Monthly Archives: June 2017

Conservatory Projects, Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects, Roofing Techniques

Removing Conservatory Roof Panels

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Removing Conservatory Roof Panels

Polycarbonate Roof Image Copyright: arminstaudt / 123RF Stock Photo

There are a number of reasons why you might need to think about removing conservatory roof panels. These include:

  • Reseating slipped panels (very common)
  • Conservatory Roof Conversions
  • Replacing broken panels
  • Thorough cleaning
  • Reaching an inaccessible part of the conservatory roof or house

Removing conservatory roof panels is a relatively simple process but can be complicated by factors such as access and degraded materials (e.g. brittle plastic, seized screws, etc.)

Disclaimer:

Working at height is inherently dangerous and you are responsible for your own safety. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and we recommend that you contact a specialist in conservatory roof replacements to remove your conservatory glazing bars and replace roof panels.

This article is about removing conservatory roof panels made from polycarbonate in uPVC/aluminium roof systems. Instructions are not meant for glass roofs or timber frames and may not be accurate for all types of uPVC/aluminium systems. If your roofing system is still under guarantee we recommend calling out the original fitter to rectify any problems.

1. Remove Rubber Gasket

Prior to removing the conservatory roof panels, carefully remove the rubber gaskets between the aluminium glazing bars and the glass. It is best to replace the gaskets with new ones when you replace the panels.

2. Remove Glazing Bar End Caps

At the edge of the roof you will find end caps covering the glazing bars. These are usually fixed using a screw. Removing the screw and end cap will reveal the inside of the glazing bar/glazing bar cap combination.

See our companion article for more detailed guidance on how to remove snap down glazing bars, especially if your end caps aren’t screwed in at the end.

3. Prize Up Glazing Bar Cap

This is usually the trickiest part of removing conservatory roof panels. Using a screwdriver (or ideally a special glazing bar cap removal tool), CAREFULLY work the plastic cap apart from where it joins the toothed aluminium glazing bar. Make sure you are holding the polycarbonate panels in place.

4. Slide Out Polycarbonate Roof Panels

The panels should now slide out. If silicone or adhesive has been used they may require some careful freeing.

Conservatory Roof Conversions, Conservatory Roofing, Roofing Projects

Guardian Solid Roof System Review

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GUARDIAN SOLID ROOF REVIEW

Image Copyright: silvae / 123RF Stock Photo

It is a common problem in South West conservatories: the environment is stifling hot in summer and Arctic in the winter, reducing the usable capacity of the home.

If this is your issue, it is more than likely due to the roof – usually glass or polycarbonate with poor insulation properties. There are now half a dozen or so big companies plus a host of smaller conservatory firms specialising in installing roof replacement systems, saving homeowners money on full conservatory replacements or extension conversions.

In previous blog posts we have carried out a SupaLite Roof Review (SupaLite are popular in the South West) and also looked briefly at a number of Supalite Roof System alternatives. This post looks at another very popular system in these parts – the Guardian solid roof, epitomised by the Guardian Warm Roof system which includes integrated insulation.

The Guardian Warm Roof is formed of over 20 components each supplied by different fabricators. After the old roof is removed, a ring beam is placed on top of the underlying structure on top of which the roof itself, connected to a light aluminium frame, is connected. The roof can be tiled using either MetroTile or Tapco synthetic products.

 

GUARDIAN SOLID ROOF REVIEW: THE PROS

Along with SupaLite, Guardian publish a thermal co-efficient (u-value) of 0.18 W/m2K. The lower the u-value, the slower heat transfers through the roof’s materials, avoiding the heat extremes experienced by many conservatory owners. Even a triple-glazed glass roof will only give you a u-value of around 2 while a single 4mm pane of glass increases that number to a mighty 6.

Guardian are LABC registered with does offer a big advantage when it comes to building regulations approval. Conservatory roof replacements are a grey area when it comes to building regs but the design of the Guardian solid roof system has clearly ticked enough boxes to make building control officials happy. What this translates to in practice is likely to be lower rates and a less time-consuming inspection process that is focused on the underlying structure  rather than the roof itself.

Guardian state that their Warm Roof system is quick to fit with a 3-4 day timescale published on their website. There are a wide range of tile designs and window types to suit various styles including Edwardian, Victorian or lean-to conservatories. Skylights and internal spotlights are all possible depending on your needs and budget.

And for those who trust in numbers, Guardian roofs are in situ in over 20,000 homes making them one of the most popular replacement roof suppliers.

GUARDIAN SOLID ROOF REVIEW: THE CONS

One thing to be aware of with Guardian is that their work is carried about by Team Guardian members -‘ trusted’ contractors who have gone through the necessary approval process . Although the majority of contractors will respect that relationship and do everything to meet the Guardian standards, there is always the risk that your fitters are the exception.

Guardian make it clear on their website that it is the homeowners responsibility to check references and ensure that an insurance-backed guarantee is in place for the work. While online reviews are generally very positive, there are the odd stories of poor service and corner-cutting. It is worth bearing in mind that your contractor forms a layer of insulation between the public and Guardian and this could have an impact if things go wrong.

This question of accountability is one reason why some people might decide on a local conservatory roof conversions firm.

GUARDIAN SOLID ROOF INSTALLATION IN THE SOUTH WEST

Guardian are a national company and, wherever you are in the South West you shouldn’t have to travel more than 15 miles to find your nearest Team Guardian member. In most cases (including Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Bristol, etc.) you will find a number of options well within a 10 mile radius.