Best Sealant To Fix a Leaking Conservatory Roof

Although it may seem a mild nuisance at first, a leaking conservatory roof is the first sign there is something wrong with your extension.

A simple leak can quickly transform into something that causes serious electrical and structural damages that can be expensive to repair. So what do you do if you discover your conservatory has a leaking roof?

Has the rainfall been that bad that you now need a new set of conservatory gutter brackets? It’s worth investing in a set that is going to last.

Best Sealant for a Leaking Conservatory Roof

If you’re looking for the ultimate conservatory roof sealant, then the Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream solution below is the strongest you will find on the market. A premium, high strength protection cream that waterproofs brick, stone, mortar, cement, concrete, sandstone and granite. Only a single coat is required to stop penetrating damp for 25 years, no matter how heavy the rainfall:

Alternatively, we also recommend either of the two products below. The 375ml Dicht-Fix Waterproof Sealant Paste is an instant waterproof sealing compounds made using dralon-carbon-fibres that help protect the roof, balcony, gutter and drainpipe. It can be applied regardless of the weather conditions and starts working immediately: 

The Polar Leakseal Instant waterproof Roof Sealant comes in a 500ml tub that provides instant waterproof results after just one coat. It contains reinforced fibres that interlace to cover up small gaps and can also be applied to damp surfaces:

Best Conservatory Roof Sealant Spray

Sometimes, industrial strength sealant may not be what you’re after and though we recommend using the sealants as they provide long-lasting protection, a spray may be more sufficient. The Spray n Seal Mastic Sealant is great for stopping leaks instantly, though the surface must be dry before using. Ensure that you use as required and be sure to not over use. A handy option if the leak is small and hard to get to:

Conservatory Roof Repair Tape

Repair tape maybe your best best if you’ve seen that the cause of the leak is a physical hole to your plastic conservatory roof. The Fowong Butyl Tape works to repair cracked roofs across multiple surfaces including, metal, fibreglass, wood, textile, plastic, aluminium and more. It’s robust waterproof strength makes it an ideal protector against heavy rainfall and subsequent leaks:

Understanding the Common Causes of a Leaking Roof

Before you can solve the problem of a leaking roof, you need to first establish that is the problem. To do this, you need to understand the common causes of conservatory roof leaks, which include:

• Dirt ingrained into the glass
• Roof panelling incorrectly installed
• Flashing between conservatory and house doesn’t fit properly
• Leaking or blocked guttering
• Broken down or otherwise damaged sealant between the panes

How to Identify a Leaking Conservatory Roof

Now that you know the common causes of leaks in a conservatory roof, it’s time to identify if you do have a problem or not. Although you may want to hire a professional, at this stage you may want to first identify if you do have a problem and how serious that problem is, before you start paying for call-out charges. 

Fortunately, as you will see below, there are some easy ways you can assess whether or not your roof is leaking and what might be causing it.

Check the Roof for Signs of Damage

It may be as easy to spot conservatory roof leaks by getting your ladder (it’s well worth investing in a strong and versatile conservatory ladder if you haven’t already) carefully looking at the roof – especially in the corners – and even feeling (if possible), the roof surfaces to spot anything out the ordinary. Observe any signs of water damage or deterioration around the edges and corners of the roof as well as the actual panes of glass. 

Use Your Nose

One of the best ways to check for leaking roofs is by using your sense of smell. While there are definite visible signs of water damage and leaks, these are often hidden by furniture and furnishings. 

If there is that undeniable musty smell in your lean-to, the chances are that, unless you’ve left a damp piece of clothing in the room, there is unwanted water getting in somewhere. Mould is not only unpleasant to smell but can cause health issues for you and your family.  

Use Your Eyes

Musty smells may only start to develop once your conservatory roof has been leaking for some time and the problem has worsened. Therefore, it pays to be vigilant and diligent when it comes to inspecting your conservatory.

Be sure to regularly check the window frames and window sills and adjust blinds and curtains properly, making sure you check behind them to ensure there is no signs of dampness. 

If you spot even the smallest patch of discoloration or mould, you need to act on it.

Are Your Windows Too Steamed Up?

A common problem with most traditional extensions like conservatories is condensation forming on the windows. This is caused by the poor air flow and ventilation in these kinds of buildings. You need to make sure, whenever you find condensation, especially if there is a lot, that the root cause is just the lack of ventilation and not something more serious like excessive water seeping in due to damaged handles or deteriorating sealant. 

Inspect the Furniture and Furnishings

Even if you can see no signs of an active leak, that doesn’t mean there isn’t one in your conservatory. Regularly check any furniture and furnishings you have in your conservatory. If they are damp to touch, then it’s likely you have a leaking roof, even if you can’t see it straight away.

Check the Most Troublesome Areas

If you are still having trouble working out where your conservatory roof is leaking, you can check its final point, otherwise known as the point where the glass panes are sealed or where the wall of your property and the conservatory meet. 

It can be quite common to find a conservatory roof leaking where it joins the house. 

How to Fix a Leaking Conservatory Roof

Once you have identified the cause and site of your conservatory roof leak, you will want to repair it as soon as possible. How you do this will depend on where the leak is and the extent of the damage, though we always recommend an industrial-strength roof sealant to do the job and provide 25 years worth of protection after application.

For example, if the leak has been caused by a more serious issue, like glass panes are damaged or there are problems with the structural integrity of the conservatory, we would not recommend you deal with this on your own. If you need to replace glass panels or repair the actual structure, hire a professional to do it for you.

If though, it is something less serious and the leak is caused by the sealant deteriorating, you could save a lot of money by applying a fresh coat of sealant. This is very easy to do. So easy that even the least DIY-minded will not find it too much hassle. 

You first need to remove the old sealant carefully using a sharp utility knife and then apply a new bead of sealant where you removed the old stuff. 

A leaking conservatory roof is not the end of the world, but it does require quick and decisive action. If you have followed the tips above and are still no closer to solving the problem, you should look to get professional leaking conservatory roof advice.