Conservatory Repairs

When you build a conservatory it becomes part of your property, and just like any other part of the house, it can suffer damage and wear and tear. Good maintenance of each part of the conservatory will help to reduce any problems, but there may be a time in the future when you have to carry out conservatory repairs.

You can carry out much of the maintenance in a conservatory yourself, but some of the more technical repairs, such as door or window replacements, may have to be carried out by a professional.

Some general maintenance tips are listed below, which should help you to keep your conservatory in good condition. Some of the more common problems encountered with conservatories are also listed, along with some of the solutions.

Good maintenance of each part of the conservatory will help to reduce any problems.

Roofing

The conservatory roof will normally require some maintenance as it is exposed to the elements and will become dirty. You can clean the roof yourself, or ask your window cleaner to clean the conservatory when they clean the windows on the house.

Polycarbonate roofing can also be prone to the build up of green sludge, and will require cleaning once or twice per year.

If a conservatory roof leaks, damage can be caused to the roof itself, as well as walls and furniture within the room. Water damage can quickly cause damp and mould to form in walls and flooring, a professional should repair any leaks immediately.

Water ingress between glazing panels, or into polycarbonate panels can cause condensation and will reduce the insulating ability of the roof. It may be possible to repair the glazing unit or polycarbonate panel, but more likely will require replacement.

Glazing

Self-cleaning glass is available for conservatory roofs, windows and doors, and if you are put off by the thought of regular cleaning it is a sensible option. Otherwise, glazing should be cleaned regularly, just like the windows on your house.

You should also clean the internal surfaces regularly to retain the clarity, and to prevent the build up of grime around the frames.

If condensation appears in the double glazing, or water can be seen standing at the bottom between panes, the glazing has lost its seal and the unit will need to be replaced.

Frames

Maintenance of the frames of the conservatory will depend upon the types of frames you have, and the type of material. uPVC frames are very hardwearing and require little maintenance, they will usually just need to be cleaned with soapy water both internally and externally to maintain the bright finish.

Aluminium frames can oxidise over the course of time and a white powdery coating is formed on the surface. The frames can be polished and then resealed to retain their original appearance.

Wooden frames tend to require more maintenance, and may need to be stained or painted regularly to protect the wood. If this is not done, the wood can suffer from water damage and can become cracked or warped. Frames can be repaired if the damage is not too great, but if it is left too long the frames may need to be ripped out and replaced.

Windows and doors

The windows and doors should require little maintenance other than cleaning of the glass and the frames. You may need to lubricate hinges once in a while to keep them moving easily, particularly if the conservatory is not used regularly, but the most common problems are those of the glazing. Rubber seals around the doors and windows can be wiped with a cloth to keep them clean and retain a waterproof seal.

Resealing of stone flooring in the conservatory, may be required to retain water resistance.

Flooring

If you have wooden flooring it should be swept regularly to avoid debris creating scratches in the surface, but should only be cleaned sparingly with water.

Some types of hardwood flooring also need to be re-oiled regularly to stay in good condition. Some types of stone flooring will need to be resealed regularly to retain their water resistance.

Guttering

Conservatory guttering should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis. The build up of leaves, dirt and debris in the gutters can lead to a build up of water, which in turn could damage your conservatory or cause leaks. The drains, which the gutters lead to, should also be cleaned as necessary to make sure any water can drain away easily.

Furniture

The amount of direct sunlight in a conservatory is often the cause of fading to furniture. Blinds and specialty windows can help to reduce the glare of the sun, which will protect the furniture. Upholstery and cushions are most prone to fading, which is why wicker furniture is very popular in conservatories, as it is not affected by the light.

Blinds

Conservatory blinds simply require a wipe clean as part of your maintenance routine, and this can be done while they are still in place. Any damages or breakages will probably lead to replacements, although specialist blinds that are built into the roof will need to be replaced by a professional.

Some cheaper blinds are also prone to fading under sunlight, so it may be worth investing in blinds with reflective backing which helps to keep excess light out, as well as protecting the blind.

Summary

A good maintenance routine will keep your conservatory looking good and will help to protect against damage, which may lead to repairs. One of the biggest problems encountered with conservatories is the failure of double glazing units. If the seal is broken on the unit, water can get into the space between the panes and any gas will be lost. You will notice this first by condensation building up inside the windows, which may even progress to standing water in the base of the frame.

If this happens, the glazing unit will have lost its insulating properties and you will be losing heat. The most likely solution is to replace the offending roof panel, window or door, although this will come at a cost and will have to be carried out by a professional.