Welcome to VerandaLiving
Buying a veranda is a big investment, and with so many different options available on the market today, it can seem like a very daunting task.
That’s why we have created this guide, to help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect system to suit your needs. This comprehensive guide will take you through all the different options available to you and provide advice to enable you to identify what to look for when choosing your veranda, including the various features that you should choose and avoid.
We offer two solutions; the Simplicity 6 and the Simplicity Alfresco. Both of these options are very different to enable our verandas to suit all requirements, the Simplicity Alfresco is a contemporary structure that features a large span of up tp 6m whilst the Simplicity 6 is a more traditional style structure. Both products can be covered with a choice of polycarbonate or glass. We hope you find this guide useful and enjoy your veranda after your purchase.
Construction Styles
When you start looking at the types of verandas that are available on the market, the first thing that you will probably notice is the types of designs on offer.
There is not necessarily a good or bad design of a veranda, it simply depends on what suits your needs, what appearance you are going for and the size of the area you wish to cover. It’s always good to bear in mind that the design can also affect the rigidity of the structure.
Wall Mounted (Also known as lean-to)
Wall mounted verandas are the most cost effective and popular design. You will benefit from additional weather protection because it is fixed to your house, therefore all sides are not exposed to the weather because they are attached to your home. You will be protected from the rain when entering your garden, whether it’s to sit and relax outside without getting wet or for tasks you can’t avoid such as putting the bins out.
Wall Mounted verandas tend to have the strongest design due to the front posts and the joining to your house/bungalow.
Free Standing
Free standing verandas offer flexibility as they do not need to be fixed to a supporting wall and you can therefore install them almost anywhere in your garden. However, because they have more posts they can be expensive and tend to be a little costlier.
But on the other hand, if you require a freestanding canopy in your garden such as for cover over hot tubs, then the extra money is worth it.
Cantilever
A cantilever veranda is designed so that the structure is supported from one side, and no other support is required. This means the area is more open, with no posts, however make sure to check all necessary wind and snow loading calculations have been performed to ensure the veranda is structurally sound. We recommend that you seek professional advice from an independent structural engineer.
Cantilevered designs also tend to have smaller projections which means that you cannot cover large areas, always bear this in mind.
Gable
Gable verandas are a popular choice for those who want a more traditional look. They feature a pitched roof with triangular ends, which can add a touch of elegance to any home. Gable verandas are typically supported by posts at the front and back, and can be freestanding or attached to a wall. This design offers good weather protection and can be customized with various materials and finishes.
Construction Materials
The framework of a veranda will affect both the appearance, durability and longevity of the structure. There are many materials to choose from and it is important to choose one which will fit in with your home style. It’s just as important however, to choose one that will last for many years to come to make sure your investment is a worthwhile one.
PVC
PVC is used by a large amount of glazing companies because it is mass produced and is therefore relatively cheap. It is also reasonably maintenance free and looks good for a period of time. However, it does need maintaining and it expands and contracts depending on its exposure to sunlight and it can create leaks in your roof if not professionally installed.
Steel
Steel is a very strong material that creates very robust structures. However, it can be expensive and needs treating, either by powder coating or galvanising to stop the structure rusting. It also needs regular inspections and maintenance to prolong its life and it will rust easily if not maintained correctly. Steel has a high carbon footprint due to the energy used to produce it; however, it is 100% recyclable.
Timber
As it is a natural product and a renewable source, timber is the most environmentally friendly product. Timber verandas are relatively good value however if untreated they can rot and there is a risk of warping, splitting or bending if not treated or installed correctly. Glu-laminated timber offers greater tensile strength relative to steel and is corrosion resistant, however this is a much more expensive option than aluminium.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a very durable metal, which is also strong and lightweight and is 100% recyclable. It is a very cost effective construction material as it has a 25-year life expectancy and is resistant to corrosion in most environments. It only requires minimal maintenance and will stay in good condition for many years. This material is perfect for verandas and is easy to install.
Roof Panel Materials
It is important that the materials you choose for your veranda are going to perform over time with the climatic conditions that we experience in UK. At present the most popular roofing materials used for verandas are GRP, polycarbonate and glass.
Polycarbonate
- Advantages:
- Very high impact resistance - virtually unbreakable
- Available translucent, opal or bronze
- Up to a 25-year life expectancy
- Many varieties offer high UV protection
- Cost effective
- Excellent structural performance
- Maintains strength and colour over time
- Self-extinguishing properties
- Effective resistance to all weather
- Keeps the area underneath cool on hot days.
- Disadvantages:
- Unlike glass, you will not have a clear view of the sky, unless you choose solid polycarbonate which is clear
- The polycarbonate will resonate during downpours and can become quite noisy
Timber
As it is a natural product and a renewable source, timber is the most environmentally friendly product. Timber verandas are relatively good value however if untreated they can rot and there is a risk of warping, splitting or bending if not treated or installed correctly. Glu-laminated timber offers greater tensile strength relative to steel and is corrosion resistant, however this is a much more expensive option than aluminium.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a very durable metal, which is also strong and lightweight and is 100% recyclable. It is a very cost effective construction material as it has a 25-year life expectancy and is resistant to corrosion in most environments. It only requires minimal maintenance and will stay in good condition for many years. This material is perfect for verandas and is easy to install.
