Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are brilliant ways to expand your home and create a new living space that you can enjoy year round. To keep them looking great, they require regular maintenance and repairs.
Leaking conservatory roofs can be caused by a variety of problems. Finding the exact source can be difficult.
Gaps in the Roof Sheeting and Panels
One of the most frequent problems that conservatories experience is the presence of gaps in their roof sheets and panels. This is due to extreme weather such as high winds or heavy rain loosening the seals of the polycarbonate panels. Once the seals are damaged, water may be able to seep into your conservatory, causing dampness or even mould. Re-sealing damaged areas of the conservatory roof using a specialist sealant for repair of the conservatory is a simple fix.
Lack of ventilation is another reason for roof gaps. The warm air from the sun flows into the conservatory but cannot escape, creating an uncontrolled greenhouse effect. In winter, it could also lead to cold drafts and condensate. Installing a series of vents on the roof ridge will solve this problem.
Another solution is to apply the layer of polycarbonate over the roofing sheeting. This is not only unsightly but also an extremely risky idea. It can lead to an structure that is unsafe structurally and could not meet building regulations standards. Blinds can be used to block out the sunlight and the additional insulation can also help with overheating. However, this can cause a stale conservatory and a loss of light. Insulation can also be difficult to install, and may require removal and replacement of the glass bar covers.
Polycarbonate, just like other plastics, is prone to chemical degradation as a result of prolonged exposure to UV radiation. It is susceptible to discoloration and haze with time, especially when exposed to sunlight. It's also not as strong as glass, and a strong blow could damage the panels or cause a gap that lets moisture in.
During the installation process, an insecure "jack-of-all trades" may be tempted by the desire to cut corners and then incorrectly fit the polycarbonate panels. This could cause a panel to slip that creates a gap, but also allow debris such as leaves and dead insects to enter the conservatory. This can also lead to a build up of black mould, which is not only unsightly but can be dangerous to health and can cause further damage to the roof structure.
Cracks on the Roofline
Ceiling cracks could be an indication of various issues. They could be cosmetic, or they may indicate an issue that requires to be examined by an expert. It is all about the kind of crack, the location it's located, and the reason that caused it. Small cracks that are thin and straight are usually the result of paint build-up or normal settling. They should be observed and monitored if they grow or become worse. Cracks that extend from the ceiling to the wall are usually indicative of foundation movement or high-wind truss uplift or other serious structural issues.
If a crack is visible in the centre of the ceiling is accompanied by sagging it is a serious indication and should be investigated immediately by a professional. This kind of crack could be caused by a number of things, such as heavy objects being stored in the space above the ceiling, water damage or foundation settling.
A crack that runs from the ceiling to the floor is an indication of danger, since it could be causing structural damage. This could be due to a plumbing leak above ceiling or foundation settlement, as well as other serious structural issues.
If the crack is located in the corner of the ceiling, it could be caused by an issue with drywall. Often, this is caused by improper installation and can be fixed by a professional drywall expert.
A corner crack of ceilings can be fixed by using a special filler. Filler will smooth out the crack. This will require sanding, and painting over again, but it's a cheaper way to repair the crack than replacing the ceiling. It is also possible to repair cracks by scoring it using a utility knife, then removing any loose plaster and applying the drywall or mud. Once dry it can be sanded and smoothed.
Leaking Roof
A leaky roof can be a major issue and, over time, it could cause damage to flooring and furniture. If left untreated, it could cause mould and cause health risks to anyone who is using the conservatory. This is the reason it's important to take care of any problems when they begin to arise.
Fortunately, most conservatory leaks can be easily fixed. It's a matter of finding out where the water is coming from and completing the necessary repair work. A leak can be difficult to spot since it could be a long way down the walls and up the ceiling. A quick makeshift solution like sheets or buckets can be helpful for a while until you can get an expert in for complete inspection and repair.
Plastic polycarbonate degrades naturally with the passage of time. This could be a contributing factor in some instances. Other causes could be an unbalanced roof or has inadequate insulation. Additionally the gutters may become blocked with debris such as leaves and twigs. It is also essential to clean your gutters as well as your conservatory frequently.
Leaks are usually found at the ends of the roof glazing bars that divide the roofing panels. These are called "finial points" and they don't just add a decorative touch to the conservatory, but they also help prevent the panels from sliding. If you notice a leak in this area, it could be a sign that the finial point wasn't properly installed and should be removed in order to be sealed.
Electricity and water are an unwise combination, which is why it's essential to ensure the area around any electrical sockets is dry. Conservatory Roof Repairs 's also recommended to keep the conservatory well ventilated and also use a humidifier to prevent condensation. This is especially important during the winter months, when a cold, drafty conservatory can be very uncomfortable indeed. Conducting regular inspections of your conservatory and clearing any debris will stop leaks from occurring in the first place. If you do find an issue, it's important to contact an expert in conservatory repairs as soon as possible.
Condensation
Condensation can pose a challenge for conservatory owners. This is particularly true for older structures that are more traditional. Condensation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as high humidity, cold surfaces and inadequate ventilation. It is most often the case in winter months when electric heating solutions are employed, and the temperature increases in the conservatory. This could cause excess humidity to build up on windows.
A conservatory that is constructed properly will be air and watertight and prevent warm air from escaping or cold air from entering. It's a great thing since it can help you save money on energy bills and also keep your home comfortable and free of draughts. This could create perfect conditions to form condensation as the colder air and cold surfaces in a conservatory come into contact with warmer air and water vapour within the structure.
This can be a huge nuisance for homeowners as it will lead to streaks of stains on windows and roof panels, and in extreme instances, can lead to the development of mould which isn't just unattractive, but can also cause serious health issues like throat irritation and breathing problems. There are a lot of measures you can take to stop the problem and ensure that condensation doesn't build up in your conservatory.
It's a great idea reduce humidity using an extractor fan or dehumidifier. You can also improve ventilation by opening your doors and windows more often and opening them wider. It's also recommended to avoid drying your clothes in your conservatory and to remove plants from the space as these can all increase moisture levels.
In addition, if you have bi-fold or double glazed doors fitted in your conservatory it may be worth considering upgrading them to more energy efficient models as this can also help reduce condensation. It is always recommended to take precautionary measures to ensure that your conservatory is not contaminated from damp and condensation as it can be quite difficult to eliminate once it forms. You can stop this from happening by implementing a few simple steps and enjoy your conservatory throughout the all the time.