Try as we might, living in the UK, we can’t stop the heavens from opening as frequently as they do. However, we can make sure our traditional conservatory roofs are as leak-proof as possible, so they don’t get soggy every time there’s a drizzle.
Although we can wish for the rain to stop, Britain is partial to the odd downpour or two. That is why homeowners need to ensure their house, including any extensions, are sealed tightly, otherwise it can cause a lot of interior damage.
When it comes to conservatories, if your structure is not new, it is imperative you get it checked by a professional if you think it is leaking, the Express suggested.
Whatever you do, don’t try to ascertain the cause of the leak yourself by going on to the rooftop, as this could be very dangerous and result in injury. If the experts do detect a break in the seal, they can fix it quickly to ensure your roof does not leak the next time it rains.
Another thing to look out for is wet walls, as this is a big telltale sign of a leak. It could mean your sealant has deteriorated over the years, your cleaning products are causing the materials to corrode, or damage has been caused by the extreme cold conditions of the last year.
Dave Downing of CB4L noted: “Your conservatory will be particularly susceptible after snow or ice, so you should routinely check for damage during periods of cold weather.”
This year, temperatures dropped to -13C in some areas, which could lead to cracks, deterioration of windows and frames, and dampness.
“All homeowners with a conservatory should be watching out for signs of water, snow and ice damage,” he stated, adding: “These can all have incredibly expensive consequences, so preventative measures are essential.”
The bad weather could also result in slipped roof panels or damaged roof flashing. That is why it is important to keep these well-maintained, particularly if your area experienced extreme temperatures over the last year.
Homeowners wanting to prevent damp damage in their conservatory could also install a roof vent, as this prevents condensation by encouraging air to flow in and out. As conservatories can be significantly warmer than the outside temperature, many suffer from condensation, which can lead to damp walls and ceiling, and subsequently, mould.
However, it is important to remember to clean the vent regularly, as it is prone to leaking if blocked.
Although conservatories can last 20 or so years, if they are properly maintained, especially during cold or wet periods, they could survive a lot longer than this.
Of course, if your conservatory is past its best, you might want to consider installing a new one. They have advanced significantly over the last few years, and now provide really useful extensions to the ground floor, whether you want a larger kitchen-diner or an extra room for entertaining or working.
Thanks to improved technology and materials, they are better equipped at dealing with temperature changes, so can be fully utilised all year round, which is ideal in Britain with its temperamental weather!