Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are an excellent way to extend your home and create a new living space that can be enjoyed all year. They do require regular maintenance and repair to ensure they look good.
Leaking conservatory roofs can be caused by a range of problems. Finding the source of the leak isn't easy.
Gaps in Roof Sheeting and Panels
The most frequent issue conservatories face is the existence of gaps in their roof panels and sheets. Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme winds or heavy rain can break the seals on the polycarbonate panels. Once the seals have been compromised, water will get into your conservatory and cause dampness or mold. Re-sealing damaged areas on the conservatory roof using a specialist sealant for repair of the conservatory is a simple solution.
The lack of ventilation is another reason for roof gaps. The sun's warm air pours into your conservatory, but it doesn't escape. This leads to an unregulated greenhouse. In winter, it could cause cold drafts and condensate. Installing a series vents along the roof ridge can solve this issue.
Another solution is to apply the layer of polycarbonate over the existing roof sheeting. This isn't just ugly however, it's also a bad idea. It could result in a structure that is unsafe structurally and could not be in compliance with building regulations. Blinds can be used to block the sun and extra insulation can also aid in preventing overheating. This can lead to a stale conservatory, as well as a loss in natural light. Insulation can also be difficult to install, and may require removal and replacement of the bar covers for the glazing.
Polycarbonate is prone to chemical degradation due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. It may discolour and become hazy over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight. It is also less durable and an impact to the panels may cause them to crack or form a gap that allows moisture in.
During the installation process, an insecure "jack-of-all trades" may be tempted by the desire to cut corners and then incorrectly fit the polycarbonate panels. This can result in a slipped panel that not only creates a gap, but could also let debris like leaves and dead insects to enter the conservatory. conservatory door repairs can also cause a build-up of black mould that is not just unsightly but can be dangerous to health and can cause further damage to the roof structure.
Cracks on the Roofline
Ceiling cracks are an indication of a range of problems. They could be cosmetic, or they could be a sign of a serious issue that needs to be examined by an expert. It depends on what kind of crack it's and the location it's in, and how it was caused. Paint build-up and normal settlement can cause small, straight cracks. They should be observed and inspected in the event that they get worse or grow. Cracks that extend from the ceiling to the wall are often an indication of foundation movement, high-wind uplift or other structural issues.
If a crack is visible in the centre of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging, it is a serious indication and should be looked at immediately by a professional. This type of crack can be caused by a variety of factors like heavy objects being placed above the ceiling in the room, water damage or foundation settling.
A crack that runs from the ceiling to the floor is also an indication of danger, since it could cause structural damage. This could be caused by an above-floor plumbing leak or foundation settlement, as well as other serious structural issues.
If the crack is in the corner of the ceiling it could be caused by an issue with the drywall. Most often, this is the result of improper installation, and can be corrected by a professional drywall expert.
A corner crack of ceilings can be fixed with a specific filler. A filler will cover up the crack and make it smooth. This will require sanding, and re-painting, but it is an easier method of repairing the crack than replacing the ceiling. It is also possible to patch a crack by scoring it with a utility knife, removing any loose plaster, and then applying a layer of drywall mud. Once dry it can be sanded, then smoothed.
Roof Leakage
A roof that is leaky can be a huge nuisance, and over time, it can damage furniture and flooring. It could also cause mould if it is not treated and can pose an health risk for anyone who is using the conservatory. It is important to take care of any issues as soon as you can.
The majority of leaks in conservatories are repaired. It's just a matter of identifying and repairing the source of the leak and then making the necessary repairs. It is important to keep in mind that a leak may be difficult to identify, as it can travel along the ceiling and down walls into other rooms. A quick fix like a bucket or sheet could be useful in the interim until you can bring a professional in for a full inspection and repair.
Polycarbonate is a plastic that naturally degrades with age, so this could be a factor in some cases. Other possible causes are the roof's slope or has inadequate insulation. Additionally, the gutters can be blocked by debris such as leaves and twigs. This is a further reason why it's worthwhile to carry out a regular cleaning of your conservatory and gutters.
Leaks are often seen at the end of the roof glazing bars that divide the roofing panels. These are called "finial points" and they do not just provide a beautiful accent to the conservatory, but they also assist in stopping the panels from sliding. If you notice that there is leaks it could be because the finial was not put in place correctly. It must be removed and sealed.
Water and electricity are an unwise combination, which is why it is essential to ensure that the area around any electrical sockets is completely dry. Dehumidifiers can reduce condensation and keep the conservatory well-ventilated. This is particularly important during the winter months, when a draughty, cold conservatory can be very uncomfortable indeed. By regularly inspecting and cleaning your conservatory, you can prevent leaks. If you do discover a leak, it is essential to get in touch with an expert in conservatory repairs as soon as you can.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for conservatory owners. This is particularly relevant for older structures that are more traditional. Condensation can be caused by a variety of factors, including high humidity, cold surfaces and inadequate ventilation. This is often the case during winter when electric heating systems are in use. The temperature in the conservatory could increase, causing moisture to build up on the windows.
A properly constructed conservatory is designed to be air and water sealed, which stops warm air from leaving and cold air from getting in. This is a good thing because it will save you money on energy bills and keep your home safe from draughts. But, this could provide the perfect conditions for condensation to develop as it causes colder air and surfaces within the conservatory to come in contact with the warmer air and water vapour within the structure. This transforms into water droplets.
This can be a huge problem for homeowners since it will lead to stains on window panes and roof panels. It can also in extreme cases, lead to the growth of mould, which isn't just ugly, but could also cause serious health problems like throat irritation or breathing difficulties. There are a lot of steps you can take to combat the issue and make sure that condensation doesn't form in your conservatory.
To decrease the humidity, it's a good idea to make use of an extractor fan or a dehumidifier and to improve the ventilation in the room by opening doors and windows more often and opening them larger. It's also recommended to avoid drying clothes in your conservatory, and to remove plants from the space because they can increase moisture levels.
It might be worth upgrading your bifold or double glazing doors to a more energy-efficient model, as this can help reduce condensation. It is always worthwhile to take preventative measures to keep your conservatory free of damp and condensation. Once condensation is formed, it will be difficult to get rid of. You can stop this from happening by following a few simple steps and enjoy your conservatory all through the all the time.