Maintaining your dream conservatory

Frequent inspections, preventative maintenance and timely repairs will help your conservatory and its fixtures and fittings stay in the best possible condition.

Regular washing down of the framework, inside and out, is essential, paying attention to manufacturer’s instructions on the care and treatment of the materials. This can be done at the same time as cleaning the windows, with the services of a professional window cleaner invaluable if your conservatory contains hard-to-reach panes that are not made from self-cleaning glass*.

Wooden constructions should be rubbed down and repainted or restained and revarnished every few years, ideally at the same time as the rest of the property for a uniform smart look.

Retaining the colour and appearance of a new conservatory – including those of any finishing touches such as finials and cresting – is relatively easy if the frame is made from polyester coated aluminium, with self-cleaning windows an added bonus.

For minimal maintenance, UPVC is recommended as a conservatory material.

Locks and hinges can be easily maintained by checking and adjusting screw tightness and lubricating as necessary.

* Self-cleaning glass has an active coating chemically bonded to its outside surface; this absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet light, breaking down in the process to loosen any dirt. When it rains, the coating makes the water move down the glass, washing away any loose grime, as well as preventing droplets from forming, which would normally cause streaks and make the windows look dirty. The sun’s rays automatically reactive the coating after a few days but, if it has been particularly dry or if there is heavy soiling, it may also be necessary to use a hosepipe or damp cloth.