Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are an excellent way to extend your home and create a brand new living space that can be enjoyed year round. To keep them looking great, they require regular maintenance and repairs.
Leaking conservatory roofs could be caused by a variety of issues. The exact source needs to be found which is often difficult.
Gaps in the Roof Sheeting and Panels
One of the most common problems that conservatories experience is gaps in their roof sheets and panels. This is due to extreme weather conditions like strong winds or heavy rain loosening the seals of the polycarbonate panels. When the seals become damaged, water may be able to seep into your conservatory, causing dampness or mould. Re-sealing damaged areas of the conservatory roof with a special sealant for repairs to conservatories is a straightforward solution.
Another reason for gaps in the roof is a lack of proper ventilation. The warm sun's rays is pushed into the conservatory, but isn't able to escape, creating an unregulated greenhouse effect. In the winter, it can also cause condensation and cold drafts. A simple solution to this problem is to install a series of vents on the roof ridge which will allow the conservatory to be properly ventilated.
Other suggestions to address this issue are fitting an additional layer of polycarbonate on top the roofing sheeting. It's not just ugly but is not a good idea as it could result in a structurally unsafe structure and could not be in compliance with the standards of building regulations. Other ways to deal with overheating include using blinds to block out sunlight and putting in insulation. This can result in a stale conservatory, as well as the loss of sunlight. In addition, insulation can be difficult to install and could require removing and re-fitting the glass bar covers.
Polycarbonate is susceptible to chemical degradation resulting from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. This can cause it to change colour and haze over time, particularly in direct sunlight. It's also not as durable as glass, and a slam strike could cause damage to the panels or create a gap that lets moisture in.
During the installation process, an insecure "jack-of-all trades" could be enticed by the temptation to cut corners and incorrectly install the polycarbonate panels. This can cause a panel to slip, which not only creates a gap, but also let debris such as leaves and dead insects to enter the conservatory. This could cause a build-up of black mould that is not just visually unattractive, but also a health hazard and cause further damage to the roof structure.
Cracks on the Roofline
Ceiling cracks can be a sign of many various issues. They can be cosmetic or they could indicate a serious issue that requires the attention of a professional. It all depends on the type of crack, where it is located, and what caused it. Paint build-up and normal settling can cause small, straight cracks. They must be inspected and monitored in case they grow or become worse. Cracks that extend from the ceiling to the wall are usually a sign of foundation movement, high-wind uplift or other structural issues.
A crack in the middle of the ceiling with sagging is a sign of trouble. It should be checked by a professional immediately. This kind of crack can be caused by many things like heavy objects being stored above the ceiling in the room water damage, foundation settling.
A crack that extends from the ceiling to the floor is also a sign of trouble, as it could be causing structural damage. It could be the result of an issue with the plumbing above the ceiling, foundation settlement, or other structural issues.
If the crack is located in a corner of the ceiling, it could be due to an issue with drywall. Often, this is the result of improper installation and can be fixed by a trained drywall specialist.
A corner crack of ceilings can be repaired with a specific filler. Filler will smooth out the crack. This will require sanding and repainting, but it's an easier method of repairing the crack than to replace the ceiling. You can also repair a crack using a utility blade, remove any loose plaster and then apply a coat of drywall paste. Once dry, it can be sanded and smoothed.
Roof Leakage
A roof that is leaky can be a real nuisance and, in time, it may cause damage to flooring and furniture. Untreated, it can cause mould and pose a health risk to anyone who uses the conservatory. It is important to take care of any problems as soon as possible.
Most conservatory leaks are easily fixable. It's just an issue of identifying the source of the leak and then making the necessary repairs. It is important to note however that a leak could be difficult to spot because it could travel across the ceiling or down walls into other rooms. In the interim it is possible to fix the problem with a simple fix like a bucket or sheet, can be useful until you call an expert to perform an inspection.
Plastic polycarbonate degrades naturally as we the passage of time. This could be a to the problem in some cases. A lack of insulation or a roof that slopes are also possible causes. The gutters may also be blocked by debris, like twigs and leaves. This is another reason it's worthwhile to carry out a regular cleaning of your conservatory and guttering.
Leaks can often appear at the ends of the roof glazing bars that separate the roofing panels. Repair My Windows And Doors are known as 'finial points' and, as well as giving the conservatory a decorative touch, they help to prevent the panels from sliding. If you notice a leak in this area, it may indicate that the finial point was not installed correctly and must be removed in order to be sealed.
Water and electricity can be a dangerous mix, so it's important to ensure that the area around electrical sockets is completely dry. It's also a good idea to keep the conservatory well ventilated and also use a humidifier to prevent condensation. 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 spot leaks, it is essential to get in touch with a conservatory repair expert immediately.
Condensation
Condensation is a common problem for conservatory owners, especially for older, more traditional structures. Condensation can be caused by a range of causes, including high humidity, cold surfaces and inadequate ventilation. Often this occurs in the winter months when electric heating solutions are employed, and the temperature increases in the conservatory, which can cause excessive humidity to build up on windows.
A well-constructed conservatory is designed to be air and water impermeable, which prevents warm air from getting out and cold air from entering. This is a good thing since this can help you to save money on energy bills and also keep your home comfortable and safe from drafts. However, it can create the perfect conditions for condensation to form as it causes the colder air and surfaces inside a conservatory to come into contact with the warmer air and water vapour inside the structure, which is then transformed into droplets of water.
This can be a significant problem for homeowners, as it can cause the formation of mould and stains on the roof's panels and window panes. In extreme instances, it can lead to serious health issues, such as breathing difficulties and throat irritation. Fortunately, there are plenty of measures you can take to combat the issue and make sure that condensation doesn't develop in your conservatory.
To reduce humidity levels it's a good idea make use of an extractor fan or dehumidifier and to improve ventilation in the space by opening windows and doors more frequently and larger. It's also an ideal idea to avoid drying clothes in your conservatory, and to get rid of plants as these can all increase moisture levels.
It might be worth upgrading your bifold or double-glazed doors to a more energy-efficient model, since this will help reduce condensation. It is always advisable to take preventive measures to ensure that your conservatory is free of condensation and damp since it can be quite difficult to get rid of once it forms. You can prevent this by taking a few easy steps and enjoy your conservatory all through the all the time.