Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories can be a great way to extend your home. They also provide an additional space that you can use all year long. They do require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure they look good.
Many issues can lead to leaking conservatory roofs. The root of the issue must be identified, which can sometimes be difficult.
Gaps in Roof Sheeting and Panels
The most frequent issue conservatories face is the presence of gaps in their roof sheets and roof panels. This is due to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or high winds that can break the seals on the polycarbonate panels. Once the seals have been compromised, water can be able to seep into your conservatory, causing dampness or mould. Re-sealing damaged parts of the conservatory roof with special sealant for repairs to conservatories is a simple fix.
Another reason for gaps in the roof is the absence of adequate ventilation. The warm sun's rays flows into the conservatory but isn't able to escape, leading to an uncontrolled greenhouse effect. In the winter it can also lead to condensate and cold drafts. Installing a series of vents on the roof ridge can solve this issue.
Another solution is to apply the layer of polycarbonate over the existing roof sheeting. This is not only unsightly however, it's also an unwise idea. It could result in the structure being unsafe to construct and may 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 could result in an uninviting conservatory and the loss of sunlight. Insulation can be a challenge to install and could require removal and replacement of the bar covers for the glazing.
Polycarbonate is susceptible to chemical degradation resulting from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. This can cause it to discolour and haze over time, particularly in sunlight. It's also not as durable and a blow to the panels can cause them to split or create a gap which allows moisture in.
During the installation, an overconfident "jack-of-all trades" could be enticed by the desire to cut corners and incorrectly fit the polycarbonate panels. This can cause a panel to slip that not only creates a gap, but also allow debris such as leaves and dead insects to enter the conservatory. This could lead to the growth of black mould, which can be unsightly and could cause further damage to your roof structure.
Cracks on the Roofline
Ceiling cracks are an indication of a range of issues. They may be cosmetic or they may indicate a serious issue that needs to be examined by an expert. It all depends on the kind of crack, the location it is, and what caused it. Small cracks that appear hair-thin and straight are usually caused by the build-up of paint or normal settling. They should be watched and monitored in case they get worse or grow. Cracks that go from the ceiling and down the wall usually are a sign of foundation settlement or high-wind truss uplift or other serious structural issues.
If a crack in the centre of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging it is a serious indication and should be investigated immediately by a professional. This type of crack can be caused by a variety of factors like the weight of objects placed above the ceiling in the room water damage, foundation settlement.
A crack that runs from the ceiling to the floor is also an indication of danger, since 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 the ceiling's corner, it may be caused by an issue with the drywall. This is usually caused by a poor installation, and can be fixed by a professional drywall contractor.
If a crack is in a corner of the ceiling, it can be repaired with an appropriate filler. Fillers will fill in the crack and make it smooth. It will need to be sanded, then repainted, but this is a less expensive way to repair the crack than replacing the entire ceiling. You can also repair a crack using an utility blade, removing any loose plaster, and then apply plaster paste. After the drywall mud is dry it can be sanded down and smoothed.
Leaking Roof
A roof that is leaky can be a huge nuisance and, over time, it can cause damage to flooring and furniture. It can also create mould, if left untreated, and present an health risk to anyone using the conservatory. This is the reason it's important to address any issues immediately if they arise.
Most leaks in conservatories are easily fixable. It's just a case of determining the source of the water from and carrying out the necessary repairs. A leak may be difficult to identify since it may traverse the walls as well as along the ceiling. A quick makeshift solution like a bucket or a sheet can be helpful during the interim, until you can call a professional in for complete inspection and repair.
Polycarbonate plastic degrades naturally with the passage of time. This could be a factor in some instances. A lack of insulation and a roof that is sloping are also possible causes. The gutters may also be blocked by debris, such as leaves and twigs. Repair My Windows And Doors is a further reason why it's worthwhile to carry out a regular cleaning of your conservatory and guttering.
Leaks often appear at the end of the bar that divides the roofing panels. These are known as 'finial points' and, as well as providing the conservatory a stylish look they also aid in preventing the panels from sliding. If you notice a leak here it may indicate that the finial point was not fitted correctly and needs to be taken apart 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 an ideal idea to keep the conservatory well ventilated and to use a dehumidifier to reduce condensation. This is particularly important in the winter when an unheated conservatory and drafty can make you uncomfortable. Regularly inspecting your conservatory and cleaning out any debris will stop leaks from occurring in the first place. However, if you do find a problem, it's essential to get in touch with a specialist conservatory repair service immediately to have it fixed and your conservatory back to its optimal.
Condensation
Condensation is a typical issue for conservatory owners, and especially for older more traditional structures. Condensation can be caused by a range of factors, including high humidity or cold surfaces as well as insufficient ventilation. It is most often the case in winter months when electric heating systems are used and the temperature increases in the conservatory, which can cause excess humidity to build up on windows.
A conservatory built properly will be air and watertight and prevent warm air from leaving or cold air from entering. This is a great thing as it will help you save money on energy costs and protect your home from drafts. This can create the perfect conditions for condensation to form when the colder air and cold surfaces inside a conservatory come in contact with warmer air and water vapour within the structure.
This could be a major nuisance for homeowners as it will lead to stained windows and roof panels. It can also, in severe instances, may lead to development of mould which isn't just unattractive, but can also cause serious health problems such as throat irritation and breathing difficulties. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to combat the issue and ensure that condensation doesn't form in your conservatory.
It's a good idea to reduce humidity using an extractor fan or a dehumidifier. You can also improve ventilation by opening your windows and doors more often and wider. It's also recommended to avoid drying clothes in your conservatory, and to get rid of plants because they can increase moisture levels.
In addition, if you have double glazing or bi-fold doors installed in your conservatory it may be worth considering having them upgraded to more energy efficient models since this can help reduce condensation. It is always worth taking preventative steps to ensure that your conservatory is free of condensation and damp. Once condensation has formed, it can be difficult to remove. You can prevent this by following a few simple steps and enjoy your conservatory all through the all the time.