Common Conservatory Problems
Conservatories are supposed to offer peace and tranquility in the garden, but as with elsewhere in the house problems can arise. Although most are easily treatable and even easier to prevent there are some conservatory problems that may require more work. We look at these below.
Common Conservatory problems can include, Poor-quality roof construction, Poorly-installed box guttering, faulty roof vents, perished seals can cause leaks. Sliding doors may need frequent repairs, class can stain, and furniture can fade in the sunlight and flooring can wear or stain though heavy use.
Here are some of the most common conservatory problems and some potential solutions.
Insulated tiles improve thermal performance
The modern materials used for a conservatory are designed to suit a variety of lifestyles. Combined with the right level of insulation, they can enhance the style and functionality of the room, keeping it functional all year round. A good temperature control system and high-level insulation can help you achieve this goal.
If you have a glazed conservatory, consider installing insulating tiles on the roof. This type of roof provides complete protection against the sun’s rays. However, these types of roofs are not ideal for all climates. They are relatively costly to install and require more maintenance than standard concrete tiles. Also, metal roofs provide excellent insulation, but can be expensive to install. Insulated tiles are an excellent solution to both of these problems.
Thermally Inefficient Glass
One of the most common problems with conservatories is that they can become too hot in summer. This is because of their large glass surfaces which let the heat of the sun in. Unlike a greenhouse, conservatories are generally located at the back of the house and often face south. However, the heat from the sun can also penetrate the glass, causing furniture and fabrics to fade and become sun-scorched.
Another common problem that conservatory owners face is the leaking roof. Typically, this problem occurs due to a leaking roof, a faulty air vent, or a failed seal. While this problem is not particularly difficult to resolve, it is best to leave it to a professional. When choosing a conservatory, make sure it is installed by a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation. Make sure the conservatory is covered by a decent warranty. Read all the fine print. If you are unhappy with the installation, contact the installer or your Chartered Surveyor.
Water leaks
Water leaks can be tricky to spot. Often, these small leaks can be hidden by blinds or curtains, but a musty smell may be an indication that water has gotten into the room. Make sure to check the window frames, blinds, and walls of your conservatory on a regular basis. If you find any, you should contact a plumber for further assistance. You may still be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s worth checking.
A leaking conservatory can be expensive to repair, and it can also be dangerous. Not only can water leaks damage your home’s contents, they can also lead to structural problems and even fires. If you leave the leak untreated, it can cause mould growth and lead to respiratory problems. There are practical fixes you can take to stop water leaks before they have a chance to damage your home. But don’t panic just yet! Here are some tips to fix common conservatory problems:
Condensation
The winter months are often a period when condensation is particularly common. This is a result of a number of factors, including cold weather and inefficient heating. Warm air, which has the capacity to carry water vapour, comes into contact with cold surfaces, where it condenses into droplets. Inefficient heating and poor ventilation can also contribute to condensation problems. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to combat condensation and prevent it from occurring in the first place.
One way to reduce condensation is to open your conservatory windows more frequently. This will allow more air into the room and help reduce the amount of moisture in the air. You can also use extractor fans and cooker hoods to keep the conservatory dry. If you do need to do laundry in the conservatory, don’t – these appliances contribute to moisture problems. A cheaper solution is to invest in a condensation catcher or dehumidifier. These devices can be fitted in your conservatory and prevent the problem from arising.
‘dirty’ building work
One of the most common problems with conservatories is water penetration. Incorrect lead flashing can cause water to seep into the conservatory. Other common problems with conservatories include door jamming and misalignment. Simple adjustments can solve these problems, but it all depends on the budget and builder’s skill set.
Ensure the structure and design of the conservatory are approved by the building regulations before you begin work. In some cases, party wall agreements, or Party Wall Awards, will be necessary. These agreements are often necessary when digging near neighbouring properties.
Lack of ventilation
A lack of ventilation is often the source of problems with conservatories, especially if they are too warm. Conservatories can be too warm during summer or too cold in winter, which makes it essential to make the necessary adjustments to the heating system. One way to improve ventilation in a conservatory is to incorporate ventilation flaps into the roof and in the side walls. The height of the building also influences the temperature, with taller buildings having higher average temperatures.
Another common problem with a conservatory is that the roof does not have an adequate insulation. If the roof is not properly insulated, heat will escape and warm air will be lost.
Poor insulation
A lack of insulation is a common problem in conservatories, which is why they can feel hot and stuffy even when they’re shaded by thick curtains. This is due to the thin material of glass, which is not an effective barrier. While double and triple glazing can prevent some heat loss and noise, it’s best to install a solid roof for better insulation.
A poorly insulated house will suffer from condensation and mould. Extractor fans help reduce moisture in the air. These are often fitted in kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms. Poor insulation will cause condensation in a conservatory, which is particularly troublesome during winter months.
This moisture condenses when the room is heated and then remains stagnant. If not dealt with, this can lead to mould growth and other health problems.
Too much light
Too much light can make your conservatory feel too bright at certain times. This unpleasant to look at, but it can also make it less comfortable to use. In order to combat this problem, you can consider adding a window blind to your conservatory. Another effective option is to use polarised glass. If neither of these works, consider installing a solid roof. You may also need to invest in new window shutters, but they’re relatively inexpensive.
Conservatories can be too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. Since glass is an inadequate insulator, heat can escape from a conservatory in the winter and gain entry during hot days. To address these problems, you need to improve your conservatory’s insulation. For this, you can invest in a better quality glass.
In addition to that, bespoke conservatories enable you to choose your own specifications and you should discuss some of these problems with your builder. They will fit your needs and add value to your property.
Noise in the rain
Conservatories can be noisy in the rain, which is a major drawback of a glass roof. There are ways to reduce the noise, though. One common solution are noise reducing tiles. , which is cheap and effective method, though not foolproof as you will always be able to hear rain on glass roofs!
If your conservatory is already installed, one of the most obvious and effective solutions is to replace the roof. This is particularly important if you live in an area where the rain can be a significant problem. A polycarbonate roof, for example, has little thermal insulation, so noise from the rain will be magnified. Single glazed roofs are another common cause of this problem. It is really bothers you then maybe a full tiled roof is needed, however noise reducing tiles and covers should help.
We have an article below with more details on Reducing rain noise in conservatories.
Conclusion
As the old saying goes prevention is better than cure, so spending a little time making sure problems are fixed as soon as they are spotted will save both money and time in the long term in your conservatory.
Large problems often stem more from construction than from wear and tear, so make sure that if you are planning a conservatory that you choose a reputable builder to reduce the chances or larger problems later on down the line.
