If there’s one thing you can rely on with the British weather, it’s rain.

Even in the height of summer, you can count on getting a rainy day or two.

If you’re a homeowner that loves spending time in your conservatory, there’s nothing worse than a leaking conservatory roof every time it rains.

Not only does the constant dripping spoil your peaceful atmosphere, but a leaking conservatory roof can also cause damage to your furniture and increase the risk of slips and electrical issues.

So if you find yourself with a leaking conservatory roof, it’s important to take action quickly.

In this post, we’ll look at the common causes of leaking conservatory roofs, some ways to fix them, and the benefits of investing in a long-term solution to prevent leaks in the future.

Why do conservatories leak?

If your conservatory has a polycarbonate roof, you’re most at risk of developing leaks.

If you find yourself with a leaking conservatory roof, it will often occur for one of the following reasons:

Panels Slipping: A polycarbonate conservatory roof is often made up of multiple interlocking panels that are joined together to form a waterproof seal.
If one of the panels slips, it can leave a gap in the roof structure, which allows water to leak in.
 
Cracks or deterioration of panels: If you have a polycarbonate roof, continued exposure to the sun can cause your panels to deteriorate and lose their elasticity. This makes them more brittle and prone to cracking.
And all it takes is a small hairline crack to lead to a frustrating leaking roof during rainy weather.
 
Problems with seals and flashing: Polycarbonate panels in conservatory roofs are often joined together with seals. Flashing is used to join your conservatory to the exterior wall of your house.
Over time, both seals and flashing can deteriorate and will no longer provide a water-resistant seal. This can lead to water leaking into your conservatory.
 
Problems with roof vents: Some conservatories are built with roof vents. This can be great for allowing ventilation into your conservatory. But roof vents are also a common reason for leakages. During heavy rain or snowfall, water may leak through the vent opening if it hasn’t been correctly installed or sealed.
 
Poor workmanship: If your conservatory is relatively new and you’re already suffering from a leaking roof, the problem could be down to poor workmanship. It’s unfortunate, but many of the leaking conservatory roof problems are due to ill-fitting panels, loose or insufficient sealing, or incorrect placement of screws and fittings that result in cracking or warping.

There are plenty of short-term fixes, but it's crucial to find a long-lasting solution

If you find yourself with a leaking conservatory roof, it’s essential to fix it as soon as possible.

Not only will this help you get back to fully enjoying time in your conservatory, but it also helps avoid damage to your furniture and address the safety issues that roof leaks can cause.

If water is allowed to leak into your conservatory and pool on the floor, it increases the chance of you slipping – especially if you have tiled floors.

If your conservatory has electrical fittings, a roof leak can also lead to short circuits and the risk of shocks.

A leaking conservatory roof can also lead to damp and mould growth in your conservatory. This can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory issues.

Luckily, there are a number of solutions for fixing a leaking conservatory roof. If you’re not confident with DIY, we’d always recommend getting a professional to review and diagnose your issue. They will make sure you’re taking the appropriate corrective action for your roof leak.

Typical fixes for leaking conservatory roofs include:
 
Replacing seals: The solution to fixing your leaking roof might be as simple as replacing your seals or using sealant tape around your panel joints or roof vent.

Repairing or replacing flashing: You might need to repair or replace the flashing that joins your conservatory to the exterior of your house if this is the cause of the roof leak.
 
Realignment of panels: If panel slippage is the cause of your leak, you may need to reposition them and fix them in place.
 
Replacing panels: If your leak is being caused by a panel that is too short or narrow, or a panel that has deteriorated and cracked over time, it may be necessary to replace the panel.

These four solutions are likely to solve the majority of leaking conservatory roof problems…at least for the short term.

But the reality is that seals break, panels slip, and polycarbonate becomes brittle and liable to crack over time.

So with a polycarbonate conservatory roof, you’re always likely to encounter leakage issues.
The only effective solution to avoid a leaking conservatory roof in the long term is to invest in a solid conservatory roof.

The benefits of installing a solid conservatory roof

Until 2010, building regulations meant that conservatories needed to have 75% of their roof transparent or translucent. This is why so many old conservatories have glass or polycarbonate roofs.

But as of 2010, that is no longer the case. You’re now able to install a completely solid conservatory roof that comes with a variety of benefits.
 
No more leaks: One of the major benefits of installing a solid conservatory roof is that it eliminates all of the common causes of leakage. A solid roof conservatory is made of weather-resistant materials like lightweight tiles or slate which are known for their longevity. A solid conservatory roof won’t become brittle, develop cracks or allow water and draughts to enter your conservatory.

Better insulation: Solid roof conservatories have better insulation than glass or polycarbonate roof conservatories. This makes them far more energy efficient (great for keeping your heating bills down!) and helps you avoid extremes of temperature in summer and winter.
 
Soundproofing: Another benefit of solid roof conservatories is that they let in less outside noise. They also reduce the noise of rain on your roof, allowing you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your conservatory all year round.
 
Eliminate condensation, dampness and mould: A solid conservatory roof helps you prevent condensation, dampness, and mould in your conservatory. This makes your conservatory a safe and welcoming place for all your family to get together.

Projects4Roofing: a solid conservatory roof installer you can trust

By choosing a solid conservatory roof, you can eliminate the risk of your conservatory leaking.

You also benefit from improved insulation, avoiding extremes of temperature, and superior soundproofing. But it’s important to get your solid conservatory roof installed by a roofing specialist you can trust.

At Projects4Roofing we’ve got over a decade of experience installing solid conservatory roofs.

We only use the highest quality materials and believe that the Guardian Warm Roof is the best solid roof conservatory solution available. All of our installation teams are Guardian Certified installers.

We stand by the quality of our workmanship with a  20-year installation guarantee, and all our materials are backed by a 10-year manufacturer guarantee.

Best of all, you don’t need to worry about your home looking like a building site for months when we install your solid conservatory roof. Most of our installations can be completed in as little as 8 days.

Want to find out more?

Book a call with one of our friendly consultants and get started on the journey to the conservatory of your dreams.