Conservatory Roof Leaks: Where the Water Really Gets In

The five leak points, in the order we check them.

Water rarely comes through the middle of a panel. It gets in at junctions — where the roof meets the wall, where the glazing bars meet the eaves, and anywhere drainage is blocked.

Knowing the likely source stops you paying for the wrong repair.

Wall abutment and flashing

The join between the conservatory roof and the house wall is the most common leak point. Failed lead or aluminium flashing, or sealant used where flashing should be, will let water track down the wall internally.

Box gutters and blocked drainage

Where a conservatory sits between two walls or under a lean-to, a box gutter carries a lot of water. Debris, moss and standing water cause overflow that looks exactly like a roof leak.

Glazing bar caps, end caps and seals

Perished gaskets under the capping, missing end caps at the eaves and displaced glazing bar seals all allow water into the bar drainage channels, where it eventually appears inside.

Get the leak traced

We'll inspect the abutment, gutters and seals and tell you whether it's a repair or a replacement.

Frequently asked questions

Can a leaking roof be repaired rather than replaced?

Often yes, particularly where the cause is flashing, gutters or seals rather than the panels themselves.

Why does it only leak in heavy rain?

That usually points to drainage capacity — a gutter or channel that copes with light rain and overflows in heavy rain.

Is it worth replacing the roof instead?

If the roof is old polycarbonate and you also have comfort problems, replacement often makes more sense than repeated repairs.

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