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Common conservatory problems and how to fix them

An elegant conservatory is a wonderful way to bring a bit of extra space and light into your home. Whether you go for a traditional or contemporary build, keep it in tip-top condition with our list of common conservatory problems and how to fix them.

 

Conservatory is damp

Damp and mould in your conservatory can be a bit of a recurring pain. Not only can it make the space smell earthy, but it can also be bad for your health. Usually, damp and mould problems occur when your conservatory isn’t very well insulated or ventilated. Plus, condensation on the glass or other surfaces can lead to excess moisture in the air.

Sometimes, there’s a specific cause, such as a crack in the roof (see below!) or damaged window seals. Once identified, it’s best to get a professional in to take a look.

Common conservatory problems and how to fix them

However, even if there’s no obvious crack or gap, you may notice more damp in the winter, when the temperature outside contrasts the temperature inside the rest of your home. Your best bet for keeping damp and mould at bay is to ensure good airflow and try to maintain an even temperature. 

Double glazing can significantly reduce the amount of damp in your conservatory. However, we like to take this one step further with high-performance glass that retains heat in the winter and reflects the worst of the sun’s glare in the summer. Using innovative materials, we aim to keep your conservatory at a comfortable and constant temperature throughout the year. 

Have you considered a tiled conservatory roof? Not only do they give the feel of a full extension, but they can also add an extra layer of insulation to regulate the room’s temperature.

If you’d like to discuss upgrading your conservatory to reduce damp and mould issues, why not get in touch today?

 

Conservatory roof is leaking

A good quality conservatory should be watertight. So if you notice water coming through your conservatory roof, it means there’s a gap or a crack. The most common areas for roof leaks are where the conservatory attaches to the wall of your house and the finial point.

For safety, a roof leak will need to be assessed by a professional. It’s best not to attempt fixing the problem yourself as it could be dangerous and void your warranty.

Cracks in your conservatory roof can spread quickly, and you may end up with water damage inside. Once you’ve identified where the leak is coming from, get in touch with us, and we can take a look. 

 

Conservatory is too cold

Due to the nature of conservatories, they do tend to be a bit chillier in the winter. But if you find yourself constantly shivering in your conservatory rather than enjoying your garden views, you might like to look into upgrading to more efficient glazing.

However, there are a few simple fixes you could try first. It might sound obvious, but have you checked that all the doors and windows are shut fully? In the winter, even the tiniest gap can cause an icy draught! It’s also a good idea to check the sealing around the doors and windows, too. Over time they can wear away and create space for cold air to come through. 

Another effective way to keep your conservatory toasty is to install underfloor heating or radiators. Shutting blinds can help keep the warmth in overnight, too.  

 

Conservatory gets full of flies

Fed up of batting away pesky flies while you’re trying to relax in your sunny space? Flies can be another common conservatory problem. It might be situational — for example, if you’ve left food out and have the windows open. Keeping your conservatory clean will deter pests. You can also keep flies out by making sure you close doors and windows properly.

Another way to discourage flies and bugs from coming in is to use insect repellent or citronella candles. However, if the problem is particularly bad and you notice more of an infestation, it might be best to speak to a pest control company. 

 

Algae on the conservatory roof

The growth of algae and moss on the outside of your conservatory roof is, unfortunately, a natural phenomenon you can’t prevent. You may notice more of it over winter, especially if you have a North-facing conservatory. 

However, it’s relatively easy to clean algae off the roof and limit its re-growth. A good clean with a telescopic brush should get most of it off, but you can try using a pressure washer for more stubborn stains. Warm soapy water should be enough to clean algae and moss off wooden or PVCu frames. Once they’ve dried, you can apply oil to protect the frames and prevent new algae from growing. You might feel safer getting a professional window cleaner out to maintain your roof. 

Another option is to take a look at our roof replacement services. We can upgrade your conservatory roof using innovative self-cleaning glass. A thin layer of titanium dioxide keeps the glass clean and algae-free all year round. No need to hire a window cleaner at all!

It’s worth noting that algae on the inside of your conservatory can be more problematic as it may indicate a leak. It’s best to get in touch with a professional to take a look.

 

Bespoke and upgrade options

Perhaps you’ve been considering building a conservatory but are unsure of its maintenance requirements. We hope this article has put your mind at ease and given you some ideas on common conservatory problems and how to fix them. 

If you still have any queries, we can help you find the most efficient conservatory type for your home. Whether that’s going for self-cleaning glass to keep algae away or finding the right level of glazing for ultimate insulation. Take a look at our bespoke offerings.

And if you already have a conservatory but are experiencing issues? Don’t worry; we’re happy to assess your needs and find upgrade solutions to make your conservatory an even more enjoyable space to be in.

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