Selecting the best conservatory is an important decision but without the proper base, all of your hard work and money could be wasted. If a base is not formed and installed correctly your beautiful structure could be at risk of shifting from ground freeze and thaw, harsh weather or imperfections caused by building with inferior materials. The base is the foundation for a conservatory that will last for countless decades when the right materials and installation is done right.

Because a sustainable base is foremost in any conservatory project, preparation of the ground where your conservatory will be built is key. An inspection of the ground should be done to make sure that there are no areas where loose dirt has been packed on top of existing ground. Digging a trench to reach the load bearing ground is the next step. Depending on the amount of fake soil that you encounter will determine the depth of your trench. Normal foundation trenches measure between 650-1000 mm deep. You may also encounter problems such as tree roots and drains that will need to be bypassed or moved so levelling on the soil can be done.

Once the trench has been dug, compacting, damp proofing and insulation should be performed in order to avoid problems with sulphate attacks, settling and cracking of your concrete. Many people think that because a conservatory is less in weight than building an enclosed room that the load bearing material can be less. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your conservatory is going to be a permanent structure and designed to be a permanent part of your house. Any builder or inspector can verify this fact.

Once your trench has been properly formed, filled and cured, it is time to build the dwarf wall. Brick is the most popular choice of creating a base that can withstand the perfect installation of the framework and glass that will make up your conservatory. Although brick is a much better material than wood in longevity, there are problems that can occur. One new method that has been tested and recommended is called ConservaBase that is pre-built with sections of strong steel box sections coated with anti-corrosion green oxide. Further welded for a long life, the additional structural safeguards are both better and cheaper than hiring a brick mason to form your wall.

Self build conservatories come in different base selections that add a lovely touch to your homes existing exterior. Brick or stone finishes that cover tough concrete walls are available in traditional styles, rough dressed Cotswold or Iron Ham, just to name a few. These types of coverings are made to match a home’s exterior flavour without looking odd or out of place with a new structure. However, if you have a newer home and want a clean brick look, this style also comes in several different shades.

Selecting self build conservatories is simple when you plan ahead and take the proper steps in building a permanent foundation. Your new conservatory will appear to be part of your original house and add a stately look rather than a ‘tacked on’ additional room.