Conservatory Repair - How to Keep Your Conservatory Looking Good
Conservatories are a great way to make your home more spacious. Visit Home Page provide an additional space that can be used all year long. But, they require regular maintenance and repair to keep them looking good.
A myriad of issues can lead to leaking conservatory roofs. Finding the source of the leak isn't easy.
Gaps in the Roof Sheeting and Panels
One of the most common problems that conservatories experience is the presence of gaps in their roof sheets and panels. These are caused by extreme weather conditions like high winds or heavy rain loosening the seals of the polycarbonate panels. When the seals become damaged, water may get into your conservatory and cause dampness or even mould. This can be fixed by re-sealing damaged areas of the roof with a specialised conservatory roof repair sealant.
Another reason for gaps in the roof is the absence of adequate ventilation. The warm sun's air flows into your conservatory, but it can't escape. This leads to an unregulated greenhouse. In winter, it can also lead to cold drafts and condensate. Installing a series of vents on the roof ridge can solve this problem.
Another solution is to apply the layer of polycarbonate over the existing roof sheeting. This is not just unsightly, but it's also a bad idea. It could result in a structure that is unsafe structurally and could not meet building regulations standards. Blinds can be used to block the sun and extra insulation can help prevent overheating. This could result in a stuffy conservatory, and less sunlight. In addition, insulation can be a challenge to install and could require removal and re-installation of the glass bar covers.
Polycarbonate is prone to chemical degradation resulting from prolonged exposure to UV rays. This can cause it to change colour and haze over time, especially in the sunlight. It's not as tough as glass, and a sharp blow could break the panels or create gaps that allow moisture in.
During the installation, an overconfident "jack-of-all trades" could be enticed by the lure to cut corners, and then improperly install the polycarbonate panels. This can result in a slipped roof that creates a gap but can let debris like leaves and dead insects to enter the conservatory. This could lead to black mould growth, which can be unsightly and cause further damage to your roof structure.
Cracks in the Roofline
Ceiling cracks can be an indication of various issues. They could be cosmetic or they could indicate a major problem that requires professional attention. It's all about the type of crack it is and the location it's in, and how it was caused. The build-up of paint and normal settling can cause small straight cracks. They should be watched and monitored if they get worse or grow. Cracks that extend from the ceiling to the wall are often a sign of foundation movement, high-wind uplift or other structural issues.
A crack in the middle of the ceiling with sagging is a sign of trouble. It is best to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible. This type of crack can be caused by many things like heavy objects that are stored above the ceiling in the room or water damage or foundation settling.
A crack that runs from the ceiling to the floor could also be an indication of structural damage. It could be due to a plumbing leak above the ceiling, foundation settlement, or other structural issues.
If the crack is located in the corner of the ceiling, it could be caused by a problem with drywall. It is typically due to a mistake in installation and can be repaired by a qualified drywall expert.
A corner crack of ceilings can be repaired with a specific filler. Fillers will fill in the crack and smooth it. This will require sanding and repainting, but it's a cheaper way to repair the crack than replacing the ceiling. You can also repair a crack using a utility knife, remove any loose plaster and then apply drywall paste. After the drywall mud is dry, it can then be smoothed and sanded.
Leaking Roof
A leaky roof can be an absolute problem and, over time, can damage furniture and flooring. It can also create mould if it is not treated, and present a health hazard to anyone who uses the conservatory. This is the reason it's important to take care of any problems as soon as they occur.
Fortunately, most conservatory leaks can be easily fixed. It's a matter of identifying and repairing the source of the leak and completing the necessary repairs. It is important to keep in mind however that a leak can be difficult to identify since it can spread across the ceiling or down walls to reach other rooms. A quick makeshift solution, such as a bucket or sheet could be useful for a while until you can bring an expert in for complete inspection and repair.
Polycarbonate is plastic and naturally degrades over time and this could be a cause in certain cases. A lack of proper insulation and a sloping roof are other possible causes. In addition, the gutters can become blocked with debris such as leaves and twigs. This is a further reason why it's important to conduct a regular cleaning of your conservatory and guttering.
Leaks are often found at the end of the roof glazing bars that divide the roofing panels. They are referred to as "finial points" and as well as providing the conservatory a decorative touch they also help prevent the panels from sliding. If you notice a leak here it could be a sign that the finial point was not installed correctly and must be taken apart to be sealed.
Water and electricity can be an unwise combination, which is why it is essential to ensure that the area around any electrical sockets is dry. Dehumidifiers can help reduce condensation and ensure that the conservatory is well-ventilated. This is especially important during the winter, when a cold, draughty conservatory can be very uncomfortable indeed. By regularly inspecting and cleaning your conservatory, you can stop leaks from happening. If you do spot a leak, it is essential to get in touch with a conservatory repair expert immediately.
Condensation
Condensation can be a problem for conservatory owners. This is especially the case for older, more traditional structures. Condensation can be caused by a range of causes, including high humidity and cold surfaces, as well as inadequate ventilation. This is typically the case in winter, when electric heating systems are employed. The temperature of the conservatory could rise, causing excess moisture to accumulate on the windows.
A well-constructed conservatory is designed to be water and air impermeable, which prevents warm air from leaving and cold air from entering. This is a good thing as it will help you save money on energy bills and protect your home from draughts. This can create the perfect conditions for condensation to form as the colder surfaces and the air in a conservatory come into contact with warmer air and water vapour inside the structure.
This can be a major issue for homeowners, since it can lead to mold and stains on roof panels and window panes. In severe cases, this can cause serious health issues such as breathing problems and throat irritation. There are a variety of ways to stop condensation from forming in your conservatory.
It's a good idea to reduce humidity using an extractor fan or dehumidifier. You can also increase ventilation by opening your doors and windows more often and opening them wider. It's also an ideal idea to avoid drying clothes in your conservatory and to eliminate plants from the area as these can all increase moisture levels.
Finally, if you have bi-fold or double-glazed doors in your conservatory, it may be worth considering upgrading them to more energy efficient models as this will also help to reduce condensation. It is always advisable to take preventive measures to ensure that your conservatory is free from damp and condensation as it can be quite difficult to remove once it has formed. You can prevent this by taking a few easy steps and enjoy your conservatory all through the year.