Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are a great option to expand your home. They also create an additional space that you can use all year. To ensure they look good they require regular maintenance and repairs.
repairmywindowsanddoors of problems can cause leaks in conservatory roofs. The source of the problem must be found, which can sometimes be tricky.
Gaps in the Roof Sheeting and Panels
The most common problem conservatories face is the presence of gaps in their roof sheets and roof panels. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds can loosen the seals on the polycarbonate panels. When the seals become damaged, water may get into your conservatory and cause dampness or mould. Re-sealing damaged areas on the conservatory roof with specialist sealant for repair of the conservatory is a simple fix.
Another reason for gaps in the roof is a lack of proper ventilation. The warm air from the sun pours into your conservatory, but it doesn't escape. This results in an unregulated greenhouse. In winter, it can also lead to condensate and cold drafts. Installing a series of vents on the roof's ridge will resolve this problem.
Other options to address this issue are adding a layer of polycarbonate on top the roofing sheeting. This is not only unattractive but isn't a good idea as it could lead to an unsafe structural structure and could not be in compliance with building regulations standards. Blinds can be used to block the sun's rays and can also aid in preventing overheating. However, this can cause a stale conservatory as well as a loss of light. Additionally, insulation isn't always easy to install and may require removing and re-fitting the glass bar covers.
Polycarbonate is susceptible to chemical degrading due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. This can cause it to change colour and haze over time, especially in the sunlight. It is also not as durable and any blow to the panels could 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 lure to cut corners and then incorrectly install the polycarbonate panels. This can lead to the roof being sloppily fitted, which will not only create an opening and allow debris like leaves and dead insects to get into the conservatory. This can lead to black mould growth which is unsightly and could cause further damage to your roof structure.
Cracks in the Roofline
Ceiling cracks could be a sign of many various issues. They can be cosmetic or they could be a sign of a serious problem that requires professional attention. It really depends on the type of crack, the location it's located, and the reason that caused it. Small cracks that are hair-thin and straight are usually caused by paint build-up or normal settling. However, they should still be observed and monitored in the event that they grow or worse. Cracks that extend from the ceiling to the wall are usually an indication of foundation movement, high-wind uplift or other structural issues.
If a crack appears in the centre of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging, this is a very bad indication and should be examined immediately by a professional. This type of crack is caused by a variety of factors, such as the weight of objects placed above the ceiling of the room or water damage or foundation settling.
A crack that runs from the ceiling down to the floor could also be a sign of structural damage. This could be due to an above-floor plumbing leak, foundation settlement or other structural issues that are serious.
If the crack is in a corner of the ceiling it could be caused by an issue with drywall. It is usually caused by improper installation and can be repaired by a qualified drywall specialist.
If a crack is in a corner of the ceiling the ceiling can be repaired with an appropriate filler. Filler will smooth out the crack. It will need to be sanded and repainted, but this is a cheaper method of repairing the crack than replacing the entire ceiling. You can also repair a crack using an utility blade, removing any loose plaster, and then apply drywall paste. Once the drywall mud has dried, it can then be sanded down and smoothed.
Leaking Roof
A leaky roof can be a huge nuisance and, over time, it can cause damage to flooring and furniture. It can also create mold if left untreated and pose an health risk to anyone who uses the conservatory. This is why it's important to address any problems when they begin to arise.
The majority of leaks in conservatories are repaired. It's as simple as determining where the water is coming from and then completing the necessary repairs. It is crucial to remember however that a leak can be difficult to spot because it could travel along the ceiling and through walls to other rooms. In the interim it is possible to fix the problem with a simple fix such as a bucket or sheet is a good option until you call a professional to do an inspection.
Polycarbonate is a plastic that naturally deteriorates with age, so this could be a factor in some instances. 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. This is another reason why it's worthwhile to carry out regular cleaning of your conservatory's gutters and.
Leaks are often seen near the bar that divides the roofing panels. They are referred to as 'finial points' and, as well as providing the conservatory a stylish look they also aid in preventing the panels from slipping. If you notice that there is an issue with the water it could be due to the finial was not installed correctly. It must be removed and sealed.
Electricity and water can be dangerous and should be avoided, so ensure that the area around electrical sockets is dry. Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce condensation and keep the conservatory well-ventilated. This is particularly important in the winter, when a cold, draughty conservatory can be very uncomfortable indeed. Regularly inspecting your conservatory and clearing any debris can stop leaks from occurring in the first place. If you do find a problem, it's essential to contact a specialist conservatory repair company promptly to fix it and get your conservatory back to its optimal.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for conservatory owners. This is especially relevant for older, more traditional structures. Condensation can be caused by a range of factors, such as high humidity and cold surfaces, as well as inadequate ventilation. Often this occurs in the winter months when electric heating solutions are employed and the temperature increases in the conservatory. This can cause excess humidity to build up on windows.
A well-constructed conservatory is designed to be water and air tight which prevents warm air from getting out and cold air from getting in. This is a good thing since this will help you reduce energy costs, keep your home comfortable and safe from draughts. But, this could create the ideal conditions for condensation to form as it causes the colder air and the surfaces of a conservatory to come into contact with the warmer air and the water vapour within the structure which then turns into tiny droplets of water.
This can be a major issue for homeowners, since it can lead to mold and stains on the roof's panels and window panes. In severe instances, this could lead to serious health issues, such as throat irritation and breathing problems. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to stop the problem and ensure that condensation doesn't build up in your conservatory.
It's a good idea to reduce humidity by using an extractor fan or a dehumidifier. You can also increase ventilation by opening windows and doors more often and opening them wider. It's also an ideal idea to avoid drying clothes in your conservatory and get rid of plants as these can all increase moisture levels.
Finally, if you have bi-fold or double glazed doors installed in your conservatory it may be worth considering upgrading them to more energy efficient versions as this will also help to reduce condensation. It is always advisable to take preventive measures to ensure that your conservatory is free from condensation and damp as it can be quite difficult to get rid of once it has formed. With a few easy steps, you can prevent this from occurring and enjoy your conservatory all year round without a problem.