Buying used conservatory

fabfor

Thinking of buying a small (c. 3x3m) used conservatory off eBay. I would probably need to dismantle it myself. Though handy in a general way, I  have no experience of this type of work and would appreciate advice from anyone with relevant experience, please. 

ThisIsWeird

Any chance you can get the make from the seller? If so, look up the assembly instructions.

Or, generic instructions will likely follow a similar pattern.

In essence, tho', if it's a polycarb roof, the panels will likely be held in place by snap-on beading/sealing strips, which will need carefully prising away, making sure they don't bend or buckle.

All the glazing panels should be removed - this will need the glazing panels removing first. Note their position, and any spacers you find.

Then the frames are essentially screwed together, I think.

Can you view it first? If so, if you take some photos and post them on there, folks might be able to help more. Overall pics, and then shots of the glazing sections, roof, etc.

GDB2222

I've never put one up, let alone taken one down, but don't plastics get brittle with age? Does the OP need to make sure he can get replacements for any parts that break?

Albermarle

GDB2222 said:

I've never put one up, let alone taken one down, but don't plastics get brittle with age? Does the OP need to make sure he can get replacements for any parts that break?

Yes some plastics will brittle when they age, especially if outside, due to UV degradation mainly.
However assuming the conservatory is PVC, then the PVC is especially formulated to withstand this issue, which is why PVC windows are are often guaranteed 10 years and usually last a lot longer and still stay white.
So the main structural part should be fine.
However as already said, thin beads/fixings will have to be treated more carefully.
Also any flexible gaskets ( often around opening windows and doors) tend to get less flexible with time, and liable to tearing when you remove them . However you should be able to buy replacements without too much trouble.

FreeBear

GDB2222 said: I've never put one up, let alone taken one down, but don't plastics get brittle with age? Does the OP need to make sure he can get replacements for any parts that break?

uPVC does indeed go brittle over time. The plain white stuff also discolours - Quite badly depending on exposure.

The glass would have to come out, so some masking tape and marker pen would be useful to tag each unit. Getting the beads out will be a major headache if you've never done it before (a 3" scraper & rubber mallet is needed). A good chance there will be filler strips covering joins - These will be stuck on with frame sealer and can be a pig to remove without causing damage. Hopefully, the screws won't be rusted up and come out without a fight - An impact driver with an assortment of bits will be invaluable if the screws don't want to play nice.

Going to need a big van to bring all the bits home in - Take plenty of straps to secure stuff, especially the glass. Put cork pads between all the glass. And watch out for pothole on the drive back.

fabfor

Wow! What useful advice! Thank you so much. I'll be going for the uPVC type (without the brickwork). Feeling a lot more prepared now..

Albermarle

uPVC does indeed go brittle over time. The plain white stuff also discolours - Quite badly depending on exposure.

I spent a large part of my life in this area. Companies like Eurocell, Rehau etc were my main customers.

The UPVC  profile used in the main construction of windows and conservatories, includes specific additives that means it will not get brittle or discolour with age. (Much cheaper, lower quality UPVC items like budget rainwater goods may well do though)

The white colour will lose some of its shine/brightness over time, but it should not noticeably discolour even after 20 years or so. There will always be exceptions, badly made products, etc , but normally it stands the test of time very well.

Sometimes the thinner beads/flexible gaskets can be more affected by outside exposure.