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Conservatory Jargon Explained

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.

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Casement style

Also known as: Push-out

Casement style windows are a particular type of opening window where the window is hung from a hinge either across the top, or down one of the sides and opens outwards; i.e. not a tilt and turn window.

Cavity tray

Also known as: Lead tray, Plastic tray

The purpose of the cavity tray is to 'deflect' moisture that 'transfers' across the other skin of brickwork, back out, rather than let it 'bridge' across the cavity at lintel level, causing damp inside. In most properties the lintel effectively acts as the 'cavity tray' and deflects this moisture back outwards.

Cavity wall

Also known as: Twin wall, Double skin wall

A wall comprising of two leafs of masonry, tied together with proprietary metal ties. Usually insulated for improved thermal performance.

Certificate of Authenticity

Also known as: COA

The Certificate of Authenticity is provided to homeowners by Ultraframe, to prove they have an Ultraframe roof on their conservatory. Available for roofs manufactured by Ultraframe or from our fabricators.

Chambered

Also known as: Twin Wall, Multi Wall

Ultraframe's unique twin wall, double skin, thermal glazing bar top cappings.

Cill

Also known as:

A cill can be made from PVC, stone or brick and is designed to 'throw' water flowing down a vertical surface away from masonry below.

Classic

Also known as: Victorian system

Classic is the original roofing system from Ultraframe, established over 20 years ago and still the market leader. Virtually any style of conservatory can be created with the Classic system; e.g. gable, Victorian, lean-to etc. Over one million Classic roofs have been installed throughout the UK.

Cleat

Also known as: Joiner

A cleat is the metal part which is sleeved inside two adjoining parts.

Clicklock

Also known as: Clicklock technology

Ultraframe Clicklock technology refers to the unique boltless method of fixing glazing bars to the ridge and eaves beam. It has been designed and patented by Ultraframe.

Cloak trim

Also known as: Gable end trim

A cloak trim is a cladding designed to 'cap off' the exposed edges of a lean to roof or gable fronted conservatory.

Co-extruded gaskets

Also known as: Co-ex gaskets

A PVCu profile with a gasket already applied and attached to the extrusion.

Colour bonding

Also known as: Colour coating, powder coating

Colour bonding is the process by which a conservatory is coated to produce a coloured finish that is not available with standard woodgrain foils such as red or blue.

Configurable

Also known as: Versatile, flexible

A roof system is said to be configurable when the roof system can be designed to make the shape required.

Configurator

Also known as: CONCAD, First Degree Systems (FDS)

A configurator is a computer program the produces manufacturing information for bespoke conservatories; e.g. CONCAD, First Degree Systems, etc.

Conservaflash

Also known as: Flashing

Unique to Ultraframe, Conservaflash is a pre-engineered PVC flashing system to seal the gap between the host wall and the starter bar. It has been developed as an alternative to lead, which is heavier to work with and more expensive.

Conservaglass

Also known as: Performance glass

Conservaglass is the solar control glass product available from Ultraframe. It is especially engineered for use in conservatories in UK weather conditions. Conservaglass keeps heat from the sun out whilst retaining warmth from heating appliances in winter. Available in SB (subtle blue) or NC (neutral clear).

Conservatory

Also known as: Predominantly glass structure

A single storey, ground floor part of a domestic building, which is less than 30 square metres. It has not less than 3 quarters of its roof area and not less than half of its external wall area made from a translucent material.

Conservatory Association

Also known as: CA

The CA is the industry leading body, which is affiliated to the GGF (Glass & Glazing Federation).

Corner posts

Also known as: Structural mullions

Corner posts are strengthened sections of profile used at the corners of the conservatory to provide lateral support for the roof and to transfer loads from the eaves beam to the base.

Coursing

Also known as: Brick increments

The spacing between courses of brickwork

Covenants

Also known as: By laws

Covenants can be imposed by Local Authority Planning Departments to restrict additions to properties, such as conservatories, especially to new houses.

Cresting

Also known as: Ridge decoration

A cresting is a decorative moulding located on top of the ridge to add character to a conservatory. Ultraframe have a choice of 5 crestings and a 'non-decorative' option.

Cross brace

Also known as: Tie rod, strut or plate

Cross brace is a structural term for a tie rod or additional support to a conservatory which is designed to prevent 'racking' (a type of movement).

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