Making decisions about your home is never straightforward. After all, home improvements cost money, so it’s important to do your research first and understand what is actually going to make a worthwhile difference to your home.
If your conservatory is high on your list of home improvements right now, you’re probably asking yourself two questions:
- Do I need a new conservatory?
- Can my existing conservatory be salvaged?
The good news is that not every old conservatory needs to be completely replaced. In many cases, a conservatory refurbishment can breathe new life into an existing structure.
However, some conservatories have simply reached the end of their useful life, particularly if the frames or structure have deteriorated.
So, how do you know which option is right for you?
What makes old conservatories deteriorate?
Age is one of the biggest factors.
Older conservatories were often built using materials and designs that don’t perform as well as modern alternatives. Outdated glazing, roofing and insulation can contribute to large temperature changes, leaving the room freezing in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer.
This can be particularly noticeable after the increasingly unpredictable summers and winters we’ve been experiencing across South Wales.
There are also the more obvious signs of wear and tear. If your conservatory has started to develop leaks, draughts, condensation or damaged frames, it may be time to consider whether an upgrade is enough or whether a completely new conservatory would be a better investment.
Some common warning signs include:
- Draughts around windows and doors
- Condensation between glazing panes
- Leaking or deteriorating roofing
- Discoloured or ageing frames
- Poor insulation
- A room that is too hot in summer and too cold in winter
- Increasingly frequent repair bills
- A dated appearance that no longer suits your home
But these problems don’t automatically mean you need to start again.
What does a conservatory refurbishment involve?
A conservatory refurbishment means improving or replacing individual elements of your existing conservatory rather than removing the whole structure.
Depending on its condition, this could include replacing the windows and doors, upgrading the roof, improving insulation or adding new features.
For example, if you have an older uPVC conservatory that is structurally sound but has inefficient glazing, replacing the windows could make a noticeable difference to how the room performs.
Likewise, replacing an old conservatory roof can help improve comfort and give the space a completely different appearance without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire structure.
The advantage is that you can focus your investment on the areas that are actually causing the problem.
What does getting a new conservatory involve?
If your existing conservatory has significant structural problems, replacing it may make more sense.
A new conservatory gives you the opportunity to start from scratch and choose the size, style, glazing, doors and roof that best suit your home and how you want to use the space.
It can also be the better option if your needs have changed. Perhaps your family has grown, you want a larger entertaining space or you’d simply like a completely different layout.
Modern conservatories can also incorporate improvements that weren’t available when older conservatories were installed, helping to create a more comfortable and usable space throughout the year.
Upgrade or replace? Here’s how to tell
| Issue with your conservatory | Likely solution |
| Too cold in winter or too hot in summer | Upgrade – improved glazing, insulation or a replacement roof can help regulate temperatures |
| Draughts around the windows or doors | Upgrade – replacing old glazing, seals or doors may solve the problem |
| Condensation between the glass panes | Upgrade – failed glazing units can often be replaced without replacing the whole conservatory |
| The roof is leaking or showing signs of wear | Upgrade – a new conservatory roof may be all that’s needed |
| The frames are damaged, warped or deteriorating | Replace – extensive damage can make refurbishment less practical |
| The conservatory looks dated | Upgrade – new windows, doors or a modern roof can give an existing conservatory a fresh look |
| You want to use the space all year round | Upgrade or replace – the best option depends on the condition and construction of your existing conservatory |
| You’re concerned about energy efficiency | Upgrade – modern glazing and insulation can improve thermal performance |
| You want a larger conservatory or a completely different layout | Replace – starting again gives you greater freedom over the size and design |
| The foundations or main structure are compromised | Replace – structural problems usually require a more comprehensive solution |
| You’re frequently paying for repairs | Replace – if problems are becoming increasingly costly, a new conservatory may offer better long-term value |
This is a general guide and every conservatory is different. A professional assessment can help determine whether refurbishment or replacement is the most suitable option for your home.*
So, should you replace or upgrade your conservatory?
There isn’t one answer that applies to every home.
If your existing conservatory is structurally sound but suffers from issues such as poor glazing, an outdated roof, draughts or poor insulation, a conservatory refurbishment could be a more practical way to improve the space without replacing everything.
If the structure itself is showing significant signs of deterioration, you’re facing repeated repair costs or you want to completely change the size and layout, a new conservatory may be the better long-term investment.
The most important thing is to seek out professional advice before deciding on what to do with your conservatory.
At Falcon Installations, we can help you understand the options available for your existing conservatory and find a solution that suits your home, needs and budget.
Thinking about upgrading your or replacing your conservatory? Get in touch with Falcon Installations to discuss your options.
