Most Common Problems of Conservatory & Sun Rooms
The roofs have been manufactured by a company not directly associated with manufacturing and designed side elevations.
These are very vulnerable and are a structurally demanding element of a building.
The structure should be designed and manufactured with a comprehensive set of engineering calculations by a competent person. These should cover snow and appropriate wind loadings for building post code.
Whilst a certain degree of deviation in the roof rafters may be acceptable, all too many show a distinct ‘sag’.
All too often and particularly with older conservatories, polycarbonate has been used as a roof material and most competent professional companies have not used this materials in that demanding position for many years.
With most conservatories, one would expect to see a substantial eaves bean which would securely hold the top side elevations in place and not least of all provide a structural design and cross section onto which the roof will be fitted
It is essential appropriate lead flashing is used where the roof abuts a property
Where conservatory roofs abut a bungalow low eaves or a similar position, a structural box gutter is used and very much part of the overall roof design’s structural calculations. This should be a suitable width to enable easy cleaning, supported by substantial gallows brackets or similar and not least of all thermally insulated to prevent condensation within the building.
Where box gutters abut a low eaves fascia, care should be taken in choosing or upgrading the felt which would be beneath adjacent roof tiles which is dressed into the box gutter. There are many designs and materials that can be used in this position but it is essential that the appropriate ones are chosen.
