Conservatory Types & Common Repairs
See the most common issues and fixes for each conservatory style, plus real recent requests from nearby homeowners.
Lean-to Conservatories
Simple single-pitch roof; usually polycarbonate or glass. Ideal where eaves height is limited.
A lean-to is the most space-efficient conservatory: a straightforward single slope from house wall to eaves. The minimalist roof keeps costs down and makes drainage simple.
Polycarbonate Glass Tiled Warm Roof
Why it’s popular
- Lower build/upgrade cost
- Fits bungalows & terraces
- Fast to install/repair
Best for
- Narrow patios
- Kitchen/diner extensions
- Budget-friendly upgrades
Common Issues
- Panel slip at eaves after storms
- Perished glazing bar gaskets causing drips
- Lead flashing gaps at wall abutment
- Overflow in long box gutters
Maintenance Tips
Clean box gutters spring/autumn; check flashing and end caps; wash panels to limit algae.
Popular upgrade options
- Swap polycarbonate → self-cleaning glass
- Add roof vents or solar film
- Convert to tiled warm roof for insulation
Edwardian Conservatories
Square/rectangular plan with a hipped roof; bright, practical layout.
The Edwardian footprint maximises usable floor area. The hipped roof floods the room with light while keeping a classic look suited to most properties.
Glass Polycarbonate Tiled Warm Roof Lantern (on orangeries)
Why it’s popular
- Great furniture layout
- Balanced styling
- Works with most house types
Best for
- Living/dining spaces
- Home offices
- All-round family rooms
Common Issues
- Leaks at ridge cappings
- Misted double-glazed roof units
- Loose verge/ridge trims on warm roofs
- Debris blocking glazing bar drains
Maintenance Tips
Inspect ridge/hip cappings annually; clear cap drains; wash seals to prevent grit wear.
Popular upgrade options
- Replace failed glass units (low-E/self-cleaning)
- Warm roof conversion with vaulted ceiling
Recent requests
- Broken/Slipped Roof Pane — Uplands, Swansea (31 Aug 2025)
- Top Capping Leak Investigation — Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (31 Aug 2025)
- Replace Discoloured Polycarbonate Sheet — Bishopston, Bristol (4 Sep 2025)
Victorian Conservatories
Multi-facet front with decorative details; heritage feel.
Curved, faceted fronts create a panoramic view and period charm. More facets mean more joints—attention to trims and seals is key.
Glass Polycarbonate Tiled Warm Roof
Why it’s popular
- Classic aesthetic
- Bay-style outlook
- Suited to period homes
Best for
- Sitting rooms
- Garden outlooks
- Character properties
Common Issues
- Capillary drips at multi-facet joints
- Perished end caps on curved fronts
- Thermal stress cracks near ridge
Maintenance Tips
Check each facet for loose caps; reseal small gaps pre-winter; gentle wash to protect seals.
Popular upgrade options
- Glass unit upgrades
- Warm roof conversion with plastered interior
Recent requests
- Broken/Slipped Roof Pane — Uplands, Swansea (31 Aug 2025)
- Top Capping Leak Investigation — Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (31 Aug 2025)
- Replace Discoloured Polycarbonate Sheet — Bishopston, Bristol (4 Sep 2025)
Gable-front Conservatories
A tall, open gable floods the space with light; striking frontage.
The vertical gable gives a cathedral-like feel and extra headroom. It sees higher wind loadings, so ridge/verge detailing matters.
Glass Tiled Warm Roof Lantern
Why it’s popular
- Showpiece front
- Sense of height
- Light-rich rooms
Best for
- Entertaining spaces
- Statement extensions
Common Issues
- Loose ridge caps after storms
- Flashing uplift at tall abutments
- Drafts around gable infills
Maintenance Tips
Post-storm checks on ridge/verge; repoint flashing chases as needed.
Popular upgrade options
- Acoustic/solar control glass
- Warm roof conversion with feature gable
Recent requests
- Broken/Slipped Roof Pane — Uplands, Swansea (31 Aug 2025)
- Top Capping Leak Investigation — Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (31 Aug 2025)
- Soffit/Eaves Vent Check & Clear — Central Watford, Watford (31 Aug 2025)
P-shaped / L-shaped / T-shaped
Mixed geometries combining lean-to and Victorian sections; zoned living.
Hybrid roof forms create distinct zones (dining/relaxing/office). Multiple junctions mean more potential leak points and complex drainage.
Glass Polycarbonate Tiled Warm Roof Lantern
Why it’s popular
- Flexible layout
- Zoned use
- Wraps around the house
Best for
- Large plots
- Multi-use families
- Entertaining
Common Issues
- Leaks at junction of two roof forms
- Poor falls causing box-gutter ponding
- Thermal movement widening trim gaps
Maintenance Tips
Inspect junctions & box gutters; keep debris out; reseal minor gaps promptly.
Popular upgrade options
- Warm roof over part or whole
- Mixed: glass over dining, warm roof over lounge
Recent requests
- Broken/Slipped Roof Pane — Uplands, Swansea (31 Aug 2025)
- Top Capping Leak Investigation — Longton, Stoke-on-Trent (31 Aug 2025)
- Replace Discoloured Polycarbonate Sheet — Bishopston, Bristol (4 Sep 2025)
Orangeries (Lantern Roofs)
Solid perimeter roof with a central lantern; premium insulation and finish.
An orangery blends a solid insulated roof perimeter with a glazed lantern for daylight. Feels more like an extension with excellent year-round comfort.
Lantern / Skylight Tiled Warm Roof (perimeter)
Why it’s popular
- Premium look
- Great insulation
- Blends with extensions
Best for
- Kitchens/diners
- All-season rooms
- High-spec projects
Common Issues
- Leak at lantern base seal
- Blocked lantern drainage slots
- Cracked perimeter flashing mortar joints
Maintenance Tips
Clean lantern channels; check base seals/flashings yearly; clear outlets.
Popular upgrade options
- Switch to higher-spec lantern glazing
- Add integrated blinds/vents