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Find Out MoreA 2013 survey of British conservatories concluded that around 18% of homes in Britain have a little glass extension attached to them. The popularity of the conservatory is perhaps unsurprising: it can be constructed to create a whole new living space within your home, with relatively little hassle and at a price that is very competitive when compared with a wholly brick-and-mortar extension. What’s more, it’ll provide a great place to spend those summer afternoons, offering a means of enjoying the outdoors without having to endure cold breezes and creepy-crawlies that come along with it.
A conservatory represents a sizeable investment, and so those considering this popular home improvement option should consider how long theirs will remain standing before committing. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how long a conservatory should last – and what factors might influence a conservatory lifespan.
Modern conservatories in the East Midlands
First things first: it’s imperative to ensure you use a reputable double glazing company to build your conservatory if you want to guarantee your conservatory enjoys a long and practical life. A well-established company that has been trading for a number of years will be doing so due to the fact that they’ve generated a good reputation, thanks to the use of correct building methods and high customer service levels.
As a conservatory can be a complex project, it is important to choose a company that has been trading for a number of years, has various independent industry accreditations and leads you to feel at ease throughout the sales and design process. This is likely to mean that the company is capable of taking on the project for you and will ensure that the building methods used are current and correct. Plus any legislation that may be relevant, such as building regulation or planning permission, is adhered to.
A reputable company will offer a full guarantee of at least ten years for the conservatory, showing that they have confidence in both their product and the building service they offer. The likelihood is that the conservatory may last a lifetime, if properly installed. However, a ten-year guarantee is a good minimum level of guarantee.
What is a conservatory made of?
Conservatories, for the most part, are made from glass – but not entirely so. This means your choice of material for the supporting structure may have a significant influence on both cost and longevity. Modern-day components should offer a high-performance level – if a reputable installer is chosen, of course. This means that the lifespan of the conservatory shouldn’t be influenced too much by the materials used. Some products may require more maintenance than others; however, it is more likely you will choose a material because it suits your desired styling or budget, rather than for its lifespan. Making the investment in a quality conservatory installation company that uses the latest construction materials will prove wise in the long term – if it means avoiding spending a great deal of time and money on maintenance and leak repairs during the lifespan of the conservatory, it’s a win-win for everyone.
How strong are conservatory roofs & what roof is best for a conservatory?
Glass roofs and polycarbonate are two of the most popular materials for a conservatory roof. If competently installed, a roof of either material should last for more than twenty years, often much longer. Another option comes from modern, solid roof alternatives which are relatively new to the market.
Solid roofing is more akin to the roofing you’d find on the rest of your home. Incredibly energy efficient and notably attractive, a solid roof will add essential privacy whilst preventing light from passing into the conservatory to the same level as glass and polycarbonate, and tiles can be installed that closely match the rest of your home. A solid roof can last for up to fifty years – and some will last even longer.
Solid roofs can be installed retrospectively to increase the lifetime of a glass or polycarbonate roof conservatory. However, it is imperative to ensure that a reputable company carries out this installation as calculations must be carried out to ensure your conservatory can carry any extra weight that the solid roof may carry. If not, new supporting window frames will need to be installed too.
Brick and uPVC Conservatory
uPVC conservatory frames
One of the more common materials used in the construction of modern conservatories is uPVC. A uPVC conservatory has the potential to last for decades, as it is a very sturdy and strong material. The technology for extruding the uPVC profile has improved in recent years to allow installation companies to offer longer colourfast guarantees, ensuring that your uPVC conservatory will hold its colour for years to come and continue to look as good as new – as long as you correctly clean and maintain the structure, of course.
Timber conservatories
A conservatory made from timber frames has the potential to last for decades, provided that the wood is properly seasoned and cared for. This, combined with its unique aesthetic appeal, makes timber a popular choice for the conservatory.
Wood conservatories can be constructed from both softwood and hardwoods and each is a suitable material. A hardwood conservatory will likely cost more, however, it’s strong and visually stunning. Comparatively softwood conservatories are likely to be a little less expensive but are more environmentally sustainable, as softwoods take less environmental resources and time to grow. In reality, both are very suitable materials; budget and aesthetics may be the deciding factor when choosing which timber you would like to use.
