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Here are five tips should you be doing for conservatory maintenance this winter:
- Repair Leaks
- Keep paint and varnish fresh
- Keep gutters clear
- Ensure that all windows seal and sound
- Roof windows should be regularly checked
Winter can wreak havoc on all parts of a building, and the conservatory is no exception. From driving rain and strong winds to ice and snow, the seasonal weather can really cause some serious damage, even on newer conservatories.
But don’t worry – we’ve put together a list of handy hints and tips to keep your conservatory in top condition during the colder months, and if you carry out simple checks each day, you may even be able to prevent any major issues.
#1 – Repair Leaks
Conservatory roofs are vulnerable to leaks, and they can be caused by a number of issues – not just age! Such causes include:
- Inadequate flashing
- Roof panels that have slipped
- Loose cappings
- Vents that don’t properly close, or that aren’t properly sealed
Once a leak sets in, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to properly repair it. Resealing the roof can take time and isn’t always effective, though there are other repairs that can be carried out. Ultimately though, prevention is better than cure, particularly as leaking roofs often require replacement. Of course, if you’re willing to attempt a repair, it’s always advisable to speak to a professional first.
#2 – Keep Paint and Varnish Fresh
If you have a timber conservatory, maintenance is vital. It should be regularly repainted or varnished to prevent flaking, rot, and to keep the exterior of your property looking fresh and clean.
As well as this, regular painting and varnishing have a number of other benefits, including the following:
- It reduces any damage to the wood that could be caused by UV light
- Stops the penetration of water
- Using microporous paint can allow any excess moisture in the wood to escape
Each of these steps can be done yourself, though getting advice from experts is recommended.
#3 – Keep Gutters Clear
It’s tempting to ignore any debris that builds up in your gutters, and to make the assumption that it will break down on its own. But this isn’t the case. Gutter maintenance is an important task on any part of your property, including the conservatory.
Gutters should be cleared throughout the year, including twice in the winter – once in early winter and once in late winter. This ensures that the conservatory will not succumb to water damage, and that any insects do not make their homes in your gutters and cause structural damage.
A huge amount of debris can become lodged in your gutters, including organic material from trees and bits of asphalt from your roof that can become dislodged following heavy or prolonged rain showers.
In order to prevent this, it’s advisable to regularly check your gutters and remove any debris before it has time to build up and cause a serious issue.
#4 – Ensure that all Window Seals are Sound
Over time, the seals around the windows and roof panels of your conservatory can become damaged, cracked or start to flake off, all thanks to their exposure to the elements.
This can result in all kinds of problems, including leaks and draughts, which can affect the energy efficiency of the conservatory. In order to prevent this, the roofline and windows should be inspected on a regular basis to assess any issues and allow you to take steps to rectify them.
Should you find any problems, they should be repaired immediately to reduce the likelihood of any further damage, and to help keep your home safe, sound and energy efficient.
#5 – Roof Windows should be Regularly Checked
This is particularly the case following heavy snowfall or low temperatures, as ice and the weight of the snow can cause damage to seals and decorative elements on the roof, result in cracked roof panels and be detrimental to guttering.
Each of these can cause significant problems, and can seriously weaken the structural integrity of your conservatory. As such, it’s essential that all parts of the conservatory are thoroughly checked throughout the winter, so that any problems can be spotted and repaired as soon as possible.
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