When we added a conservatory to the house, about 6 years ago, we went to great lengths to try to ascertain the most suitable type of roofing material. The structure was to face due south and so we wanted to avoid a situation where it turned into an oven during the summer; we also wanted to avoid ‘glare’ so that we could read in there.
In the end, we opted for a ‘cellular’ translucent polycarbonate material, with the addition of strips of metallized plastic (mylar?) up into the cells to reflect a large proportion of the radiation. This initially seemed to work well, and we were more than happy with the conservatory.
However, after 4 years or so, we noticed that some of the metallized strips appeared to be shrinking leaving a zig-zag appearance along the bottom edge of the roof. We then realised that the metallic coat was ‘bleaching’ out of the strips and the reflective properties were being lost. Either the strips were of a faulty batch or, possibly, the whole concept of using the strips was flawed and insufficiently tested.
The conservatory has a 10-year guarantee and so we are currently dealing with the reluctant builder who, up until this point, seemed to be a local, decent chap with a good reputation. He has been stalling, the excuse being that he is sorting it out with the manufacturer who supplied him with the roofing materials.
I just wonder if any of you chaps have come across this type of roof, have you experienced or heard of any problems and finally; how should I formally go about getting redress – as in the end, I can see it might come to a legal thing.
Cheers
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Dodgy conservatory roof... new
Dodgy conservatory roof... new