Conservatory Jargon Buster
The definitive guide to common terms used in the design and installation of conservatories.
For over 20 years now Ultraframe has been the acknowledged market leader in the design and manufacture of conservatory roof systems. With over one million Ultraframe roofs already installed throughout the UK, the pedigree and quality offered by our roof systems is second to none. During this time Ultraframe have developed a widely recognised set of guidelines by which conservatory roofs are designed, specified, ordered and installed.
Ultraframe have complied this manual to explain and translate much of the jargon used in the conservatory industry. We have listed many of the commonplace words and terms used daily in connection with conservatory design and installation.
Each reference includes a list of possible alternative words (“also known as”), a full description of the product/component and a full colour picture, where appropriate, to illustrate its relevance.
To find the explanation for your jargon term just browse the terms alphabetically below or Search Our Site.
P-shape conservatory
Also known as: Combination roofP-shade style refers to a combination of Victorian/Edwardian and lean-to roof styles ('P' as viewed on plan).
Paraphet Wall
Also known as: Abutment WallA double skin wall built higher than the conservatory that butts up to it. Usually topped off with coping stones.
PIB
Also known as: PolyisobutylenePIB refers to the primary seal around the periphery of a glass unit, usually a 2 part mix.
Pitch
Also known as: Slope, angle ofPitch is the slope between two fixed points, the eaves and the ridge. The pitch can be described as mono or duo. The minimum acceptable is 2.5 degrees, maximum is usually 30 degrees (duo pitch, lean-to's).
Planning Permission
Also known as: Local Authority PermissionLocal Councils set restrictions about whether a conservatory is allowed in certain situations; e.g. if the conservatory is above a certain size or if it is near to a boundary, then planning permission may be required from the Council before the conservatory can be constructed.
Polycarbonate
Also known as: Glazing, sheeting, poly, Polyspan OptimumPolycarbonate is a multi-walled structural plastic sheet 200 times stronger than glass. It is used in Ultraframe systems in 25mm and 35mm thickness and in various colours such as bronze, opal, bronze/opal, clear, blue and grey.
Portal frame
Also known as: Large span structureA portal frame is a skeleton frame made from structural grade aluminium required to support conservatories over a certain size.
PVC chambered top cappings
Also known as: Multiwall cappingsChambered top cappings are unique to Ultraframe. They refer to the special design of PVC top caps with air pockets, which provide the benefit of enhanced thermal performance.
PVC top caps
Also known as: Top cappingsSee chambered top cappings (above)
PVCu
Also known as: uPVCPVCu refers to unplasticissed poly vinyl chloride. One of the main constituents of conservatory roofs.
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