Sunroom, Patio Enclosure and Conservatory Maintenance FAQ

Your Four Seasons sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure is designed to give you years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. Please follow the guidelines below to help you with regular maintenance:

Question: Vinyl Cleaning

Answer: Wash the frames of your sunroom, patio room or conservatory with a solution of soap and warm water every few months to remove any grime and atmospheric deposits. If required, clean the vinyl with a non-abrasive proprietary cleaner, suitable for plastics, using a soft cloth. If necessary, use a strong, non-abrasive cream cleaner to remove any stubborn stains that remain on the frame of your sunroom or conservatory.

Avoid using all solvent-based or abrasive cleaners.
Avoid washing your sunroom, conservatory or patio enclosure with a power washer or a pressure washer.

Question: Roof Panel Cleaning

Answer: Wash the aluminum roof panels or your patio cover, patio room or deck enclosure with warm water and a brush every few months to remove grime and atmospheric deposits. For heavy external grime, a mild solution of soap and warm water may be employed.

Do not walk on the roof. Wet roofs will be slippery.

Question: Glass Cleaning

Answer: Wash the glass in your sunroom or conservatory with warm water and a mild detergent. A commercially available glass cleaner (Windex, etc.) will work as well. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may scratch or otherwise damage the glass surface. Do not use razor blades to scrape the glass surface. Do not use solvents or other harsh chemicals on any part of your sunroom or conservatory.

Do not walk on glass roofs. Serious injury could result!
Do not wash your sunroom, patio room or conservatory with a power or pressure washer.

Question: Weather Seals

Answer: During cleaning etc. ensure that the weather seals fitted to the doors and windows of your sunroom, patio room or conservatory do not become dislodged from their tracks. Should this occur, slide the door or window weather seals back into position immediately to avoid damage when the product is closed. If the weather seals are broken or damaged, ensure prompt replacement by contacting your local independently owned and operated Four Seasons Sunrooms franchise or dealer.

Question: Gutters

Answer: Do not lean ladders against the gutters of your sunroom, patio enclosure or conservatory. Unlike the gutters on your house, sunroom gutters are installed level and occasionally leave standing water in your gutter system. It is important for correct operation that you clean out your sunroom or conservatory gutter system every few months to remove debris. Ensure during this cleaning that the down pipes are not clogged. In cold climates, you may consider the installation of a heat trace cable in the gutter system.

Question: Lubrication

Answer: For lubrication of handles, locks, deadbolts and hinges on the windows and doors of your sunroom, patio enclosure or conservatory use a light machine oil.

Question: Silicone Seals

Answer: Periodically inspect all silicone seals on your Four Seasons sunroom, patio room or conservatory and repair or replace if necessary. In some cases, discoloration of the silicone seals will occur. This is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

Question: Environmental Control

Answer:

In general climate conditions, water vapor is continually present in the atmosphere. In the home, this natural water content is increased by normal living activities that create steam such as cooking, bathing, washing, boiling a kettle, etc.

The water vapor remains undetectable while floating in warm air but upon contact with cold surfaces (windows, mirrors, tiles etc.), condensation will occur and the vapor turns to water droplets. Traditional house construction allowed the escape of this water through natural ventilation, open fireplaces and ill-fitting windows and doors.

The drive to conserve energy and reduce heating and cooling costs has led to the sealing of homes, resulting in trapped water vapor and potential problems of condensation. In most cases, condensation can only be minimized and never eradicated.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Newly constructed sunrooms and conservatories need an initial "drying out" period. Large amounts of water can be used in the construction of walls, concrete and foundations. Dry out time will be longer in the winter months. To reduce the possibility of condensation, provide natural ventilation whenever possible by opening a door or window, reduce watering plants and keep doors to kitchens and bathrooms closed.

Security should be considered when leaving open an easily accessible window, door or roof vent.

Confused on a term? Try the glossary...