Glass vs polycarbonate
Glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs pick up dirt differently. Glass tends to show streaking and green algae staining clearly, especially at the low edges where water sits longest. Polycarbonate panels can discolour and become more brittle with age, so a gentler approach and the right cleaning products matter more than on a standard tiled roof.
Why conservatory roofs need more frequent attention
Conservatory roofs are usually lower-pitched than the main house roof, which means water and debris drain off more slowly and algae gets more chance to establish. Because the point of a conservatory is the light coming through, a build-up that would go unnoticed on a tiled roof becomes obvious indoors fairly quickly.
Access and safety
Conservatory roofs are generally not designed to be walked on, so installers typically clean them from a ladder or a purpose-built platform around the edges rather than standing on the roof itself. It's worth asking how an installer plans to access the roof, particularly for a larger conservatory.
Guttering and box gutters
Many conservatories have a box gutter running along where the conservatory roof meets the house wall, and these can be easy to overlook. A blocked box gutter can overflow directly against the house wall rather than away from it, so it's worth having it checked at the same time as the main roof glazing.
Frequently asked questions
Can you clean both glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs?+
Many local installers cover both, though the method and products they use will differ. Let us know which type you have when you get in touch.
Will cleaning scratch the glass or panels?+
It shouldn't if the right method and tools are used — this is worth asking about directly, particularly for polycarbonate, which scratches more easily than glass.
Do you clean the inside of the conservatory roof as well as outside?+
That depends on the installer. Ask when they get in touch, since access to the inside is usually straightforward but not always included as standard.
Useful local links
- Southampton City Council – Planning & Building Control — Local planning authority for properties within Southampton itself.
- Fareham Borough Council – Planning Services — Local planning authority covering Stubbington, Sarisbury Green, Swanwick, Sarisbury, Burridge, Park Gate and Lower Swanwick.
- Winchester City Council – Planning — Local planning authority covering Bishop's Waltham.
- GOV.UK – Planning Permission: When You Need It — Government guidance on when planning permission is required for building work in England and Wales.
- Health and Safety Executive – Working at Height — Official guidance on working safely at height, relevant to any roof access.