In order to last the distance, timber will need to be seasoned using the right materials and techniques prior to installation. In their natural state, wood fibres are sensitive to moisture, as water will soak between them, force them apart, and cause them to rot and buckle. The result is a conservatory that’s unsafe, as the frames will change shape over their lifespan. With the right seasoning, however, timber beams are just as hardy as their plastic and metal counterparts.
If your timber conservatory is to last the distance, then you’ll need to ensure that it’s properly maintained. This means cleaning it around twice a year and applying new treatment or paint to the timber in order to weather seal it once every 3 years.
What about metal framed conservatories?
Aluminium conservatory
Aluminium-framed conservatories tend to be considered a more contemporary option than timber and are therefore generally considered for more modern properties. Aluminium is incredibly durable and low-maintenance, meaning it can be cleaned just once or twice a year. This is great if you are looking for a low-maintenance alternative to timber but aren’t too keen on uPVC. After being treated at the factory, each aluminium window and door will resist rust and is available in a wide range of colour options.
Our Aluminium Conservatory range
How long do conservatories last?
To conclude, a conservatory that is installed to high construction standards and using high-performance components should last a minimum of ten years. However, should you ensure that regular cleaning and maintenance is taken place, there is no reason at all why your conservatory should not last a lifetime! So, how do you extend the life of a conservatory? Clean it regularly! Start with frequent cleaning like dusting and hoovering the interior on a weekly basis and wiping down the windows. If you see any warping or cracking, you should get this repaired as soon as possible to avoid leaks!
You should always get a full maintenance guide from the installer of your conservatory to ensure that the structure remains practical for its entire lifespan. Regular cleaning and maintenance guidelines are usually provided as an accompaniment to the guarantee of the conservatory, and in most cases, you must ensure that these are carried out for the guarantee to remain valid. If the structure is not properly maintained, it may develop faults – just as a car does, if, for instance, the oil level within the engine is not maintained.
Conservatory Care: How to Make Your Space Sparkle
How long do conservatory roofs last? And what is the lifespan of a polycarbonate roof?
The typical lifespan of a conservatory roof will be down to a number of factors, including its positioning, the weather, the workmanship, and most importantly, the quality of the materials used. While you cannot control the location of your conservatory or the weather it must withstand, you can control the quality of the materials and who installs the conservatory roof. However, the estimated life spans are:
- Glass roof conservatories - 20 years
- Solid and tiled roof conservatories – 50 years
- Polycarbonate roof conservatories - 20 years
It’s essential to use a trustworthy glazing company when getting a conservatory installed. Ensure you do your research, as a company with a poor reputation could lead you to have a low-quality conservatory that isn’t installed correctly. Both can contribute to a shorter lifespan! Our conservatories are made to measure and use highly durable and weather-resistant materials. Fitted with advanced locking security features as standard, our conservatories are of the highest quality and have all the 21st benefits a modern conservatory needs.
Signs your conservatory needs attention
If you already have a conservatory space that’s seen better days, there may be a way to revamp it without having to completely rebuild it from scratch. If any of these signs apply, it’s time to get in touch with Stormclad to see if our high-quality conservatory roof replacements can help;
- Polycarbonate roofing
- Leaking roof
- Moss and algae growth
- Recurring drafts and cold spots
- Increase in outside noises
- Over 25 years old
- Too hot in summer
- Too cold in winter
- Avoiding spending any time in it!
- Signs of subsidence, e.g. existing cracks getting bigger or the conservatory is starting to lean away from the property it’s attached to.
Long-lasting conservatory installations & upgrades in Nottingham
With a Stormclad conservatory, you have complete peace of mind that your new living space will stay at the perfect temperature whilst looking as good as it did from day one for decades to come. Book a free design consultation, visit your nearest Stormclad showroom, or contact us to discuss your home improvement options further.
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What’s the Difference Between an Orangery and a Conservatory?