TYPES OF SUNROOMS Before you can get underway, you’ll need to be clear about what type of sunroom you want. We’ll start with some terminology. The first thing a contractor will ask is whether you want a three-season or four-season sunroom. As the name indicates, a three-season sunroom is typically reliably comfortable from spring through fall. This type of setup frequently forgoes supplementary heating and cooling, so if it’s too cold or too hot, you may need to move to the temperature-controlled sections of the house. Although they can be equipped with outlets for plug-in heaters or fans, they often aren’t, which means you might be running an extension cord from inside the house.
In contrast, a four-season sunroom is outfitted for year-round use. Not only will it provide heating and cooling, but it’s also insulated for more efficient temperature control.
Prefabricated Sunrooms The most common type of sunroom comes
Solarium For the maximum amount of light, you may be thinking of a solarium. These spaces have glass roofs, where sunrooms typically have a regular metal or asphalt roof. Solariums are not temperature controlled, but they are great if growing plants is a high priority for you and you live in a mild climate. Conservatory The conservatory is similar to the solarium in design since they both feature glass ceilings in addition to the walls. However, a conservatory is commonly more comfortable with access to electricity and temperature controls.
Custom-Built Sunroom Depending on your needs, you may want to have a sunroom designed specifically for your home. Note this is the most expensive option, but it’s the best way to guarantee you’ll get every feature you want. Enclosed Porch One of the easiest ways to achieve your dream for a sunroom is to enclose your existing patio or deck. This can be done as a custom job or a DIY project. You’ll need to ensure your current deck or patio provides a supportive foundation. Otherwise, the process involves building supports for a roof and framing in the walls to bolster all those windows.
premanufactured and ready to put into place. This room is flat-packed and built by the contractor onsite. Oftentimes the contractor has a connection with the manufacturer and has been trained in the installation process. However, some small and basic kits can be installed by the homeowner, DIY style. Prefabricated sunrooms rely on lightweight materials such as steel, fiberglass, and vinyl for the frame. Since they are made offsite in a factory, they come in predetermined sizes. You’ll need to pick the design that works best for you.
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January 2023
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