Projects 4 Roofing Blog | Conservatory Roof Conversion

Leaking conservatory solution with a conservatory roof replacement

Written by Clare Whitehall | Jul 19, 2024

If you’re someone who loves spending time in your conservatory, there’s nothing more frustrating than a leak coming from your conservatory roof every time it rains. 

Not only can the sound of dripping water ruin the peace and tranquility of your conservatory, it can also damage furnishings and pose a health risk for you and your family. 

A leak from your conservatory roof can lead to water leaking onto your conservatory floor, ruining rugs and carpets and increasing the risk of slips and falls if you have tiles or laminate flooring.  

Persistent leaks can also lead to damp and mould growth, which can have a negative impact on your health, especially if anyone in your family has an existing respiratory condition​.

And we probably don’t need to explain that water and electricity don’t mix, making your conservatory potentially unsafe to spend time in if you have electrical fixtures and fittings. 

With all this in mind, you’ll appreciate how important it is to address any leak from your conservatory roof as soon as you notice it, to make sure your conservatory remains a safe space for your family to enjoy. 

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the common reasons why conservatories leak and look at how a conservatory roof replacement is one of the most effective ways to fix leaks for good.  

Reasons why conservatories leak

 

Frustrating leaks are actually quite common if your conservatory has a glass or polycarbonate roof, for a variety of reasons: 

 
Slipping panels

If you have a glass roof or polycarbonate roofing on your conservatory, it’s likely to be made up from a number of panels that are slotted into place, and sealed together. 

Sometimes, the end caps that help secure the panels in place either break or fall off, which can result in the panels slipping and creating a gap where water can seep through. 

Another common reason for panels slipping is temperature changes. Polycarbonate panels expand in hot weather and contract in cold weather. This can cause the panels to slip over time if they haven’t been installed in a way that accommodates this movement. 

 

Cracks or deterioration of panels

UV rays from the sun can make polycarbonate roofing panels brittle over time. This can weaken the panels in your conservatory roof, making them more susceptible to damage.

Once the panels have become brittle, they can easily crack with the impact of a falling branch during high winds or with a hail storm in winter.

You’d be surprised how even a hairline crack in one of your panels can cause a problematic leak in your conservatory roof. 

Problems with seals and flagships

The panels in a glass roof or polycarbonate roof are joined together by seals to create a watertight barrier. 

Over a period of time, these seals can wear out because of continued exposure to the UV rays of the sun and different weather conditions. 

When the seals between each of the panels on your conservatory roof start to deteriorate, water can find its way through when it rains and cause leaks.

Additionally, the flashings that are used to help join your conservatory to your exterior walls can become loose over time, which can also lead to leaks inside your conservatory. 

 

Poor workmanship

If your conservatory is relatively new and already leaking, you might want to consider whether poor workmanship might be the cause. 

Many leaks happen because of ill-fitting panels, loose seals, or screws and fittings that have been installed incorrectly. 

 

Solutions to your leaking roof, and the benefits of installing a solid conservatory roof

 

If your conservatory is leaking, it’s important to address the issue quickly. 

In some cases, it might be possible to repair your roof - looking at solutions like realigning panels that have slipped, replacing panels that have cracked, resealing joins, and repairing your flashing.

But once your glass or polycarbonate roof has started to leak, it’s often a sign that it’s coming towards the end of its lifespan, and it may be time to consider a conservatory roof replacement. 

If you’re looking for a replacement conservatory roof, it’s worth looking at the benefits of a solid conservatory roof transformation.

 

 

No more leaks

One of the major benefits of upgrading to a solid roof conservatory is that it eliminates all of the common causes of leaks. A solid roof doesn’t have panels that can slip or seals that can deteriorate.

By installing a solid conservatory roof that Is made from durable, weather-resistant tiles or slate, you can make sure your conservatory remains leak-free​ for its full 50-year lifespan.

 

Better insulation

Solid conservatory roofs have better insulation than glass or polycarbonate roofs.

By being better insulated, they help maintain a stable temperature in your conservatory throughout the year - stopping your conservatory from being too cold in winter, or unbearably hot in the summer months. 

With a more stable temperature in your conservatory all year round, you’re likely to see a reduction in your energy bills as you no longer need to heat your conservatory as much in winter, or have fans or air conditioning running in summer. 

Soundproofing

If you currently have a conservatory with a polycarbonate roof or glass roof, you’ll be familiar with the unbearable noise every time there’s heavy rain. You might also notice other noises from outside spoiling your enjoyment of your conservatory. 

With an insulated conservatory roof replacement, the additional insulation means that you’re able to reduce the disruption from external noise, creating a more peaceful and relaxing environment for you to enjoy. 

 

Eliminate condensation, damp and mould

A solid roof conservatory renovation helps prevent issues like condensation, damp, and mould, which are common problems with polycarbonate roofing and glass roofs. 

By eliminating these issues, a solid roof conservatory provides a healthier and more inviting living space for you and your family.

 

Enhanced aesthetics

A conservatory roof replacement can also improve the visual appeal of your home. 

At Projects4Roofing, our solid conservatory roofs come in a wide choice of lightweight tiles and slate, allowing your new roof to align perfectly with your property's existing aesthetics and architecture.

 

Projects4Roofing: A Solid Conservatory Roof Installer You Can Trust

 

If your conservatory roof is leaking, it’s important to get the issue fixed as soon as you can. 

The solution to your problem may be as simple as repairing a seal or replacing a single panel in your roof. 

However, a leak is often an indication that your conservatory roof is coming towards the end of its natural lifespan, and it might be time to consider a replacement. 

A conservatory roof replacement is a big investment, and if you choose to go down this route, it’s important you choose a roofing specialist you can trust for your project. 

At Projects4Roofing, we’ve been installing solid roof conservatories for more than 10 years. Our experience has led us to the decision to exclusively install the Guardian Warm Roof, so we can deliver our customers an insulated, energy-efficient, and visually impressive conservatory that will last for decades and can be enjoyed year-round.

Our installation teams are all Guardian Certified installers, giving you the peace of mind that your Guardian Warm Roof will be fitted to the highest possible standards.

The materials in each of our conservatory roof replacements come with a 10-year manufacturer guarantee, and we also stand by the quality of our work with a 20-year installation guarantee.

Curious about the results we can deliver? Take a look at our customer testimonials and industry accreditations

Want to find out more about a conservatory roof replacement? Speak to our roofing specialists at Projects4Roofing today!