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i have posted elsewhere about a leanto I am currently building (think roughly an enclosed carport). I may be using multi-ply polycarbonate sheet for cladding the roof and walls. My question is where does the sweet spot lie in terms of: 1 - Noise transmission eg from rain. 2 - Ability of different thicknesses to span across joists and posts. At present I have joists at 1.8m centres spanning 2.5m-3.5m across the leanto to a wallplate. I can easily add a lighter intermediate structure. 3 - Price for different thicknesses of sheet. I expect that 2-ply (10mm) or 3-ply (16mm) will be the thickness I need, but I would be glad to hear of any experiences. The sketch plan and elevations are below. Thanks Ferdinand

It has been suggested (see the other thread) that a traditional "lean to" might be a better option than a Garden Room (sigh). And I was ready to push the button. What we are talking about is an unheated lean to on the side area of a house against a blank wall with, perhaps, a roof of corrugated polycarbonate or 2/3 layer polycarb as is used on some conservatories. It will be dry but unheated. If you think of a car port with the walls enclosed you get the idea. There will be a door to the back, and probably will not be a door to the front. There may be a door leading into the house, which would be an external quality upvc door - I may need a door there later anyway, so that is not an issue. I can add the door later if that will simplify matters. The floor will probably be slabbed. Cladding (including the roof) could be transparent, translucent, or even opaque. I know that Planning will not apply, as the area under 15sqm, never mind 30sqm, it is on the side of the house behind the line of the principal elevation, and we are not "designated" in any way, and PD rights have not been removed. This is in England. Max height will be under whatever is the PD limit - 3m? Which leaves me stroking my non-existent whiskers about how Building Regulations would apply. The objective is probably that they should *not* apply for reasons of simplicity. I will call up the BCO tomorrow for a chat. In Building Regs terms is it a shed, an extension, a garage or a conservatory? And which are subject to building regs in that situation? In one sense it is almost like a small yard with a roof. I may even be able to make it into whichever I need by mixing my cladding. Although the lean to will be concealed behind a 2m attractive fence, I need to be able to defend my position if someone complains. Any comments are welcome. Ferdinand