The question “How long do conservatories last?” is going to get you various answers, no matter who you ask. Depending on the style of your conservatory, it could have a much longer lifespan than you might initially expect.
For example, if you were to focus on the material of the roof. Whether it’s a glass roof or a tiled roof, the lifespan of a conservatory could differ. Your conservatory should be able to last a minimum of ten years, however, if not taken care of sufficiently, this number has the potential to drop significantly over time.
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Contents:
- How Long Do Conservatories Last?
- What Is A Conservatory Made Of?
- How Should I Clean My Conservatory?
- How Do I Keep My Conservatory Energy Efficient?
- What Roof Is Best For A Conservatory?
- How Often Do Conservatories Need Replacing?
- What Is The 4-year Rule For A Conservatory?
- Does an Old Conservatory Devalue a House?
How Long Do Conservatories Last?
So how long do conservatories last? Conservatories typically last for approximately 20 years.
However, with the right amount of cleaning, there’s no reason whatsoever why your conservatory shouldn’t be lasting a lifetime. Like anything, the more maintenance something receives, the longer and better its lifespan is. For some glass-roofed or polycarbonate-roofed conservatories, you can expect over 20 years of use with the right cleaning and servicing.
However, if you were to opt for a more solid conservatory roofing option, such as tiling, you could potentially be setting your conservatory up for 50 years or so of good use. There’s no reason why your conservatory shouldn’t be a functional double-glazed living space, and if you invest in a conservatory, you can be sure to get a lot out of it.
What Is A Conservatory Made Of?
Most conservatories are constructed from glass and a range of other strong and sturdy materials. Your choice of materials won’t have too much of an impact on the lifespan of your conservatory, however, it is important to ensure the conservatories upkeep for each supporting structure. Investing in a quality installation team is also crucial when it comes to saving you money and time in the future.
Aluminium Conservatories
If you’re looking for a more contemporary and modern feel to your property, aluminium conservatories can offer just that. It’s also perfect for those who want a build that’s durable and doesn’t take a lot of maintenance to keep looking as good as new. Often used as an alternative to timber conservatories, with minimal upkeep and special treatment on each aluminium window will allow you to relax knowing that they won’t rust.
UPVC Conservatories
Due to how strong and durable the material is, uPVC conservatories have the potential to last for an incredibly long time. When it comes to constructing the most modern builds, uPVC is one of the most used materials. Another interesting thing about using uPVC is that as technology and time progress, some companies will be able to offer colourfast guarantees when it comes to keeping your conservatory looking brand new.
Timber Conservatories
Timber conservatories are often seen as slightly more high maintenance than other builds, and that’s because the level of upkeep needed to keep them looking their best is substantial. However, due to its aesthetic appeal, it is one of the most popular styles available today. There are benefits to building your conservatory from either softwoods or hardwoods, and there are lots of factors to consider.
Although visually attractive and sturdy, hardwood timber conservatories are often more expensive. Whereas softwood conservatories are going to be slightly more cost-effective, as well as being environmentally friendly. What is crucial to remember is that constant maintenance is essential when it comes to timber conservatories. With water damage and no upkeep, a timber-built has the potential to become incredibly dangerous.
How Should I Clean My Conservatory?
One of the best ways to improve the life of your conservatory is to maintain and clean it regularly. When it comes to cleaning your conservatory, there are lots of great ways to do so. Remember, every conservatory or extension is different, so what works for certain types of build might not work for every type of build. However, to get the very best results you can, we recommend the following tips and tricks to get you started.
Start From The Top
Firstly, starting from the top and working your way down will always be a wise move. Going from the bottom and working your way up could potentially leave you doing more work than you bargained for, especially when working with a glass conservatory. As a plus, any water you use at the top should trickle down as you’re cleaning, potentially dislodging any hard-to-move grime as it does so.
Use The Right Products
Soap and water will likely clean most of your conservatory. However, using specialised window cleaners like HG Clean Streak-Free Solution and products like High-Quality Microfibre Cloths are going to be fantastic at breaking through any tough spots of build-up on your conservatory, as well as improving the look of your build tenfold.
Focus On Framework
Paying attention to the interior and exterior framework of your conservatory can really help when it comes to the longevity of your build. Nothing can last forever, but if your build has good bones, it can go a long way towards extending your conservatory’s lifespan.
Using soapy water on the exterior framework (while being careful not to smudge your windows) is a step in the right direction, and using a duster to clean the interior framework should be enough to keep your conservatory looking fantastic.
Keep A Routine
Once you’ve got the initial clean completed, you must keep to a routine. Keeping up with your conservatory maintenance routine is guaranteed to save you so much time and effort in the future. Once you’ve developed that “little and often” mindset, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your conservatory being such a huge task later down the line.
How Do I Keep My Conservatory Energy-Efficient?
Keeping your conservatory energy efficient is a great way to save the planet, save yourself money, and potentially increase the lifespan of your build. Conservatories are supposed to be energy efficient, and many that were made a long time ago sadly aren’t going to be effective as ones that were built more recently.
