Homeowners who suddenly find their extensions start leaking might be concerned they have to undergo a full conservatory roof replacement. However, it could just be the case that their roof panels have slipped, which can easily be repaired.
Read on to find out what the signs of slipped roof panels are and how you can get them fixed.
How do conservatory roof panels slip?
Conservatory roof panels might start to slide if it has been a number of years since the structure was built. Thanks to wear and tear, the end caps that they were originally fitted with might have come off, which are designed to prevent slippage.
Alternatively, extreme hot weather or high wind can affect the integrity of a conservatory roof, resulting in the panels shifting. Higher temperatures cause roofs to expand and, subsequently, contract. When this happens, the panels become too small for the space and slip down.
What happens when the roof panels move?
When a conservatory’s roof panels have slid out of place, this leads to a gap in the roof. Subsequently, water is able to enter the roof, running through to the interior of the building.
Therefore, one of the first things homeowners experience is a leaking conservatory. During periods of wet weather, this can cause considerable problems, including dampness inside the room, mould, and even structural issues due to the increase in moisture.
A damp conservatory can also result in health concerns due to the increase in mould in the air. This can lead to respiratory problems, such as coughing and wheezing, and worsen allergic airways diseases, such as asthma, or even cause them.
Having a leaking roof could also increase the risk of developing airway infections, which could become serious, leading to the coughing up of blood, chest pain and shortness of breath.
A gap in the conservatory’s roof also means there will be lots of droughts, making the space feel cold. It also means the room will be energy inefficient, and you will waste lots of money on your heating bills trying to keep the place warm and comfortable, as heat can simply escape through the hole.
How can slipping roof panels be repaired?
The good news for homeowners is that slipped roof panels can easily be repaired, and does not necessarily indicate the entire roof needs to be replaced.
However, they should be properly secured by experts, otherwise they will continue to slip down or they could even become fixed in the wrong position, which can cause other problems with the roof.
Once the panels are put in the correct place, they are then secured with strong brackets, which prevent them from shifting again.
Additionally, the end caps will be installed, as well as security tape and new breather tape will be fitted on to the polycarbonate sheets, so homeowners can rest assured there will be no movement from their panels anytime soon.