Bigger And Better

Charles Fox, sales director at K2 Conservatory Systems, discusses the opportunities in bigger conservatories with the use of portal frames which can often result in better returns for the fabricator and installer. The process may be far easier than you think as he explains...

Many installation companies have shied away from the larger conservatories due to their added complexities and the additional resources required. This is particularly appropriate when glass is used in the roof as spans are limited and therefore bolster bars and more appropriately portal framed structures are necessary. But for those more established installers with greater resources the larger conservatory installations can provide a higher return and a useful additional revenue stream.

There are a number of elements that affect the structure of a conservatory including overall size, design and wind and snow loadings.

In large installations the ability of the glazing bars, hips, valleys etc to span large distances is limited and therefore there is a need for additional support. Portal frames are a perfect solution, offering proven structural support for buildings and in the case of large span conservatories, the roof itself.

Portal frames for conservatories have been widely used throughout the UK, Europe and even in North America where they have been used in domestic extensions, swimming pool enclosures, large canopies, restaurants, hotels and for free standing garden buildings/gazebos. Roof designs range from relatively simplistic double hipped installations to complex lantern and even one-off designs specified by the architect. In the case of the latter, companies can benefit from the experience and resources of companies such as K2’s specialist portal division who can offer everything from supply only with detailed drawings to full project management expertise.

There are often a number of parties involved in the larger conservatory installations and this should not be seen as a restrictive and threatening element. Moreover, it’s an opportunity for installers and fabricators to benefit from the expertise of their supplier and in the case of K2 they can offer support, guidance and help with the whole process.

K2’s portal division is not just limited to existing K2 users, as it also supplies portal frame solutions to non-K2 customers through a standalone division at the company. The department not only deals directly with architects but in the majority of cases directly with installers and fabricators.

For many of these companies and those involved in the specification of portal structures support is crucial. For such companies it is not purely about the manufacture and supply of the portal frame but of the expert guidance and assistance that comes with it. These projects will often require detailed project information including full specifications, schematic and full drawings. For those companies looking at this opportunistic sector, the re-assurance of working with an experienced portal frame supplier is fundamental and crucial for success.

There are only a small handful of portal frame suppliers in the UK with the necessary conservatory sector experience and back up. Many offer a single simple solution made from box section aluminium, yet companies such as K2 are able to offer two specialist portal frame designs. Each of these designs has been developed to offer neater connection details and ease of on-site assembly, thanks to additional preparation at the point of manufacture.

A mini-portal is particularly suited to smaller commercial applications such as large domestic conservatories and the other for larger span applications such as those for hotel extensions and swimming pool enclosures. The mini portal system is available in any standard RAL finish along with a range of laminated options, the latter providing a better match with the windows and roof. At the domestic level installers can offer this portal frame solution which doesn’t look out of place or unsightly in the home.

In the UK there are a small number of companies that have taken portal work on and thanks to the support of their suppliers and partners have been able to deliver a fantastic finished installation. These jobs may only be occasional but they do provide the competent and experienced installer with a fresh challenge and an opportunity to make a very good return on a single job.