We get asked a lot of questions about conservatories and one of the most common is whether it’s better to repair or replace an old one. Frankly, it’s a complex issue and it depends on the precise nature of what the problem is. However, we’d argue you’ll be better off replacing rather than a conservatory repair.
That might be surprising, especially if you’re facing a comparatively minor draught, but the harsh truth is that a tiny looking problem is usually just the start. Conservatories aren’t immune to ageing, and some may need repair or replacement after 10-15 years. You can save yourself lots of time and effort with a complete replacement. Allow us to explain.
Common Conservatory Issues
But first, let’s examine the most likely signs of a damaged or ageing conservatory. Draughts or cold spots are a common one. Check that the windows are closed properly – you may find that this is source of the issue. However if you have cold spots, this could be because the glass in your windows is not sufficiently insulated.
That aside, keep an eye out for leaks. Water coming into the conservatory clearly indicates a serious problem that must not be ignored. It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from the roof or seeping in under a door or window frame, if the rain gets in, it’s time to act.
Otherwise, watch out for cracks in the glazing, doors that take unnecessary effort to close, and any signs of damage to the structure. One particular sign that’s easy to miss is the guttering; if your gutter system is coming loose or leaking and you can’t get it back in place, that’s not a good sign. It might not seem like a big deal, but if it’s not effectively removing excess water, then it could lead to long-term issues.
The Options – Repair or Replace?
Once you spot signs of damage, the next step depends on the nature of the problem. There’s a wealth of advice out there about how to repair a conservatory, but it ultimately boils down to either a short-term solution (repairs) or a long-term one (replacement). We’d argue that the latter is the better choice.
The reason for this is that conservatories rarely get isolated problems. Once the draughty window has been fixed, it’s usually not long before the roof starts leaking or the windows and doors fail. In isolation, conservatory roof repairs are relatively inexpensive, but when you add the cost of a replacement door, new weather seals, leaking windows, and a myriad of other issues, it soon adds up.
In contrast, replacing a conservatory is a great way to solve all your problems, seen and unseen, in a single go. Contrary to popular belief, it’s also far quicker than you might think, and you can add walls and change the roof too – or at least you can if you choose hup!.
Why hup! is Better Than a Conservatory Repair?
hup! is the revolutionary building method that transforms your space five times faster than traditional methods like mortar or bricks. With full design flexibility, it can be used to upgrade conservatories to home extensions of all styles and sizes. It consists of lightweight (but deceptively strong) wall panels that deliver incredible thermal efficiency despite being only 275mm thick. Thanks to these slimmer walls, you’ll get 5-10% more floor space with hup! too.
Yes, eventually, converting your old conservatory into a hup! does take longer than repairing a conservatory window or roof, but not so long that it would be problematic. In fact, hup! can be built five times faster than traditional builds, and in 2 to 3 days, your hup! will be watertight. So, if you are in a hurry to get rid of the issues you are experiencing with your conservatory, what better way to rebuild than hup!. It is fast and quick, and you can get your new hup! in time for Christmas.
Because most of the work is done off-site, there’s also minimal disruption to your daily life and far less mess to clean up after. hup! can be used with your existing foundations, and there’s no need to build any new groundwork. Compared to a brand new home extension, this fact alone means you’ll save thousands of pounds.
Convert Conservatories in Need of Repair with hup!
In other words, if your conservatory is getting old and creaky, you can avoid lots of hassle by replacing it with hup!. It’s a stress free, competitively priced way to fix a conservatory and revitalise your living space. It’s also remarkably versatile, we’ve seen hup! conservatories used as kitchens, playrooms, dining rooms and more besides.
If you’d like some inspiration for your next conservatory, we highly recommend checking out some of our case studies and our online gallery. You’ll find plenty of real-life examples of hup! conservatories, not to mention glowing testimonials from happy customers. And of course, if you’d like to get started on a project straight away, you can also find your local hup! builder. Don’t delay, you could have a pristine new extension in record time.
