Choosing a conservatory installer

[Ouch77]

Been looking at having our 18yr old conservatory replaced with something a bit more modern/efficient. In fairness, after 18years it's not shifted, leaked or sagged, just looks a bit scruffy and is freezing in the winter. (It's a 3.2x3.7m lean to, east facing with a triple wall polycarbonate roof)

It's been a fairly entertaining experience, I usually avoid double-glazing salesmen types if I can help it, a few have been old school, but a few have been quite fun..

We've had a range of companies come to quote, from the guy who's got a price in his head before he's seen the place, to the other ones who'll take a week to produce a printed and bound specification and quote.

There's a few things I'm having issues with, and figured this forum might shed some light..

Most companies have quoted Pilkington products, one has quoted SGG, another Celsius (albeit a product I don't think exists -Celsius Blue active - sounds like Pilkington). Is conservatory glass a one horse race? Is there much between them?

Between the salesmen and looking online I find a range and spread of U values for all the above products that make any attempt at calculating heat losses, and potential savings a nightmare - is this standard practice? Is there a sensible way to get accurate U values of a glass panel? Is there much between brand x and brand y in a practical sense?

A couple of suppliers have mentioned being Ultraframe installer, one is a Veka installer - I'm beginning to think that comparing the 2 is apples and oranges - Is Ultraframe just roof systems? Do Veka do roofs too?

Finally, has anyone had any personal experiences & dealings, positive or otherwise with the following installers?

Greenway Home Improvements
Glevum Windows
EcoVitro
High Tech Windows
MPN windows doors & conservatories

Any thoughts are appreciated, we've made a gut decision, but in reality I need to be sure I'm not throwing away £3k in price difference on a bad hunch.

thanks..

 

[God]

Celsius, sgg and pilks all offer their own glass which is really all like for like.
Ultraframe is a roof supplier which will sit on a window profile like veka, duraflex,shield, eurocell and so on as far as i know veka onle make window and door profile and do not manufacture roofs.

 

[SaladFingers]

They're all freezing in the winter, you're not going to change that unless you heat it.

Personally, over the winter, a conservatory makes a great place to store my beer

 

[Ouch77]

They're all freezing in the winter, you're not going to change that unless you heat it.

Personally, over the winter, a conservatory makes a great place to store my beer

Been doing that already

Have got plans for heating, don't worry. Though the beer will have to go somewhere else. A small sacrifice for the greater good