It can be disheartening to see that your conservatory, which has been a staple of your home and a place of many happy memories, has fallen into disrepair or has become unusable. As much as we cherish our conservatories and the blending of our home and garden, there are some practical ways to know when it is time to replace your conservatory outright. In this article, we’ll be covering when damage to conservatories has gone too far, and it might be time to consider replacing it, as well as if the damage is fixable without the need for more repairs further down the line.
Repairing an existing conservatory
To know whether a conservatory can be repaired, we first need to look at what the most common types of damage to a conservatory can be. These can include:
- Leaks
- Irregular temperatures – too hot in summer, too cold in winter
- Steamed up glass units
- Build up of mould or damp
- Damage or cracks to the glass
Some of these issues can be rectified with a regular cleaning schedule, which tend to be minor, such as the build up of moss or mould. However, when a conservatory begins to leak, this can be an indication that the roof is compromised, and that the seals or gaskets have failed, or even the silicone that holds them in place in older conservatories. Again, you may find that an easier fix, such as re-sealing the roof, may be able to resolve this. This, however, depends on other factors, such as if there is any damage to the glass or polycarbonate, or if damp has been able to intrude between the window panes, resulting in steamed up glass units and compromising the integrity of the windows. In this case, you may find that for older conservatories you are no longer covered by warranty, which can be especially damaging to orangeries or solid glass conservatories.
If the damage is in the form of cracks or broken glass, this can be incredibly dangerous as there is the possibility that the compromised glass could shatter. In this instance, we would always advise replacing the conservatory glass at the very least. Lots of ventilation can help to combat small amounts of mould, as well as wiping this away with a bacterial cleaning solution. If the issue is doors or windows that are not closing fully, it may be a case of just replacing the seals. No matter how small the issue is, Bingley Windows and Glass is here for you.
With these concerns in mind, we have to look for solutions that will guarantee a fix to all of the aforementioned issues.
Installing a solid tile roof
Installing a solid tile roof can be a great way to maintain the character of your existing conservatory. If the issue is because of the integrity of the roof or cracks or damage to the ceiling glass, this can remove the issue of potential glass hazards and reinforce the structure of the remaining glass.
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Pros |
Cons |
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It can reinforce the integrity of the rest of your conservatory. |
If you have a glass roof, this will mean a reduction in available sunlight. |
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This can be a more cost effective measure in the long term. |
This may not be the best fit for more curved conservatory structures. |
Building an extension in its place
When damage to a conservatory has become too much, there may be little option but to demolish the structure and replace it outright. Building an extension can still provide you with the blending of your home and garden and also with much needed space and large amounts of natural light. The choice of doors and windows here can accommodate any design.
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Pros |
Cons |
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When built with larger windows and doors, they can offer the same positive effects of sunlight. |
The change of materials could depending on the choice made, result in a significant loss of light. |
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Easier to regulate temperature as the extension is a part of your home. |
Depending on your locale, there may be prohibitions to building an extension, or depending where in the property boundaries you wished this to be built. |
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Less chance for moisture, condensation or damp to develop. |
Factors to consider
Choosing to repair or replace can be a difficult decision to make, but we are here to help. Below, we have included some questions you may be thinking about to help you make the most informed decision.
Repair or replace?
As we have outlined, this greatly depends on the severity of the issue. You may find that with damage to the conservatory, this might be an ideal time to consider a replacement or re-design that you have been thinking about.
Can I do this myself?
Absolutely, but there are scientific components to conservatories, such as the way in which drainage, the chambers, and design features are constructed. Because of this, DIY repairs may exacerbate the issue. In the first instance, you should always consult a professional—and we provide free consultations or chats about potential projects. To be fiscally responsible, we will never sell you a product or service for more than what you require.
Contact Us
So, if you are in need of conservatory repairs, or would like some more information on any of the other services we offer please do not hesitate to get in contact with us for a free chat, by either calling on 01535 958 183, or filling out our online contact form.
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