Conservatory repairs: when to fix and when to replace
Is your conservatory in need of some TLC? Find out what you can do yourself, when to get the professionals in and when to replace it entirely.
For more than a hundred years, conservatories have provided sanctuaries for many homeowners. They're places to unwind, potter or entertain guests while watching the changing of the seasons.
But like almost everything in life, conservatories can start to fade, crack and show signs of age. This can make your conservatory a less appealing place to be in – and it can also chip away at the value it adds to your home.
Regular maintenance will help you. And a good-quality conservatory can last upwards of 50 years. But there comes a time when some conservatory owners will find themselves at a fork in the road. In one direction, repairs. In the other, replacement.
The path you take will depend on several factors. These include the extent of the damage, your aspirations for the conservatory and the respective costs of repairs and replacements.
Moreover, repairs fall into two categories: the ones you can roll up your sleeves and do yourself and the ones you need a professional for.
If you're a DIY don, there are plenty of repairs you can carry out yourself. But if you lack the skills, time or inclination, it may do better calling in a repairer.
In this article, we look at some common conservatory repairs – and ask which ones you can do yourself, which ones need the professional treatment and which ones mean you should cut your losses and get a new conservatory.
Gutters
Clogged or damaged gutters are a recipe for one thing: leaks. Leaks, in turn, can mean mould, damp and even structural damage – and structural damage can mean an expensive replacement job.
If you spot a leak, it's important to quickly identify the source and figure out whether you can sort out the problem yourself. Many homeowners have the skills and equipment to unclog a gutter or replace a section of guttering.
But if the whole gutter needs replacing, you should get a professional in. This will help increase the lifespan of your conservatory.
Draughts
Feeling the chill when you're trying to chill in your conservatory? You may need to draught-proof your windows, doors or roof.
Draught-proofing can be a straightforward DIY job: applying sealant or installing draught excluders, for instance.
If the problem requires secondary glazing or plugging large gaps, however, it's time to call in the repairers.
Getting rid of draughts doesn't only improve your time spent in the conservatory. It also helps you save money on energy bills.
Roofs
Over time, conservatory roofs can start to lose their lustre. Tiles come loose or get damaged. Leaks appear. All these issues can lead to water damage, which is a costly problem to address.
So, if there's a problem with your conservatory roof, chances are that you need a professional to look at it. The consequences of a poor job are too serious – and too expensive – to be done by an amateur.
Poor temperature regulation
It's a common complaint among conservatory owners – especially those who own older models. The conservatory looks delightful, but it's too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
This is probably because of inadequate insulation or ageing materials. It could be time to get the insulation updated – or to replace the conservatory altogether.
In either case, you need professional help to get the best out of your conservatory.
Window frames and door frames
If your window frames or door frames are defective, you could be compromising your conservatory's security as well as creating draughts and leaks.
Some issues with conservatory doors and windows can be dealt with by DIY: loose screws, for instance, or replacing worn seals.
If the door is hard to open, however, this may point to structural issues that need professional attention. The same applies if a pane, frame or lock needs replacing.
Condensation
Are your windows fogged or misted up? This is probably because the seal between the panes has failed. This isn't just a cosmetic problem. It can also scupper the energy efficiency of your conservatory.
It's a quick job but one for the professionals – unless, that is, you're willing to put the time in to learn skills, gather equipment and plan the installation.
Wear and tear
Chipped paint? Dirty windows? Scratched surfaces? All these cosmetic jobs can be done without professional help.
If, however, the wear and tear has caused cracks or warping in the structure of the conservatory, your best bet is to get a professional in to address the problem.
A word about warranties
Before you set about a repair, check to see if the issue is covered by your warranty. Here at Calder Windows, our conservatory installations are covered by a 10-year warranty. So, if you bought your conservatory from Calder within the last decade, you may be able to get the repair done by us.
When to replace a conservatory
Sometimes, the damage to a conservatory is too much to be repaired cost-effectively. As with a car, you may find it's better to write off your conservatory and buy a new one.
To decide, you first need to assess the extent of the damage. Small leaks, damaged seals and cosmetic damage can be easily sorted.
But if the damage is structural, you may find that repairs help with the problem but don't fix it entirely. This means you're likely to need
more repairs down the line.
In this situation, it can be best to get rid of your existing conservatory and buy a new one – preferably one made from modern materials with a longer lifespan and a generous warranty.
As well as fixing your structural problem, this will be more cost-effective and energy-efficient. Lower energy bills, a longer lifespan, more comfort – if you have the means to fund it, a new conservatory is a no-brainer.
Are you looking for a conservatory company near you? Our experts have helped homeowners in Yorkshire install, repair and replace their conservatories for more than 30 years.
Get in touch with Calder Windows today for a quick, competitive quote.
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