Installing a Sun Porch Addition to Your Home

Installing a sun porch addition is like adding an extra outdoor living room and adds value and beauty to your existing home. If you want to expand your home, adding a sun porch is an easy way to do this without you having to spend a lot of money and going through construction hassles. It provides an additional space for you to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work. A sun porch allows you to stay outside in the open, and yet keep you safe from insects and pests. Building it is not difficult. It is very simple to install and build if you follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1 – Plan out the Sun Porch

Start by planning and measuring the sun porch desired. Choose a suitable place to install the sun porch. After choosing the place, measure the length and the width of the location with a measuring tape. Draw out a plan of your measurements with pencil on a piece of paper.

Step 2 – Decide on Window Types

Make decisions on what type of windows you want to use and their placement. It is not recommended to use vinyl windows for the heated and cooled sun porch, even though they can keep the room warm during winter. If you want to build a sun porch for year-round use, insulated glass windows are your best bet.

However, check with your local building codes on what are the right materials to use and follow them. If the windows are to be installed in the ceiling or very low to the ground, tempered glass is required, as it is considered to be safety glass. After deciding on what types of windows you want to install, decide on where you want to place the windows, according to the shade and sun desired. The placement of the windows forms the basis of your sun porch’s design.

Step 3 – Purchase Materials

After taking down all the measurements and deciding on the types of windows desired, purchase the materials and the frame needed to install the sun porch.

Step 4 – Build Solid Ground

Build a solid and firm ground where your sun porch will stand. If you already have a solid base, ignore this step. You can use construction lumber or concrete to build the sub-floor.

Step 5 – Install the Frames

Following the base floor’s perimeter, properly install the frames and screw them together with wood screws.

Step 6 – Install the Roof

Construct the sun porch roof frame. Then, install plywood boards or sunscreen to the roof frame. Be sure to use waterproofing material to make the sun porch and the roof waterproof.

Step 7 – Paint the Sun Porch

Paint the interior and exterior sun porch with waterproof paint. Painting protects the sun porch from drastic weather change and prolongs its life span.

Step 8 – Install Windows and Doors

Install the windows and doors. Make sure that the sun porch is enclosed properly.