Whilst this is slowly beginning to change, conservatories have historically been constructed in a very different way to the rest of your home, which means that their repair needs are often at odds with the house they are attached to.

This is one of the reasons why, whilst a new conservatory can often add considerable value to a home, an old, poorly maintained conservatory can decrease the value of a house because of the costs needed to get it into good condition.

Older conservatories have a reputation for needing bigger repairs more often than the home they are attached to, but why is this the case?

To understand the problem, it is important to know how older conservatories were typically constructed, why that has since become an issue, and how specialists can revitalise how they look and feel.

Why Do Conservatories Wear Out More Quickly?

Traditionally, conservatories have a reputation for wearing out quickly, making them look more tired and developing serious flaws that can affect your enjoyment of them.

This is not as universally true as it used to be, as a growing number of conservatories use solid roofs, dwarf walls, better insulation and are closer in terms of construction to extensions.

However, the use of lightweight materials, particularly in older, cheaper sunrooms, can cause them to wear out more quickly.

This is compounded by the use of seals and joints, which are typically made from materials that also do not last and need to be replaced. External drainage systems need to be regularly cleared and cleaned to avoid damage, and glazed roofs tend to have moving components that wear out more quickly.

Finally, conservatories tend to be designed to be more directly exposed to direct sunlight, as well as rainstorms and strong winds, all of which can take their toll on your conservatory’s weaker elements.

Warning Signs That Your Conservatory Needs Repairs

  • A draughty chill near the roof joints of your conservatory.
  • Noticeably loud sounds during bad weather.
  • Regular condensation on the inside and outside of the windows.
  • Internal frames developing stains.
  • Water stains during especially heavy rainfall.

The 5 Most Common Conservatory Problems Which Need To Be Repaired

Older conservatories can deal with a range of problems, which can vary in type and intensity depending on where your conservatory is located, how well it was installed and the materials used.

Here are some of the most common issues, why they happen and how they are typically fixed. 

Leaky Roofs

The most common conservatory issue we are contacted about is a leaky roof, in no small part because it is a single problem with many potential causes.

In general, the three most common causes for leaky roofs are:

  • Worn-out seals which allow water in.
  • Movement of lightweight panels over time.
  • Drainage issues causing water to back up and put further pressure on seals and flashing.

The first step to fixing your roof is to identify the causes and find the best repair, whether that involves fixing the seals, readjusting the panels or replacing the roof with a solid alternative.

Weakened Roof Panels

Older conservatories used either single-glazing panels or polycarbonate. They were very cheap and very lightweight, which made them popular in an age where having a conservatory at all was more important than its quality.

They were functional enough, but always had a short shelf life before they started to either yellow or otherwise lose their clarity, become more brittle and prone to cracking, and typically allowed more heat to escape, making a conservatory unbearably cold in winter.

These panels can typically be replaced, but if most of the roof is at this stage, it is typically a sign that the roof itself should potentially be replaced.

Broken Flashing

Flashing is most commonly used where the conservatory is connected to the house itself. This is one of the most important parts of a conservatory construction and also where the conservatory is most vulnerable to issues.

If there are issues with the flashing, either due to poor installation or the gradual wearing down of the sealants used as part of the process, water can leak into the conservatory.

This not only causes problems for your conservatory building but could potentially cause water damage to your house itself.

Blocked Guttering

Most conservatories have exposed guttering. Whilst this is not typically an issue, it can become more vulnerable to blockages, misalignments or drainage issues.

This causes water to back up onto the roof, creating extra pressure that can either damage the seals or even potentially break the roofing panels.

Thankfully, it can be easily repaired by fixing or adjusting the guttering itself.

Condensation

Sometimes, moisture can enter the conservatory not due to leaks but due to poor ventilation or insulation. This creates the perfect conditions for condensation, which can lead to wider problems.