Common Conservatory Roof Issues
Leaks, condensation, slipped panels and noisy roofs are everyday problems for UK conservatories. Below we highlight the most common issues, what causes them, and show examples from real repair requests.
Leaks & Water Ingress
The most common conservatory problem, usually linked to flashing, glazing bars or poor drainage.
Likely causes
- Open/failed flashing at wall abutment
- Perished gaskets or loose glazing bar caps
- Blocked box gutter or undersized outlets
- Cracked/missing ridge or verge trims
- Panel slip leaving an exposed gap
What you can check
- Look for staining below ridge/abutment after rain
- Run a hose briefly to observe entry point (avoid pressure washers)
- Lift debris from box gutters and test flow to downpipe
- Inspect end caps and glazing bar caps for movement
Typical examples
- Drip at glazing bar after rain
- Leak where roof meets house wall
- Box gutter overflowing in storms
- Water tracking in at ridge capping
Typical repairs
- Re-chase and repoint lead or fit proprietary flashing
- Replace gaskets and refit/secure glazing bar caps
- Deep-clean box gutters; reseal joints; resize/renew outlets
- Renew damaged trims; reseal ridge/verge junctions
Prevention tips
- Clear gutters each spring/autumn
- Check flashings after storms
- Keep drainage slots under glazing bars free of debris
Condensation & Overheating
Moisture and temperature issues are often down to ventilation gaps, failed seals, or basic roof construction.
Likely causes
- Blown double-glazed roof units
- Insufficient ventilation paths/vents
- No thermal breaks or low-spec polycarbonate
- Cold bridging at frames and corners
What you can check
- Look for misting *between* panes that never wipes away
- Confirm trickle/roof vents open and clear
- Note times of day with glare/heat build-up
Typical examples
- Condensation between glass roof units
- Misted or fogged panes
- Excessive heat build-up under polycarbonate
- Cold corners with damp spots
Typical repairs
- Replace failed glass units (consider solar/low-E)
- Add/restore ventilation (trickle or roof vents)
- Upgrade to higher-spec glazing or warm roof
Prevention tips
- Ventilate daily in winter; use trickle vents
- Consider solar-control film or blinds on hot aspects
Recent requests
- Standing Water – Regrade Box Gutter — Dalmilling, Ayr (4 Sep 2025)
- Skylight Condensation Investigation — Canton, Cardiff (3 Sep 2025)
- Step Flashing Repair — Appleton, Warrington (31 Aug 2025)
Noise & Draughts
Wind and rain noise are common, especially with older polycarbonate roofs or worn gaskets.
Likely causes
- Lightweight multiwall panels amplify rain
- Loose bar caps/clips vibrating in wind
- Shrunk gaskets leaving gaps
- Unsealed perimeter trims
What you can check
- Gently press bar caps to see if they click/shift
- Feel for airflow at edges/vents on a windy day
- Inspect gasket corners for shrinkage
Typical examples
- Loud rain noise on polycarbonate sheets
- Loose glazing bar caps rattling in wind
- Cold draughts at roof edge or vent
- Shrunk or perished gaskets
Typical repairs
- Reclip/secure glazing bar caps; add missing clips
- Replace perished/shrunk gaskets
- Targeted perimeter reseal
- Upgrade to glass or warm roof for acoustic comfort
Prevention tips
- Annual gasket/cap inspection
- Avoid over-sealing drainage paths under caps
Recent requests
- Leak at Glazing Bar — Eastwood, Southend-on-Sea (31 Aug 2025)
- Glazing Bar Cap Refit — Woolston, Southampton (31 Aug 2025)
- Urgent: Draft-Proof Roof Perimeter — Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury (31 Aug 2025)
Storm & Impact Damage
High winds or falling debris can damage panels, trims or glazing units.
Likely causes
- Insufficient panel retention or end caps
- Aging/brittle trims and fixings
- Falling branches or windborne debris
What you can check
- Look for misaligned panels and missing caps
- Check ridge/verge trims for movement
- Inspect for shattered/misted glass after impacts
Typical examples
- Polycarbonate panel slipped in storm
- Broken glass unit at ridge
- Loose ridge or verge trim after winds
- Cracked lantern top pane
Typical repairs
- Reseat and secure panels; fit new end caps/tapes
- Refix/replace loose ridge and verge trims
- Replace broken panes; check cappings and packers
Prevention tips
- Trim back overhanging branches
- Confirm panel retention and cap clips after storms
Ageing & Wear
Over time UV and weather exposure cause seals, trims and panels to degrade.
Likely causes
- UV degradation of plastics and rubbers
- Thermal movement opening up joints
- Corrosion of fixings near gutters
What you can check
- Press gaskets—if brittle or cracked, replace
- Look for hairline splits on sun-exposed trims
- Check for rusted fixings or staining around gutters
Typical examples
- Yellowed or brittle polycarbonate sheets
- UV-cracked trims at corners
- Perished glazing bar gaskets
- Loose or corroded fixings
Typical repairs
- Replace gaskets and brittle trims
- Renew corroded fixings and seal heads
- Consider panel/glass upgrades or full warm-roof conversion
Prevention tips
- Biannual clean and inspection
- Tackle small gaps early to prevent water tracking
Recent requests
- Soffit/Eaves Vent Check & Clear — Central Watford, Watford (31 Aug 2025)
- Urgent: Ridge Cap Refix — Meir, Stoke-on-Trent (31 Aug 2025)
- Replace Lantern Glass Unit — Offerton, Stockport (31 Aug 2025)
Note: These are the most frequent issues we see from UK homeowners. Always obtain a professional assessment to confirm the exact cause of a leak or defect.