Answers to common questions about Tor Garden Buildings

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Do I need planning permission? In most cases the answer is simply ‘no’ – you can order your Tor and have it erected without any problems. However, in some circumstances, if you live in a conservation area or your Tor exceeds the appropriate size limits, you may need planning permission. More info Why should I get a Tor and not build an extension? Having a separate building allows you much greater flexibility in its use. Your Tor will cost less than an extension giving the equivalent space and is definitely less disruptive to your daily life. Your Tor is built to housing standards and, unlike cheaper garden sheds and summer houses, will not leak or allow damp to affect your equipment and furnishings. Unlike buildings with flat or single pitch roofs, the sedum roof acts as natural soundproofing and Will I have to maintain the exterior? Our timber cladding doesn’t need treating with chemicals as it will weather to beautiful and natural silver grey over time. Of course, you may if you wish treat the timber with a coloured treatment but this will have to be maintained by you in the normal way. Our windows are fully factory finished using a 3-coat micro-porous paint system and have a 8 year guarantee. The only maintenance is to ensure that the glass and frames are clean and free of obstruction. The sedum roof is relatively maintenance free, the horticulturists recommend that once a year the roof is checked for condition and if any weeds are present, but that is it. This should take no more than 15 minutes once a year. Why timber windows? Timber is a natural material and, unlike aluminium or PVC does not require an energy intensive process to render it useable. Lifecycle analysis indicates that PVC has an energy requirement 8 times greater than timber and in terms of fabrication aluminium has an embodied energy some 126 times greater than that of timber, the only truly sustainable material on the planet. We only use timber from FSC certified and sustainably managed forests. How secure is my Tor? The windows are factory fitted with the highest quality specialist hinge system and Espagnollette Locking System. The range has been successfully tested by BSI (the British Standards Institute) in accordance with B6375 (Part1:1989: Classification for weather tightness and Part 2:1987: Specification for operation and strength characteristics). The range has also been successfully tested in accordance with BS7950 (Specification for enhanced security performance of casement and tilt/turn windows for domestic applications) and passed all the necessary criteria for both top and side hung windows. The door-set is factory fitted into the frame with butt hinges and a multipoint locking system. The range is currently undergoing testing in order to meet PAS 23-1 1999 General Performance Requirements for Door Assemblies and PAS 24-1 1999 Enhanced Door Security Performance Requirements. How long will it last? The Tor range has been designed and built to housing standards and, with suitable maintenance, will last as long as your house. Is my Tor guaranteed? The specification sets out the various aspects of the guarantee, however, in brief the windows have 8 years and the frame 10years manufacturers guarantee. My garden is difficult to get to and we have limited access to the garden? The timber frame panels are delivered from the factory to site, the erectors will carry the panels to the location so as long as there is access such as a side gate or rear access then there will be no problems. Who will install the building? We have a network of fully trained, professional and customer focused timber frame erectors and outfitters who will carry out the erection and installation of your Tor. When they have finished, your building and site is cleaned, the area is tidied, and once your are satisfied we hand you the keys I need internet access, phone and fax services. If you require a BT point for connection of a second phone line then please request this during the initial site visit and order taking meeting. A BT point will then be installed to your requirements. All arrangements with the service providers and routing of cables to the Tor is client responsibility