How to Dismantle a Conservatory Quickly, Easily and Safely

A conservatory can be a beautiful addition to any home, but sometimes it’s necessary to take it down. Maybe you’re moving and need to take your conservatory with you, or maybe you were left one by the previous owner and are planning on putting a new conservatory in. Whatever the reason, dismantling a conservatory can be a daunting task. But with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly, easily and safely. In this article, we will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Can you dismantle a conservatory yourself?

The short answer is yes, you can. But depending on the size and type of conservatory, it might be easier to hire a professional. If you do decide to tackle the task yourself, make sure you have someone to help you. It’s always best to have two people when working with large pieces of glass.

How easy is it to dismantle or remove a conservatory?

The difficulty will vary depending on the type of conservatory you have. If you have a metal frame, it will be much easier to take apart than one made from wood. That being said, all conservatories can be dismantled with the right tools and instructions. We’ll get into exactly how you can go about shortly.

Can a conservatory been taken down and rebuilt?

Again, this will depend on the type of conservatory you have. Metal frames can be taken down and rebuilt quite easily. Wood frames can also be taken apart, but they may not withstand being put back together again. If you’re planning on moving your conservatory to a new location, it’s best to consult with a professional before taking it apart.

What tools will you need?

The specific tools you’ll need will depend on the type of conservatory you have. But in general, you’ll need a screwdriver, a drill, a hammer and some saws. You may also need a ladder if your conservatory is tall. Depending on what you’re planning on doing with the materials, you may also want to book a skip to dispose of any parts and debris.

What is the best way for dismantling a conservatory?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to dismantle a conservatory. These instructions cover the main tasks you will need to do to take down your conservatory. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that conservatories can vary in size, style and design so you may need to adapt things slightly to match yours.

1. Clear the conservatory

The first thing you need to do is clear the conservatory. This includes removing any furniture, plants or decorations. Once everything is out, give the conservatory a good clean. This will make it easier to see any screws or nails that need to be removed and will also help protect your belongings from dust and debris.

2. Remove all the glass windows and doors

The next step is to remove all the glass and windows. To do this, you will need a screwdriver and a drill. Start by removing any screws that are holding the frame in place. Once the screws are out, you can carefully remove the glass panels. Be careful not to break them as you remove them.

Depending on the size it might be worth getting a team together to do this, or at least one other person that can help support the weight of the glass.

One the windows are out you can move onto the conservatory doors, this should be relatively easy and can often be done by just taking the door off the hinges.

3. Detach the guttering and downpipes

The next step is to detach the guttering and downpipes. To do this, you will need a screwdriver and a ladder. First, remove the screws that are holding the guttering in place, it may be solely attached to the conservatory roof or it might be attached to the house wall as well so make sure to unscrew all section that are attached.

Once the screws are out, you can carefully take the guttering down, again having some assistance might be pretty important depending on the size.

4. Take down the roof panels

A few things to keep in mind for when you’re taking out the panels on your conservatory roof. Some types of glass panes can be pretty hefty, so handle each one with care. Also, if you don’t have great balance from atop a step ladder, it’s even more important to take things slow.

It’s helpful to have an extra person to assist you with this project. You might need two ladders, and one person should focus on removing the panels while the other steadies them. Another option is to have someone on the ground who can help by passing down each panel once it has been removed from between the glazing bars.

To remove the panels, start by taking out the rubber gaskets between the glazing bars and glass. Next, unscrew the end caps on the bars before removing the bar cap altogether.

5. Take apart the frame

With the glass, guttering and roof panels removed, you can now start taking apart the frame. Again, you will need a screwdriver and a drill for this. Start by removing any screws that are holding the frame together.

Once the screws are out, you can carefully take the frame apart. Depending on the type of conservatory you have, the frame might be made up of separate parts that can be taken apart or it might be one solid piece.

6. Disconnect the electrics

If your conservatory has any electric lights or sockets, you will need to disconnect them before you start taking the conservatory apart. To do this, you will need to turn off the electricity at the mains.

Once the electricity is off, you can remove any light fittings or socket covers. Be careful not to damage the wires as you remove them.

7. Remove the conservatory base

The final step is to remove the base of the conservatory. How you do this will depend on the type of base you have, for instance a dwarf wall made from brickwork can be taken apart using a hammer and chisel, whereas a concrete base on a solid conservatory foundation will need to be broken up using a sledgehammer.

Once the base is removed, you can then start taking the remaining conservatory apart.

8. Get rid of the waste

The last step is to get rid of all the waste that’s left over from taking the conservatory apart. You can either take it to the dump yourself or hire a skip.

Final thoughts

Taking apart a conservatory is a big job, but it’s one that you can do yourself if you’re feeling up to the task. Just make sure to take your time, be careful and have some help on hand if possible. With a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have the conservatory dismantled in no time.

If you’re planning on putting up a new conservatory, we would recommend checking out our guide on how to build a conservatory.