The traditional way of constructing an orangery is to create a flat roof area that the glazed atrium sits on and then weather proofing the flat roof sections afterwards.
This is done by manufacturing the required timber and joist cassette sections that piece together to form the flat roof area.
The traditional double ended Edwardian roof would then be constructed to sit in the aperture created by the cassette sections and the external weather proofing is achieved either by dry jointed GRP sections that we can supply or in other cases a wet coating solution such as Sarnifil or similar.
For parapet wall designs – the cassette sections of the flat roof are bricked into the brick construction and supported by straps that are plastered over afterwards. This ensures that the structural calculations needed are taken care of and the whole roof is self supporting.
Where no parapet wall is used – the structure needs to be supported with steel posts, even if brick pillars are added. This is because brick piers themselves are strong under compression but have very little lateral strength to support a top heavy construction such as this.
It is recommended that lifting gear such as a genie lift or similar is used on site to position the timber and joist cassette sections as they are extremely heavy.
For an alternative construction method – see our Orangery Room section
