laminated panels to replace glass in sunroom?
#1
05-22-11, 03:27 PM
laminated panels to replace glass in sunroom?
We have a 20-yr old four seasons sunroom with some of the original glass panels. While the roof does not leak, the panels "failed" a long time ago and provide no R-value, don't block UV and look like #$%^& to boot.
I contacted the manufacturer about replacing the glass panels with laminated foam panels and was told yes ... and they were a "little" less expensive than the glass.
That sounded bogus (and self-serving) to me and I decided to research it on my own. Sooo, here I am!
Should I not be able to purchase aluminum/foam laminated panels for a fraction of the cost of their "special" glass?
TIA!
Jeff
I contacted the manufacturer about replacing the glass panels with laminated foam panels and was told yes ... and they were a "little" less expensive than the glass.
That sounded bogus (and self-serving) to me and I decided to research it on my own. Sooo, here I am!
Should I not be able to purchase aluminum/foam laminated panels for a fraction of the cost of their "special" glass?
TIA!
Jeff
#2
05-23-11, 04:25 AM
Member
Did you get all your prices? Price the glass from them and a local glass shop and the cost of the aluminum/foam panels. I'm sure you realize that you will lose a lot of light by changing to aluminum/foam panels. Are these panels made to withstand the weight of ice & snow? Weather you choose the glass or panels, the most important part of the job will be that the roof will not leak. You may also want to consider another product: http://www.hobby-greenhouse.com/ThermoclearData.pdf
Last edited by johnam; 05-23-11 at 04:30 AM. Reason: Additional information
#3
05-23-11, 06:26 AM
Thanks, johnam. The present panels are special in that there are two pieces of glass and a sheet of chemically coated mylar in between to block UV and reflect IR. Plus, there might even be a vacuum. While they have failed, it is no way a simple replace them with glass from a local shop.
The Lexan datasheet is interesting, but I am beginning to think that I may have no choice but to go with the Four Seasons product and services. They have already done the engineering/design wrt load bearing and appearance.
Now, if I could get my hands on one of their panels and figure out who makes it for them ...
Jeff
The Lexan datasheet is interesting, but I am beginning to think that I may have no choice but to go with the Four Seasons product and services. They have already done the engineering/design wrt load bearing and appearance.
Now, if I could get my hands on one of their panels and figure out who makes it for them ...
Jeff
#4
05-24-11, 04:18 AM
Member
The glass that you have is insulating glass and the mylar in between is "Heat Mirror". Insulating glass has no vacuum. A local glass shop can order the units for you. Glass units made with low-e glass and filled various gases have replaced the Heat Mirror although it is still available. This project may be beyond a DIY since you'll be working from the top of the roof and the concern with leaks. Compare prices from Four Seasons and a glass shop that has done this type of work.
#5
05-24-11, 06:53 AM
Thank you! I knew that heat mirror had been discontinued, but wouldn't have thought of going to a local glass company to order replacements. I don't mind working on the roof, but installation will still be difficult.
Jeff
Jeff
