While the average conservatory can last anywhere between 20 to 30 years, with the right tips and knowledge, you can extend the lifespan of your conservatory as far as 50 years. 

That’s where West Midlands Double Glazing comes in. We’re here to provide all the know-how you need to elongate the lifespan of your conservatory – from general maintenance and care to ensuring the initial build itself is of the highest quality, using the best materials.

Want to chat through your conservatory requirements with an expert? Our friendly team are always on hand to provide advice.

Factors Affecting A Conservatory’s Lifespan

So, what’s the secret to prolonging your conservatory’s lifespan? A lot of factors are determined by the initial build – that’s why choosing a reputable, trusted home improvement company, like WMDG, is crucial to a long-lasting conservatory you can rely on year after year.

Some of the most common factors that can affect conservatory longevity include:

• Materials
• Roof type
• Windows and doors
• Ventilation
• Maintenance 
• Quality of build

Materials For A Conservatory

Using the right materials for a conservatory can have a big impact on how long the conservatory will last.

For example, materials such as uPVC and aluminium are more modern, which means they have a longer lifespan than some traditional materials, such as timber or metal. Plus, they can also be a more affordable option, making them a popular choice.

While ensuring the material is durable, it’s also important to consider how insulating it is. For example, uPVC is such a popular choice because it’s not only low-cost and durable, but it has great insulating properties, keeping things cosy and warm all year round.

Equally, aesthetics is important for a timeless feel that will last over the years – aluminium conservatories can offer a versatile choice of colour palettes and options for swing and slide or bi-fold doors, creating a modern, timeless appearance. 

Roof Type Of A Conservatory

One of the biggest reasons why conservatories may not last the test of time is due to the type of roofing that’s used. 

When you’re choosing your roofing type, look for lightweight roof frames that are extremely durable, while offering the best insulation possible. An aluminium or uPVC roof is a great choice, both for the above reasons, but also due to their affordability.

Alternatively, you may opt for a glass roof, such as a lantern roof conservatory, which floods the room with natural light. Glass roofs can typically last around 20 to 30 years, while modern tiled or solid roofs will last longer, more like 40 to 50 years. It’s important to consider the aesthetics of your build, though, as durability may not be the only factor worth considering.

Conservatory Windows & Doors

Both windows and doors contribute to the lifespan of a conservatory in a big way, so making the right choices from the beginning can save you money down the line. 

In a typical conservatory, windows make up around 75% of the entire build – so, choosing the right windows can make all the difference. Ensure the double glazing you choose incorporates the latest glass technology, keeps in the heat during the chillier seasons and reflects the sun during warm weather, making it usable all year round. 

Similarly, conservatory doors hold the same level of influence on your conservatory’s lifespan. Opting for a sturdy, durable, insulative door – like uPVC – can make all the difference later down the line when it’s time for parts to be replaced or repaired. 

Plus, consider security when choosing your conservatory door, too… Does it have a reliable locking system? Could it be easily kicked in, or is it sturdy enough to deter intruders? In short, making your conservatory both strong and safe is key to prolonging its lifespan. 

Ventilating A Conservatory

While ventilation should have been considered during the installation of your conservatory, ensuring proper ventilation is maintained and is working efficiently is essential for prolonging the lifespan.

While natural ventilation is important, it’s not always possible during the colder seasons. Trickle vents, roof vents, air conditioning, central heating, portable heaters and windows and doors can all help to ensure your conservatory is properly ventilated. 

Without effective ventilation, this could lead to mould or damp, which can cause both health and safety concerns, but may also lead to structural damage, too. 

Maintaining A Conservatory

How well you care for your conservatory is also a large factor in its longevity. Just because the conservatory itself has a robust roof, high-quality materials and has been installed perfectly (i.e. the service you should expect from WMDG), that isn’t always enough to prolong its lifespan.

• Guttering: Cleaning out the guttering of your conservatory regularly (at least twice a year) prevents clogs from leaves and debris, which, if left unmaintained, can cause water damage and potential leaks over time. 
• Windows: Regular glass and frame cleaning to remove debris, moss or algae build-up can prevent damage, as well as prolong the overall appearance of your conservatory. 
• Roof: Using a broom or a leaf blower, you can remove debris from the roof, and then wash the roof with warm water and a mild detergent with a long-handled pole. Make sure you do not stand, walk or crawl on the roof, as conservatory roofs are not designed to be load-bearing. Learn how to clean a conservatory roof from our detailed guide.
• Interior: And, of course, just like any other room in the house, the interior of your conservatory should also be cleaned regularly. Deep cleaning should happen every 3 – 4 months to prevent the buildup of debris. 

Quality Of The Conservatory Build

As we’ve mentioned above, the quality of the initial build is vital for conservatory longevity. If your conservatory installers scrimp on material quality, windows and doors, they recommend incorrect foundations for the build or produce a generally low-quality finish, your conservatory won’t last as long as it should.

To give your conservatory the best chance of lasting as long as possible, your initial decision of which conservatory company to use is one of the most crucial decisions you can make. 

Ensure you do your research, read up on reviews of the company you’re interested in, and work closely with the designers to ensure you’re having the conservatory of your dreams built into a reality.

When Should You Replace a Conservatory?

Considering getting a new conservatory or a conservatory roof replacement? It’s important to know when the right time is to make your switch – and not to leave it too late.

You should be considering a new conservatory if:

• The roof leaks
• The room is no longer properly insulated (e.g. too warm in summer, too cold in winter)
• It’s over 25 years old 
• It has a mould, damp, moss or algae problem
• It no longer blocks out outside noise 

While having one of these issues doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new conservatory, it’s important to chat through your requirements with an expert home improvements company, like WMDG. We can guide you through the next steps, tips for maintaining your existing conservatory or quote you on an entirely new build.

Could An Old Conservatory Devalue a House?

Unfortunately, yes – if one of the rooms of your property is unusable and needs more money putting into it to make it a habitable living space, this can decrease the value of your house. 

Imagine going to view a house and seeing that the living room is unusable – it not only would decrease the value, but it may also deter you as a house hunter, as you’d see the extra work needed to make the house totally fit for purpose. That’s the same with a conservatory.

Energy efficiency is also an important consideration – if the conservatory increases the overall heating costs, this is another off-putting factor to potential buyers, which will then, in turn, affect the property value.

However, a properly maintained, well-built conservatory can add significant value to your home. Learn how much value a conservatory adds to your property from our detailed guide.

Choose a Trusted Home Improvement Company

Looking for some advice or support on either an existing conservatory or a new project? Put your trust in our expert team at West Midlands Double Glazing. 

Our helpful team is here to answer any of your queries – simply give us a call and one of our experts will be able to talk you through your options, and advise you on what’s best for your property and budget requirements. 

With over 150 positive Google reviews, we’ve built a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused companies in the region. We also offer a variety of finance options, including buy-now-pay-later plans, and at the time of writing, we’re the only provider in the West Midlands to offer finance terms of up to 20 years on conservatory projects.

Ready to start planning your new conservatory, orangery or extension? Get in touch with a member of our amazing team today to book in for your FREE quote and consultation.