Theory of Connectivity

In the third of a series of technical articles from K2, Barry McMahon, K2’s technical director explains about the fundamental issue of connectivity between key parts and assemblies within a conservatory roof.

Throughout the conservatory industry companies have spent significant time and resources in multi-million pound investments in developing key products. Typically these have been what are generally considered as the key elements of the roof e.g. ridge, wallplate, glazing bars, eaves beam etc.

However, a conservatory roof performs as a complete entity and individual components will work most effectively only if they are adequately connected together, much like the human body. Particularly for the installer, improved connections between components speeds up installation and improves the overall quality of the final installation.

While conservatory roofs can be fabricated to within mere millimeters thanks to modern software and machinery capabilities, once on site the windows and doors can often be slightly out of true. In some instances not only is the base out of specification, but the windows and doors are too in comparison to the original survey detail. For the installer this can often mean complications during the installation of the roof with the onus on the connection details to provide the necessary performance. The goal of our product development has been to achieve structurally sound connections which offer flexibility in the fabrication stage and simplicity in installation.

For example, the eaves beam has in the past been joined with the use of a simple metal chevron and while this was a satisfactory solution at best there was little alternative. K2 took the issue of connection and developed a unique, adjustable eaves beam connector or “knuckle joint”. The feedback from fabricators and installers during the R&D process proved invaluable in the development of the final product which allows for infinite variations in the fabrication stage and has now been thoroughly proven on site as both a simple and a rigid connection.

Yet, one of the biggest causes for concern on site has been the fitting of the jack rafter to the hip, to ensure that the join between the two is both structurally sound and weathertight. K2 have taken a similar approach to other connectivity issues and developed a simple ball-ended bolt which fits within a channel extruded into the hip and allows for the jack-rafter to be fitted at any angle.

The development of the connections within a conservatory roof can provide significant benefits for the fabricator and installer, but systems companies need to ensure they don’t over-engineer the final solution. Many different and complex connection details can have the reverse effect in helping the installer on site, defeating the very purpose in which they were originally designed for.

Common connection details have the obvious benefit of product familiarity and lower stockholding for the fabricator. Connectivity between glazing bar to ridge or wallplate and glazing bar to eaves beam is identical within the K2 conservatory roof system. The connection is a common pivoting bolt carrier which was developed to improve the overall performance of the roof and to aid the installation process.

Other leading conservatory systems companies have looked at connection details and have taken a cautious approach to patent and design right infringement. K2’s history in the market dates back 6 years during which time many man hours have been dedicated to the development of products for the fabricator and installer, testament to the technical departments’ considerable expertise.

One philosophy that perhaps should be shared across the industry is that the product is not just the domain of the systems company but that there is some element of ownership from the loyal fabricators and installers. Product development including the connections between components and assemblies is a very important and often under considered proposition. Improvements can be made here with the commitment of systems company, fabricator and installer.

So what is the theory of connectivity? Keep it simple, make it work and ensure that it has added benefits for all those involved in the fabrication and installation process.