During the winter months, many people’s conservatories are so cold that they’re almost deemed unusable, making it difficult to create a comfortable temperature.
Using your conservatory and keeping it well maintained is key to increasing the longevity of your build, and keeping your conservatory strong and steady. So, here are our recommendations for ways to make your conservatory more energy-efficient, and to increase the lifespan of your extension.
Minimise Heat Loss
In a conservatory, it’s understandable that most of the heat is lost through the roof. If your roof has small gaps in it, is prone to leaking, or just isn’t very well insulated, that’s definitely not a good sign.
Not only is your conservatory prone to water damage, but all of your warm air is going to escape through the holes in the roof. Therefore, fixing any gaps and applying plenty of insulation is going to be a vital step when it comes to making your build more energy-efficient.
Discover our expert advice on how to keep your conservatory warm in winter.
Windows Are Important
Our other recommendation would be investing in specialist glass and bespoke windows, to minimise the amount of heat loss. Replacing your single-glazed windows with either double or triple-glazed windows will be a huge step towards retaining heat, as well as keeping your overall costs low. Investing in specialised glass certainly isn’t the quickest and immediately cheapest step to take, but is the most cost-effective option in the long run.
What Roof Is Best For A Conservatory?
Glass Roofs
If installed correctly, a glass conservatory roof can last 20 years, and often much longer. Glass roofs are one of the most popular choices for conservatories, as they let in lots of natural light. However, one major disadvantage is the general upkeep and maintenance. In the case of damage to your glass roof, the repair work is often very expensive.
Polycarbonate Roofs
Using polycarbonate is also a very popular choice for conservatory roofing, as it’s often fully customisable, versatile, and incredibly durable. However, this material is not scratch resistant, and it often costs more to buy and install.
How Long Does A Polycarbonate Roof Last?
Similar to other conservatory roofs, given the right treatment and regular maintenance, a polycarbonate roof should last typically 10 to 20 years. However, each conservatory is different and some polycarbonate roofs have the potential to last much longer.
Solid Roofs
Solid roofs have the potential to last up to fifty years and depending on how it has been treated over the years, some can last for even longer. What’s great about these roofs is that they can be installed retrospectively, so if your glass or polycarbonate roof isn’t working as well as you’d like it to, you can replace it and increase the lifespan of your build.
How Often Do Conservatories Need Replacing?
If you’re considering getting a new conservatory, a replacement conservatory roof, or are looking towards getting your current one fixed, here are a few things you should be looking out for. With these simple signs, you should be able to make your mind up in no time at all. You should be strongly considering a new build if your conservatory:
- Roof leaks
- Is over 25 years old
- Has a algae, moss, or mould issue
- Suffers from recurring cold spots
- Deals with outside noises poorly
What Is The 4-year Rule For A Conservatory?
The 4-year rule for conservatories is a planning regulation in the UK that allows homeowners to build a conservatory without obtaining planning permission if it meets certain criteria.
According to this rule, a conservatory is considered a permitted development if it is built at ground level, has a floor area of less than 30 square meters, is not closer than 2 meters to a boundary, and is not used as living space.
The conservatory must be built using materials that match the existing property and should not have a significant impact on the surrounding environment. Homeowners should keep in mind that the 4-year rule only applies in England and Wales, and other regulations may apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It is recommended to check with the local planning authority before building a conservatory to ensure compliance with regulations.
Does An Old Conservatory Devalue A House?
An old conservatory may potentially devalue a house if it is in poor condition or does not match the style and quality of the rest of the property. An outdated conservatory, damaged or leaking can be an eyesore and may detract from the overall appearance and value of the house.
If the conservatory is not energy-efficient, it may increase heating costs and be less desirable to potential buyers. However, a well-maintained and modern conservatory that complements the style and features of the house can add value to the property by creating extra living space, improving natural light and providing a desirable indoor-outdoor connection.
Find out what to do with an old conservatory here.
So, How Long Do Conservatories Last?
So in conclusion, how long do conservatories last? Most conservatories, if well maintained and looked after, will be fully functional for between 20 and 50 years. However, it’s crucial to remember that all conservatories and builds are different, and a lot of them go to exceed their initial estimated lifespan.
Here at BJH Windows and Conservatories, we’ve had a lot of experience when it comes to making our client’s dream home improvements, builds and transformations a reality.
If you’re interested in starting a new project we can help with, or a brand new conservatory installed, have a look at our portfolio.
If you’re in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Fareham or Southampton and you like what you see, contact our friendly team today for a free no-obligation quote. We also provide installation services throughout West Sussex, including Chichester.
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About the Author
Tony Odonnell
Warehouse Manager & Service EngineerTony is our warehouse manager and service engineer. He has been with us for around five years, having previously worked for us in manufacture some years ago. Amongst his many roles, he is responsible for on site remedial works and quality control.
