6 common conservatory problems and how to address them

There are a few solutions you can consider for overcoming hot or cold temperatures in your conservatory. The first of these is your choice of glass. Opting for cheaper glass is a big mistake as this is the biggest cause of temperature problems.

Instead, most experts will recommend you opt for specialist glazing windows. While it is more expensive, it can be a worthwhile cost if it means your conservatory won’t be an icebox in winter or a sauna in summer. Thermal efficiency glass is also available to keep conservatories warm.

In the summer, the problem is preventing excessive heat from building up, which makes going into the conservatory uncomfortable or impossible. To overcome this situation, consider the number of vents for heat to escape. While you can install blinds or drapes, these are not as effective.

Instead, consider installing conservatory vents on the roof or top windows. Vents installed in a conservatory will need to adhere to Building Regulations 2000. However, conservatory vents must be manually opened and closed, which can be difficult or impractical.

If that is the case, you should consider installing a conservatory vent control system to make opening and closing conservatory vents easier. Each vent has an electric actuator that opens and closes the vents depending on certain conditions.

Conservatory vent controllers can be operated manually using a switch at a convenient level (such as by a door), temperature control settings on an automatic controller, or if rain is detected, providing a rain sensor is fitted.

Discover more about how conservatory vent controllers work

There are several benefits of conservatory vent controllers, including:

• - Better air temperature control.
• - Economical to run and operate.
• - Can be left unattended during bad weather.
• - Manual override switches available for better control.
• - Easy to set and change your desired temperature.
• - Remote operation of conservatory roof vents.

Condensation or dampness is another common conservatory problem many people experience. In the winter, conservatories will experience dampness or condensation due to the cold temperatures compared to the rest of the house (especially if you don’t have heating).

Poor ventilation can also cause condensation in a conservatory, as water vapour cannot escape. Therefore, you’ll experience condensation build-up on windows and doors. Excessive condensation can lead to excessive air moisture and dampness.

You can implement two methods to prevent condensation and dampness in your conservatory. The first is to opt for double-glazed windows. That’s because the air gap between the glass panes is a thermal barrier to reduce cold air transfer.

The second solution to limit condensation and dampness inside a conservatory is to use a dehumidifier. However, these can be expensive to purchase and operate. They also need emptying every day or two (depending on usage) to remove the water build-up inside the bucket.

The choice of material to build the conservatory is another common problem people experience. The wrong choice of material can lead to excessive noise levels, such as during heavy rainfall. Glass can also lead to an unpleasant echo inside the conservatory.

For those who already have their conservatory built, there’s no solution. Sorry! Unless you want to rebuild your conservatory or spend much time replacing windows, you can’t deal with this problem. However, you can add temperature insulation to try to reduce noise levels.

For those in the process of building or planning for a conservatory, you should carefully consider the different material options. Glass or polycarbonate roofing will be loud during rain, making it unpleasant to use the conservatory.

There are several conservatory roofing materials to consider:

• - Glass – is more aesthetically appealing and can withstand British weather. However, it can get too hot during the summer or cold during the winter.
• - Polycarbonate – lightweight and doesn’t require reinforcement frames like glass. However, poor sound insulation and aesthetics are not as good as glass.
• - Hybrid solution – a hybrid solid roof combines both glass and solid panels to reduce drawbacks such as noise and temperature problems. However, this is the most expensive.

Another conservatory problem many people experience is excessive brightness. Conservatories are a fantastic way to provide your home with more natural light and give you an open space. However, when the sun shines brightly on your conservatory, it can become too bright.

While this may not bother some people, it can annoy others who struggle with bright sunlight or glare. Fortunately, this has a simple solution. Installing blinds allows you to control the amount of light that enters the conservatory to suit your needs.

A leaking roof is something every conservatory will deal with sooner or later. Whether it’s from a poor installation or wearing of the sealings on the roof, it spells trouble. Not maintaining your conservatory guttering can also lead to leaks.

To overcome this problem, you must first avoid choosing a cowboy to build your conservatory and ensure someone who can guarantee a high-quality build. This cannot be easy, but finding the right professional for the job is well worth your time and money.

Secondly, make sure you regularly clear out your conservatory guttering. Checking for damage or loose fittings is also recommended. You’d be surprised how quickly leaves, moss and other natural products can build up and block guttering. That way, you reduce the likelihood of water seeping inside your beautiful conservatory.

If a leak results from worn sealing, you should get a qualified professional to inspect and carry out any repairs necessary. If the conservatory is still under warranty, you could get the original builders to come and carry out any repairs. It’s not recommended to do this yourself.

The last common conservatory problem we’ll cover is size. You’ve spent months planning and building a conservatory only to find it’s too small.

Size issues with a conservatory are one of the biggest regrets people experience after the building is finished. Small conservatories can be beneficial but are not to everyone’s taste. Planning is crucial to avoid any cognitive dissonance with your conservatory.

When planning or considering a conservatory, measure up first. This is the biggest way to avoid any size disappointment afterwards.

Consider factors such as what the conservatory will be used for, who will use it, and what furniture you want inside. Once you have a clear idea, you can measure up current room sizes and furniture to give you an idea of how big it is to build your conservatory.

Your choice of conservatory style and shape can also affect the size. Here are the most common conservatory styles:

• - Victorian
• - Edwardian
• - Gable
• - Lean-to
• - P-shape
• - T-shape
• - L-shape

Do you experience any of these common conservatory problems? While some cannot be addressed, other conservatory problems can be easily avoided with proper measures. Fitting your conservatory with blinds and a vent controller can help eliminate two of the biggest problems.