The traditional view of orangeries may be as sun rooms where you can relax and socialise on warm summer afternoons, but in fact they can be even more enjoyable to use during the winter months. The large windows allow you to enjoy views of your garden and feel connected to nature just when we need it the most during the short daylight hours.
It can be very therapeutic to sit and watch the glowing red and pink sunsets that we so often get in the late afternoon winter skies, and observe the bright moon and star sprinkled sky on clear nights.
However, to make the most of a hardwood orangery in winter, it’s important to keep up with the maintenance. This will ensure that it’s comfortable and inviting to use whatever the weather, and also prolong its lifespan. Here are some simple steps to protect your timber framed glazed extension in the winter.
Check the sealants
Damaged or deteriorated sealant is a major cause of cold and dampness. Check the sealant around all of the glazing carefully for any gaps or cracks, and have any damaged areas repaired as soon as possible, as this could result in moisture entering the panes between the glass and causing them to look clouded.
Defective sealant can also lead to damp and mould developing inside the structure, which looks unsightly and is also a health hazard.
Review the glazing
If your glazing is aged, you may want to consider replacing it, as it is likely to be energy inefficient and will make your extension much harder to heat and keep warm. It will also make it more difficult to keep cool in the summer.
Modern glazing is much more energy efficient than older versions. The highest rated types may be called low-emissivity glass or high performance glazing, and they have a special coating on the inner panes. This allows light to travel through the glazing, but also reflects heat back into the room, and blocks UV rays in summer.
This greatly improves energy efficiency, meaning that you will need much less power to heat the space or to keep it cool in summer. The extra insulation also reduces the risk of condensation building up, which happens when moist air meets a cold surface. This can be especially damaging in a timer framed orangery, causing mould and rot to set in.
You’ll also find that well-sealed double or triple glazing provides effective sound insulation, which can make your home feel more pleasant and private, particularly if you live near a busy road or have noisy neighbours.
Clean out the gutters
Blocked gutters and downpipes can lead to leaks and moisture damage that can threaten the condition of hardwood frames, and seep through any damaged areas of sealant. Clear out autumn leaves and debris from gutters and drains, particularly after any major storms.
Clear off lying snow
After heavy snowfalls, it’s good practice to clear the lying snow off the roof of the orangery to avoid damage from the excess weight. Use a soft plastic or rubber snow shovel rather than a metal implement to avoid damaging the glass.
Inspect the frames
Timber frames are very durable, but exposure to moisture and sudden changes in temperature during the winter means that they do need to be well maintained to keep them looking good and structurally sound. Inspect the frames for any sign of deterioration, such as cracks, peeling paint, or rotting areas.
Address any issues promptly to avoid more serious problems developing. Ideally, the timber frames should be treated with a weather resistant coating such as paint or wood stain in the autumn to protect them from the harsh winter weather. If this has not been done, consider using a dry day to apply the treatment.
Clean the glazing
Finally, clean the glazing with a non-brasive cleaner and a microfibre cloth, or employ a professional window cleaner to do so if you find that there are areas that are too hard for you to reach. This not only enhances your views and the appearance of the conservatory, but also improves the thermal performance of the glazing.