Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are a great way to extend your home. They also provide an area that can be used all year long. To ensure they look good they require regular maintenance and repairs.
Leaking conservatory roofs can be caused by a variety of problems. Finding the exact source isn't easy.
Gaps in Roof Sheeting and Panels
One of the most frequent problems conservatories face is gaps in their roof sheets and panels. These are caused by extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rain loosening the seals of the polycarbonate panels. When the seals are compromised water is able to seep into the conservatory and cause dampness and mold problems. This is easily remedied by re-sealing the damaged areas of the roof with an specialized conservatory roof repair sealant.
Another reason for the sagging roof is a lack of adequate ventilation. The sun's warm air pours into your conservatory, but it doesn't escape. This creates an unregulated greenhouse. In the winter, it may create cold drafts and condensate. Installing Conservatory Window Repairs along the roof ridge will solve this issue.
Other options for addressing this issue include adding a layer of polycarbonate on top the existing roof sheeting. This is not just unsightly however, it's also an extremely risky idea. It can lead to an structure that is structurally unsafe and may not meet building regulations standards. Other options to combat overheating include using blinds to block out the sunlight and also adding insulation. This can result in an uninviting conservatory and less natural light. Insulation can also be difficult to install, and may require the removal and re-fitting of the bar covers for the glazing.
Polycarbonate, like other plastics, is susceptible to chemical degradation as a result of long exposure to UV rays. It may discolour and become hazy over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight. It's also not as durable and any blow to the panels may cause them to split or create a gap which allows moisture in.
During the process of installation An overconfident "jack-of-all trades" may be enticed to cut corners and install the roof panels made of polycarbonate incorrectly. This can lead to the roof being sloppily fitted, which could not only cause gaps, but also allow debris such as leaves and dead insects into the conservatory. This can lead to the growth of black mould, which can be unsightly and cause further damage to your roof structure.
Cracks on the Roofline
Ceiling cracks are an indication of a range of problems. They can be cosmetic or they could be a sign of a serious problem that requires professional attention. It depends on what kind of crack it is and the location it's in, and how it was caused. Small cracks that are hair-thin and straight are often the result of the build-up of paint or normal settling. They should be watched and monitored in case they grow or become worse. Cracks that extend from the ceiling down the wall are usually an indication of foundation settlement or uplift of the truss in high winds or other structural issues that are serious.
If a crack is visible in the middle of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging, this is a very bad sign and must be examined immediately by a professional. This kind of crack could be caused by a variety of things, including the storage of heavy objects in the space above the ceiling, water damage or foundation settlement.
A crack that extends from the ceiling to the floor may be an indication of structural damage. This could be the result of an unresolved plumbing leak above the ceiling, foundation settlement, or any other structural issues.
If the crack is located in a corner of the ceiling, it could be due to an issue with drywall. It is usually caused by improper installation, and can be corrected by a qualified drywall specialist.
If a crack is located in a corner of the ceiling it can be fixed with a special filler. Fillers will fill in the crack and make it smooth. It will need to be sanded and painted again, but it is a cheaper way of repairing the crack than replacing the entire ceiling. It is also possible to repair cracks by scoring them with a knife, then removing any loose plaster and applying the drywall or mud. After the drywall mud has dried it can be smoothed and sanded.
Leaking Roof
A leaky roof is an absolute troublesome issue and, with time, can damage furniture and flooring. It may also lead to mold if left untreated, and present a health hazard for anyone who is using the conservatory. This is why it's important to take care of any problems as soon as they occur.
Fortunately, most leaks in conservatories can be easily fixed. It's an issue of identifying the source of the leak and completing the necessary repairs. A leak can be difficult to detect as it can traverse the walls as well as along the ceiling. In the interim it is possible to fix the problem with a simple fix such as a sheet or bucket, can be useful until you can get a professional to do an extensive inspection.
Polycarbonate is a plastic that naturally degrades over time which is why it could be a cause in certain cases. A lack of proper insulation and a sloping roof are two other reasons that could be a cause. In addition the gutters could be blocked by debris like leaves and twigs. It is also essential to wash your gutters and conservatory frequently.
Leaks are usually found at the end of the roof glazing bars that divide the roofing panels. These are known as "finial points" and as well as giving the conservatory a beautiful look they also help prevent the panels from slipping. If you see a leak, it may indicate that the finial points weren't fitted correctly and needs to be taken apart to be sealed.
Water and electricity are an extremely dangerous combination, so it's important to ensure that the area around any electrical sockets is fully dry. Dehumidifiers can help reduce condensation and keep the conservatory well-ventilated. This is particularly important during the winter, when a cold, drafty conservatory can be extremely uncomfortable. By regularly checking and cleaning your conservatory, you can stop leaks from happening. If you do find a problem, it's essential to contact a specialist repair company for conservatories immediately to fix it and get your conservatory back to its optimal.
Condensation
Condensation is a frequent issue for conservatory owners, particularly for older more traditional structures. It can result from a number of factors such as high humidity levels as well as cold surfaces, and inadequate ventilation. Most often, this happens in the winter months when electric heating solutions are employed, and the temperature increases in the conservatory. This can cause excessive moisture to settle on windows.
A well-constructed conservatory is designed to be air and water sealed, which stops warm air from getting out and cold air from entering. This is a good thing because it will help you save money on energy bills and also protect your home from drafts. This could create perfect conditions to form condensation when the colder air and cold surfaces in a conservatory come into contact with warmer air and water vapour within the structure.
This could be a major problem for homeowners since it will lead to streaks of stains on windows and roof panels and, in severe instances, may lead to growth of mould that isn't just ugly, but could also cause serious health issues like throat irritation or breathing problems. Fortunately, there are plenty of measures you can take to tackle the problem and make sure that condensation doesn't build up in your conservatory.
It's a great idea to reduce humidity by using an extractor fan or dehumidifier. You can also improve ventilation by opening doors and windows more often and wider. Avoid drying clothes in the conservatory, and remove plants since they can increase the humidity levels.
If you also have bi-fold or double glazed doors installed in your conservatory it might be worth upgrading them to more energy efficient models as this can also help reduce condensation. It is always worth taking preventative measures to ensure your conservatory remains free of damp and condensation. Once condensation has formed, it may be difficult to remove. You can stop this from happening by taking a few easy steps and enjoy your conservatory all through the year.