You rarely find things that will last forever, and like most other things, your conservatory can show its age over time. As time goes by, the elements can take their toll and your conservatory will be subject to general wear and tear. Technology, regarding conservatories has moved on massively since they first became popular. It used to be that most people chose a polycarbonate roof, but these can make the conservatory uninhabitable in a hot summer and too cold to spend any time in during the winter. Not to mention the noise when it rains! You can now have the option of a roof glazed with the latest glass, which reflects the rays of the sun and also helps keep the warmth in, allowing you to use the conservatory all year round. There is also the added bonus that the roof effectively cleans itself due to its special coating. The glass also allows a certain amount of UV protection, which will help stop any furniture fading so quickly.
Draughts
As a conservatory gets older, just like windows, gaskets can deteriorate. These are the seals around the opening sashes and doors. This will then allow draughts to occur.
Condensation
Condensation can take many forms in a conservatory. With old glass or polycarbonate roofs, condensation can form around the apex of the roof and in some cases it can be so bad that it can be mistaken for a leak. The latest glass technology can help alleviate this problem. Condensation can also form between the glass units obscuring the view and also leaving a nasty film which cannot be removed. It is true that the glass can be changed on its own, but this is usually a false economy.
Damage to the roof sheets
If you have damaged roof panels, it is very rarely a simple case of replacing them unless the conservatory is fairly new. You will find that when the rafter caps are removed on an old roof that they can snap due to be brittle. This leaves you in a difficult position regarding replacements. Frequently, changing roof panels can be a false economy too. You will also notice a colour difference between the old and new panels which can look unsightly.
Conclusion
It would pay to look at replacing your conservatory in different ways. If the base work (walls and foundations) are in good order, as they frequently are, its not worth renewing them unless you are looking for a larger conservatory or a completely different floor layout. Likewise if the actual window frames and doors are in good condition and it’s just the roof which is letting the conservatory down, just look at changing the roof as this would make a vast difference. The sensible thing would be to get two quotes, one to change the fames and roof, and the other to change the roof on its own.
At Apex Windows, we are more than willing to price these options for you. Please call us to give a friendly no nonsense quotation. We’re sure you’ll be glad you did!