Why are your conservatory walls damp?

Conservatory refurbished with a Metrotile Lightweight Roof System Shingle Charcoal Burnt Umber

Conservatories are built to be air and water tight which means they lack proper ventilation, this is why build-ups of condensation are such a common issue for conservatory owners. Condensation can cause a wide range of problems like mould and damp so it’s important to try and prevent a build-up of it when possible.

Preventing A Build-up of Condensation

So how do you prevent a build-up of condensation? There’s no shortage of ways to help prevent a build-up of moisture and remember you don’t just have to focus on your conservatory. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you can combat condensation throughout your home.

Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier is a common sight in a conservatory and for good reason, they can really cut down on condensation. They work by drawing in excess moisture from the air and then dropping the water into their water tank. Dehumidifiers come in various types and sizes and can be moved from room to room making them a helpful tool for battling condensation.

Heaters

Having an electric heater in your conservatory can really help during the colder months as it will effectively keep cold air out of the conservatory. The downside to this is that electric heaters are expensive so you will likely see a rise in your energy bills.

Trickle Vents

Trickle vents attach to small openings in windows and allow ventilation as their name suggests to slowly trickle through. They are especially useful for conservatories which wouldn’t normally have a natural ventilation method short of opening the doors and windows.

Removing Plants

Conservatories are great for growing plants, that was what they were designed for after all, but unfortunately, this can cause issues with condensation if there are too many. So, if your conservatory is full of houseplants, consider moving some to other rooms, you might be surprised by just how much of an effect it could have.

Upgrade the Insulation

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to cut down on condensation, but over time it can become worn down and lose its effectiveness. If your conservatory is quite old now then you might want to consider getting new insulation installed.

Looking for a Long-Term Solution?

While all the above methods are perfectly suitable you might find that for you, they only work in the short-term or might just be temporary fixes. There’s also the risk of human error, after all a dehumidifier might work well but what if you forget to turn it on? And there is the downside of rising energy bills with an electric heater or underfloor heating.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution then there’s one method that will work well and that is a solid roof. Because of its design, a solid roof offers much stronger and more rigid insulation when compared to a glazed roof. With a properly insulated solid roof, you’ll stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter giving you the best of both worlds. It might cost more in the short term but could save you more in the long term making it a viable solution everyone should consider.

Metrotile’s lightweight conservatory roof tiles are perfect for replacing old glazed roofs to provide traditional roof benefits without the strain on the structure and foundations. For more information call us on 01249 658 514 or fill out our contact form.