Facts About Sunrooms

Q. What is a Sunroom?

A. A basic room addition that has windows in the walls and solid foam insulated panel roof that's similar to that of a mobile home. Sometimes called porch enclosures, sunrooms typically feature a shed- or studio-style roof. Sunrooms are sometimes referred as solariums, conservatories, patio rooms and green rooms. Sunroom can be addition to your kitchen or family room, a glass-in porch or deck, or it can be a separate structure that can be an extension to your home with its own entry and exit.

Q. What are the types of Sunrooms available?

A. Seasonal Sunrooms: These sunrooms are constructed with single pane glass windows and screens that can be full-length or built at a knee-wall, to give a more closed-in feel. While not designed to be heated or air conditioned, natural ventilation, window blinds and shades add comfort and extend seasonality. These rooms are normally used from spring to fall or all year in warmer climates.

Solariums and Conservatories: Allows a panoramic view of the surroundings. This type of room uses insulated glass and can be heated or air-conditioned for year-round use in accordance with local building codes. These, too, can have full-length glass or be constructed with a knee-wall. Most of these sunroom are built with curve or straight eave roof.

Screened Room or Patio Rooms: Sunrooms with walls that are meshed all the way around allowing fresh air in and keeping out insects. This is economical for those who only want to enjoy the outdoors from spring to fall.

Knee-wall Rooms: A knee-wall is a short, decorative wall from the ground to the windowsill, which allows a view of the outdoors as well as some privacy of indoors. With knee-wall rooms is easy to install electrical outlets.

Q. What kind of window structure are there to use?

A. Knowing the types of wall structure available can help you decide what kind of sunroom you can afford and have in your area according to building codes. There are four types of structures: Aluminum, Vinyl/PVC, Clad and Wood.

Vinyl/PVC: A good insulator, an inexpensive material that offers durability and effectiveness with little maintenance. Most vinyl supports are have an internal reinforcement of either aluminum or galvanized steel.

Aluminum: Not so good as insulator but provides structural support.

Clad: Moderately priced it combines the energy-efficiency of wood frames with maintenance-free aspect of vinyl and aluminums.

Wood: Provides an authentic, classic look to a sunroom. Good for screen porches however requires periodic maintenance. Wood is prone to rotting.

Q.What window glass options are available?

A. Windows are the most important aspect of a sunroom. It what makes a sunroom a sunroom. Choosing the right windows will allow the sunroom to maintain a comfortable climate. There are a few options for sunroom windows. Glazing is clear, translucent material made of glass, or plastic that allows sunlight to enter and warm the space.

Single Glazed: Is referred to the type of glass that is single pane. Single-glaze does not provide sufficient insulation. This window is not recommended for four-season sunrooms.

Double-glazed: Two layers of glass filled with air or gas between two panes. Provides insulation for winter and reduces condensation. A typical U-value ranges from 2 to 2.5.

Triple Paned Glass: Provides three panes of glass with two layers of insulation to prevent heat loss.

Low E-Glass: This is a type of window that is coated with extremely thin layers of metallic oxide. The glass permits light to pass through but reflects off heat. This allows outside temperatures whether too hot or too cold to be kept out and inside climate control measures to be better retained. Low-E glass acts like a"sunscreen" by blocking ultraviolet rays.

Argon Filled Glass:The space between panes is filled with argon gas, which reduces the amount of temperature in a room and provides better insulation. (Argon Gas is an odorless, non-toxic gas that is six times denser than air.)

Tempered Glass: This type of glass is also known as safety glass. Heat-treated and when it breaks it crumbles into little pieces rather than large shards of glass.

Q.Where is the best location for my sunroom?

A. The best location for your sunroom depends in the area you live in and what exactly you going to be using your sunroom for.
A northern exposure will allow lower level and be partially shaded most of the day. Depending in the area you live in a heating system may be required. But if you live in the south, this is good for the hot season.

A southern exposure allows the most sunlight in, which is best if you live in the north. However, in the south it can get hot requiring a cooling system.

An eastern exposure provides just enough sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. This is perfect for the morning breakfast or exercise.

A western exposure gives off the harsh afternoon sun exposure. This location is best for the sunset views.

Q. What roof styles are there?

A.Curved eave roof
Straight eave roof
Slanted roof
Cathedral style or Gable style
Solid roof

Q.What are the benefits of a sunroom?

A. -According to Remodeling Magazine, adding a sunroom can be a big investment to your home. The resale value of a sunroom averages 89% - 115% of original cost and is used an average of 4 hours per day. Sunrooms are one the top important aspects to a house in the realty market. Homebuyers request sunrooms so they can enjoy the outdoors while remaining indoors.

-Sunrooms can be a place of relaxation allowing you to enjoy your surroundings.

-Sunrooms are beneficial to your health. Many scientific studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can help with mental illness and depression.

-Sunrooms can be used for many activities.

Q.What options can be added to a sunroom for climate control?

A.Skylights can be added if your roof is a solid roof not all glass. Skylights provide an extra amount of light and airiness. Simply because they are opened directly to the sky, they allow nearly twice as much light to enter the room as regular windows.

Ceiling fans improves air circulation in a sunroom.

Shades or Blinds can control the heat and glared allowed to a sunroom by either retaining heat in the wintertime or reducing heat in the summer. Shades and blinds also allow privacy to a sunroom. Adding them to overhead glass can prevent overheating.

Heaters provide heat for the winter. Heaters can be installed through the floors for comfort. For heating also, consider a fireplace.

Q.How much would it cost to build a sunroom?

A.The cost of a sunroom depends on how big the room is going to be, the style or design you want, the type of glass, options you want to add and the location of the sunspace. Added cost will be in labor and installation, estimated about $3000 for an average size sunroom of 10 x 7. Of course a screened porch is cheaper than having an all glassed sunroom, estimated cost can start anywhere from $5,000. A standard knee-wall, half glassed, and solid roof sunroom can start anywhere from $10,000. Solariums or conservatories are the most expensive sunrooms to build because it requires a cooling and heating system. Starting cost for a solarium or conservatory can be about $15,000.

Q. Are sunroom diy-kits a good idea?

A. Sunrooms that come in the form of a kit are a lot less expensive than having a sunroom built by a professional. A kit can cost anywhere from $2,000-$15,000, depending on size, style and type. A kit is good for any handyman or woman to put together on his or her own. Some kits come with their own set of design options, videos, necessary fasteners, screws, and frames. The only thing that most kits don't come with is the glass for the windows, which are custom made and can cost a bit more. There are mix reviews about sunroom kits by consumers. Some consumers consider these kits not to be worth the money because of the possibility of leaks, but that can happen with sunrooms built by a professional. Others have no problems with sunroom kits. Building a sunroom out of kit is base on preference and the willingness to do-it-oneself.

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