyed great popularity amongst the English aristocracy. Originally they were called Orangeries, because they were used to grow oranges and other exotic fruit non indigenous to Great Britain's shores. Today, they still remain a stylish and functional addition to any property that captures England's proud architectural history and old world charm. And never more so than when it's a conservatory supplied and installed by Canterbury Conservatories.
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What is the difference between a K2 / Canterbury Conservatory and a normal sunroom?
Style and quality. K2 / Canterbury utilizes authentic English conservatory styles compared to the typical American porch enclosure or sunroom. Our structure, windows and craftsmanship are superior also. We manufacture all these rooms in Michigan, using lineal's extruded and molded at head office in Bolton, England
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What are conservatories made of?
K2 / Canterbury conservatories are built using structural aluminum reinforced heavy duty vinyl frames matched up with the latest technology of low-e double pane glass. This gives an extremely strong and maintenance free structure.
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Are the windows energy efficient?
We utilize the industry leading efficient tempered, coated low-e glass that reduces the transmission of heat to keep your conservatory comfortable year-round. It blocks 85% of the suns solar heat to keep you cooler in the summer and has the highest R-value to reduce heat loss in the winter compared to normal sunroom windows.
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What style conservatory do you offer?
There are three basic styles; Victorian, Edwardian and Studio with thousands of variations that will match any style home.
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What kind of insulated roof glazing do you offer?
We offer either our low-e glass for beautiful visibility or a semi-opaque polycarbonate that allows soft diffused light while blocking 90% of any heat gain. We also offer solid roofs for total sun blocking.
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What is the frame structure made of?
Unlike many sunroom companies who build using only aluminum or vinyl for their additions, K 2 / Canterbury utilizes structural aluminum reinforced heavy-duty vinyl frames which give superior strength, efficient thermal insulation and maintenance.
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How long have you been in business?
Canterbury has been building conservatories in the United States for over 10 years. Our parent company is also one of the largest suppliers of conservatory structural components in England.
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What kind of foundation do I need?
As with any addition to a house you will need a foundation that meets the local requirements. Normally we would install a 42" poured foundation.
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Can K2 / Canterbury build the complete project or do I need a contractor?
We can build the entire project from the foundation up. If you are building a new house or having other construction done at the time, you can have your builder complete the foundation and we would install the conservatory afterwards.
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Can I build my conservatory on a deck?
Most definitely. We sometimes have to add additional footings to the structure in order to add a conservatory and meet building code requirements. We have also built many on second storey decks, and then enclosed below after.
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What kind of flooring can I have?
Depending if your design calls for a ground level slab or a built up on floor joists, any kind of floor you normally would have in your home is possible.
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How small or big can my conservatory be?
Almost any size from 8'x 8' to 40'x 60'. We have a range of rooms in the most popular sizes as well as the ability to custom build to exact requirements.
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Will a conservatory fit my style house?
Do you custom design the conservatory?
Yes. Every K2 / Canterbury conservatory can be custom designed based on the style, size and personal requirements of each client.
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Is financing available?
K2 / Canterbury have relationships with many different lenders and will be pleased to help / advise.
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What does it cost?
Until we look at the property requirement, foundation works and really understand the size of the projects and our customers needs, it is impossible to "ballpark" our work. We do offer a free design consultation, so that we can ascertain that a Conservatory can be built, what it will look like and what it will cost. Please call us on 1 800 430 4506 to arrange this service.
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What kinds of opening windows are available?
Our standard window is a crank out with a single handle and stationary screens that are easy to take out for cleaning or storage. We also offer a unique English style side or bottom-opening casement windows open with a single handle instead of a crank and are more energy efficient than any slider style window.
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Do I need a knee wall?
Not at all. Many customers prefer the clean look of windows from floor to ceiling. These are especially popular when the room is raised and you want to get the full view of your surroundings.
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What are the knee walls made of?
If your design includes a knee wall, we build it using standard insulated stud construction. This allows a variety of interior and exterior finishes to match your home's decor.
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How do I clean the roof?
Usually nothing more than a hose and standard window-cleaning squeegee on an extension pole will keep your roof looking great for years.
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Are there building restrictions for conservatories?
We work within all local building codes. Lot line setbacks are usually the only thing that may constrain your conservatory
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What is your warranty?
I like what I see, what do I do next?
Contact us at through any of our dealers, showrooms or directly through this website. We will arrange a free site visit to design just the conservatory for you.
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Can I use the conservatory year round?
Absolutely. This is a true all-season room that is comfortable and functional any time of year.
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Can my conservatory be free standing?
Do I need to hire an architect?
K2 / Canterbury can design the entire conservatory so you don't need to hire one separately. However, if you are in the design phase of a new house or major renovation, we would be happy to work with your architect's plan to build the perfect addition as part of the project.
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What is the delivery and installation time?
From time of the order to completion is approximately 8 weeks depending on weather and scheduling conflicts.
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Are there other finishes besides white?
How do I heat and cool my conservatory?
You can either tie into your present forced air system, add hot water radiant heat in the floor, baseboard electric ardent heat or an AC Heat unit.
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