QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Do I need a builder and/or architect?
A: Yes, you will need an architect or draftsperson to prepare the plans (so that we can send you a quote) and the paperwork for your building constent, ThermaDura will supply the neccesary CAD drawings. You will also need a builder for the foundation and any other building work (e.g. roof cut-outs, removal of an existing conservatory and windows/doors, solid walls and solid roofs, etc) as ThermaDura is specialized on the manufacturing of conservatories.
2. Is the timber you use for the conservatories, windows and doors treated with chemicals?
A: No, we only use naturally durable timber species like Siberian Larch, Macrocarpa, Jarrah or American Oak. The high tannin content makes the timber durable.
3. I like to use a ThermaDura conservatory to add living space to my home. Do you think this is a good alternative to an extension?
A: In Europe most conservatories are additions to the floor space of the house and are heated in winter. There are many advantages to choose a conservatory over a standard extension. A conservatory makes it possible for you to sit "outside" even in cold and wet weather conditions and the light just makes us humans feel good. Also, the conservatory is manufactured in our factory, so the work on site is limtited to the assembly and the connection between house and conservatory.
4. Do you offer Passive House joinery?
A: We offer timber passive house joinery for conservatories and conservatory walls with triple glazing up to 65mm thickness. Due to our efficient production process we can produce this extremely efficient joinery at a competitive price.
5. Is your joinery suitable for the harsh weather conditions in Central Otago?
A: All our timber is multilayer laminated to reduce movement in the timber to the absolute minimum. Also all the timber we use is kiln dried so the moisture content is well adapted to the dry climate in regions like Central Otago. Also our joinery is 3d adjustable with an allen key. ThermaDura joinery is made for extreme temperature and humidity changes in a small timeframe- perfect for Central Otago conditions.
6. Why is European joinery more chunky than ordinary sash windows?
A: There are multiple reasons for this, but a major reason is to prevent any warping and twisting of the joinery. The outside of the timber frame is affected by the climate on the outside and the inside of the frame by the humidity on the inside. As on the inside a house is warm an dry and from the outside it can be wet and the moisture content can be high at times, it is important to have a timber core in the middle that is not affected by temporary climate changes. To have an unaffected core, the thickness of the timber frame needs to be increased.
At ThermaDura we use 78mm, 90mm and 102mm frames compared to the 40mm thickness of ordinary timber joinery.
7. European joinery normally opens inwards. Do you also build outward opening doors?
A: we manufacture outward opening single doors and French doors in our NatureLine- range.
8. Do you give free quotes?
We do give free quotes if you send us your conservatory plans (drawings from an architect or draftsperson).
The next step is to contact an architect or draftsperson who can prepare the concept drawings for a quote. We can also recommend a draftsperson if needed- please contact us.
This architect/draftsperson will then also prepare the paperwork for your building consent- we can supply the CAD drawings.
A builder will also be required for all building work: e.g. foundation, removal of existing conservatory, etc- please contact your builder to get pricing for all building work.
9. I would like to enclose my deck- can you do that?
Our conservatories do need a solid concrete foundation which should be insulated as we intend to create a warm living space.
If you are after an enclosure/wind and rain- protection of your existing deck our system might not be suitable and we recommend talking to your builder/draftsperson/architect about other options you might have.
10. I like the natural look of timber and do not want to use a woodstain on my joinery. Do you have a solution for me?
A: The difference between e.g. a weatherboard and a window is the function. A weatherboard has no technical function and for this movement is not as important. With windows and doors this is a different story. Those parts of a house need to function for many years to come and for this the European regulations are very strict on which product is certified to be used for exterior joinery. As we are the specialists we see it as our duty to customers to ensure they have a lot of joy with their joinery. For this we adhere to the strict European standard and use only approved products.
For a natural clear option on the outside and inside we use a product which has proven its durability in New Zealand conditions: The Adler Ligno+ system. We also offer a special exterior oil which is suitable for windows and doors.
11. I do not like the Aluminium extrusion at the bottom of the tilt & turn joinery. Is there another option?
A: Yes, we can use a timber bead instead of the Aluminium extrusion. There is a shorter maintenance interval with a timber bead.
12. Does your joinery have a thermal break?
A: Timber acts as a thermal break and this makes timber the most suitable material for windows an doors. The frame of an Aluminium window with a thermal break is not as efficient as the frame of a timber window. Compare the U-values of the different manufacturers.
13. Do you use treated timber?
A: At ThermaDura we do not use chemically treated timber as we prefer to use naturally durable timber for ecological and health reasons.
14. Your Conservatory walls look impressive. Are they suitable for residential and commercial application?
A: Yes, they are used in residential and commercial buildings. From a single storey building to skyscrapers in Dubai. The system we use is is a German design and the leading system in the world.