How long do conservatories last?
A good conservatory should last for years. Find out the factors that affect this in our handy explainer article.
A conservatory can be a fantastic investment. It can give you extra room to play, relax or work in. It can bring home and garden closer together. It can even add value to your property.
But there's no two ways about it. A conservatory is a big investment – and unlike other investments, you can't try before you buy. Once it's erected on your property, you can of course make modifications. But you can't take it back and get a replacement.
This is why the question of durability is so important. If you're going to invest in a conservatory, you need to be sure that it's going to last.
In this article, we explore the question of how long a conservatory will last – and what you as a consumer can do to lengthen its life span.
Conservatories and the Good Rule
In the world of music recording, there's a concept known as the "Good Rule". This states that if you have a good musician, a good microphone, good equipment and a good engineer behind the desk, you'll get a good recording.
Seems simple, right? A chain, to switch metaphors, is only as good as its links.
This common-sense principle can apply to conservatories, too. There are, we would argue, four main factors that influence the longevity of a conservatory (leaving aside flood, fire and your neighbour's football). But as in music recording, you need all four for a good result.
The first is the materials used. Modern uPVC windows have a life expectancy of between 20 and 25 years. A glass or polycarbonate roof should last longer. And a tiled roof can last as long as 50 years.
These, however, are estimates that manufacturers use to cover their backs as much as to inform customers. A window or roof can last much longer if you maintain it properly.
This is the second link in the chain. The best materials in the world won't last long if you don't clean and repair them when necessary. Life has a way of filling your prized possessions with gunk – and if you don't act quickly, it can harden and create structural faults.
Thirdly, the lifespan of a conservatory is affected by its location. Of course, a big reason for getting a conservatory is to harness the elements – to see the sun flood through the windows or hear the patter of rain on the roof.
But weather, as we know, is both friend and enemy. If your conservatory is too exposed, sun, wind and rain can wear it away and reduce its lifespan.
Finally, there's your installer.
How can your choice of installer affect the lifespan of your conservatory?
It's no exaggeration to say that your choice of installer can dramatically affect the lifespan of your conservatory. It's the difference between planting a tree in nourishing soil and sticking it in a trough of pig swill.
Work with a good installer and you can look forward to a durable conservatory made with good-quality materials. But go with a less reputable installer and you could be creating problems for yourself in the long-term.
It's a bit like buying a used car. If you do your homework, you can get a great set of wheels at a bargain price. If you cut corners and rush to a decision, you could end up with a dud that needs repair work.
Whether you're buying a used car or a conservatory, the risk is the same. The savings you made on the initial purchase will be wiped out by the money you have to shell out for repairs down the line.
We'll say it again: your choice of installer is at least as important as the materials used or where in the garden it's installed. It's at least as important as keeping it clean.
But this is all easier said than done. How can you know that your installer will do a good job? For our money, there are five things to look for.
Five things to look for in a conservatory installer
1. Versatility
If you went to a restaurant and they had just one dish on the menu, you might take your custom elsewhere. The same goes for conservatories.
Conservatories come in a range of styles, from classic Victorian models to orangeries to lean-tos. Does your installer have the type you're looking for? If not, shop elsewhere.
2. Experience
With installation work, there's no substitute for experience. Aside from anything else, an experienced team can fix problems as they arise in a way that greener workers just can't.
So when you're looking for an installer, check to see how many times they've been around the block. It could save you a packet in the long run.
3. Service with a smile
The most important thing is to get the job done. But wouldn't you prefer to work with a company that treats you with politeness and respect? This is especially important if issues arise on either side during the installation process.
4. No jargon in the garden
When people don't know what they're doing, they tend to hide behind jargon. This is true whether they're explaining construction methods to you or engaging in a spot of upselling.
If you feel like someone is trying to dazzle you with details, look elsewhere. Chances are, they're bluffing – and they won't deliver when it matters.
5. Aftercare
You want your conservatory to last. Working with an installer that provides aftercare is a simple way of maximising the chances of it happening.
Final thoughts
A conservatory can be a wonderful addition to a property. But before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you're working with a reputable installer. That way, you can be sure it will have a long and healthy life.
Calder Windows has been installing sturdy, eye-catching
conservatories in Yorkshire for more than three decades. Got a project in mind?
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