Our sunroom currently consists of framing with removable plastic windows and screens. The framing is cheap and very unsightly. I would like to tear down the existing framing and start again using wood framing, windows and a door. I'm not even going to ask about possibly insulating/heating the room! My biggest concern is that the sunroom sits on a concrete slab and the supports (posts) on the outside corners don't seem strong enough to hold in place. I was wondering if there is any way to connect new corner supports to the existing roof (in good condition) and the concrete slab. Unfortunately there are no anchor bolts in the corners of the concrete slab. Any help, advice, suggestions would be appreciated.

thank you,
Chris

 

If you enclose it as "unconditioned space" (no heating or cooling) you can do several things. As soon as you introduce heating and cooling, you are creating "conditioned space" and all the rules and codes change. Do you want a patio room, or living space?

 

Lefty, Thank you for your quick response. After debating the "Conditioned" vs. "Unconditioned" issues, We would like to enclose the room and insulate as much as possible. The closest radiator is on the other side of the sunroom wall and I thought it might be possible to have a plumber route an additional radiator into the addition. With the addition of a floating floor and insulation of the rafters, walls, windows, we think that it could be a comfortable space. Being that it's a small house with no basement, we need to use every inch of space. We live in Washington, DC so brutally cold winters aren't an issue. The whole plan could be moot if footers need to be added. Any direction/advice would be greatly appreciated. I'll post a picture asap.
Many thanks,
Chris

 

FYI- after much thought and deliberation we've decided to go the unconditioned sunroom approach. We would still like to frame the room and add windows and a french door. I think we should be able to accomplish the project using manuals, books, online guides, etc. I have found out that it is indeed possible to frame and support a room on the existing concrete slab.

If you have any advice or specific resources that you might reccomend above others I would appreciate the help..

many thanks,
Chris

 

Are you keeping the existing roof or replacing it? Is the current roof self-supporting, or does the wall framing support it?

If the roof is self-supporting (whether you keep the existing or replace it with one that is), then the walls are simply framed in between the posts after the roof is in place and there is no support issue.