Repair a conservatory roof

GiJo

Our conservatory roof is made up of 6 panels of polycarbonate sheeting (triple wall I think) and 2 of these panels have several splits on the outside which is allowing water between the panel walls and consequently also leaving dirty streaks. What can be done to rectify this problem? Are they repairable (if so, how) or do we have to think about replacing (could we replace just the offending panels or is it a new roof?).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

HugoSP

I'm guessing this is a UPVC double glased conservatory. If so hopefully it's just a case of replacing the affected panels.

In between each panel is a beam. My guess is that each panel would have been slid into position then have rubber gasket pressed in between the panel and the beam. End caps near the gutter on the bases of the beams will have been fitted to hold the panel in place. These are screwed onto the ends of the beam.

If you remove the rubber seal for each panel (working from above) then remove the end caps on the ends of the beams, the panels should slide out away from the conservatory, assuming no adhesives or silicone have been used to fit them. If they have then just cut through this with a sharp blade.

You may have to temporarily remove the guttering from the base of the roof to do this.

Use crawler boads accross the beams when working on the roof.

When you're replacing remember to get new seal as well as new panels. Cut the new ones using the old ones as a pattern. Slide the new into position. Refit the end caps plus any spacers fitted to hold the new panels in place then climb back onto the roof and fit the new gasket/seal. Use a bit of washing up liquid to ease the seal into place if you need to.

Let us know how it goes.

H

GiJo

Yes, it is UPVC. I was thinking we would have to get the conservatory company in to replace (expensive!) but the way you describe the job (many thanks for that) then hopefully hubby will consider doing it. Presumably we can get the polycarbonate sheet from a diy place?

deanos

Should be easy to replace yourself try a builders merchant will be cheaper than B+Q and the like.

GiJo

Thanks deanos, will keep that in mind.

woodbutcher_2

You may be better off going to a uPVC supplier for your sheets as they will probably be the cheapest option and will have more types available.There are several things you need to know beforehand i.e.:-

Thickness of sheet in millimetres.
Amount of walls i.e. twinwall or triplewall.
Width of chambers,which determines how many lines the sheet has in it,you will want it to match existing or it will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.
Lastly,colour,there are a few and some sheets are two coloured.

You will also need closure tape for the top of the sheet and breather tape for the bottom of the sheet along with "end enclosure" which is a moulding and drip bar for the gutter end of the sheet.

It all sounds complicated i know,which is why i suggested the specialist supplier.They should be able to supply sheets cut to size with all the tapes and moulding attached whereas the builders merchant won't.

GiJo

Hi woodbutcher, have taken your tips on board, thanks.